As part of the ongoing transition here at Plymouth, we are continually working to re-organize the ways in which Plymouth can be best and most responsibly served. One of our highest priorities is to make sure our ministries and programs run as smoothly as possible. Paula, Beth and I (Seth) have expanded our roles to meet Plymouth’s needs. Our job descriptions continue to evolve. After long and exciting conversations with Paula and Beth and the approvals of the Personnel Committee, Board of Finance & Administration and Leadership Council, it was decided that what would serve us best would be to hire a Programs Manager to coordinate, manage and help grow the many programs of the church. This includes primarily the many ways that we work with children, youth & families and outreach activities. Importantly, this will also help us grow the ways in which we serve our all-ages congregation and our many communities.
We posted this job in December and quickly an outstanding candidate arrived from our congregation! This unique time of transition brought forward this unique person. While there are differing opinions about hiring church members, Susan Beaumont, author of Inside the Large Congregation, believes there can be benefits, particularly when members are hired for program positions because they are committed to the programs and mission of the church. After an interview with an inter-generational committee of staff and lay people, it was clear that Nina Jonson was the right choice at the right moment.
Nina is a lifelong and impassioned member of Plymouth. She is a licensed teacher and has spent 15 years working with youth, as a health educator, tutor, teacher, mentoring program manager and college admissions director. As all who have or will meet her know, Nina is an avid extrovert, a born connector of people, and loves finding people what or who they are looking for. She will be an absolute gift to Plymouth as she helps us maintain and grow in this time of transition and beyond. Please join me in welcoming Nina to this important new role, which she begins Feb. 16.
—Seth Patterson
