07307
May 23, 2007

Office of the General Assembly announces reorganization

Seven staff positions eliminated to ease 2008 budget shortfall

by Sharon Youngs
OGA Communications Coordinator

LOUISVILLE — The Office of the General Assembly (OGA) announced plans today for a reorganization of the agency’s work, effective immediately.

     Cliff Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, made the announcement, which will involve the elimination of seven staff positions.

     “The strategic decisions we’re making now are in response to an anticipated 5% budget shortfall in 2008,” Kirkpatrick said. “Reorganizing our work also reflects the reality of our electronic age and will help us serve the church in as effective and efficient ways as possible.”

     “But it comes at a very high price with the loss of beloved friends and colleagues,” continued Kirkpatrick.

     Earlier this spring, two OGA staff members accepted voluntary separation packages, an offer that was extended to all OGA staff. Those two positions, as well as a third vacant position in the area of communications have now been eliminated.

     Four additional positions that are currently filled have been eliminated. They include three senior administrative assistants and a document specialist. Several adjustments have also been made to existing positions in the reorganizing process.

     In a move unrelated to the downsizing, Kirkpatrick also announced the hiring of Martha H. Miller, a Presbyterian elder and Certified Christian Educator, who will become associate for certification and Christian vocation, beginning June 4.