Scott Bowling faced the greatest challenge of his career after the merger between Exceptional Children’s Foundation and the Kayne Eras Center in 2007 and 2008.
“In addition to combining systems, policies and procedures of two large non-profits, a significant amount of planning, thought and effort needed to be invested to effectively integrate the two organization’s cultures,” Bowling says.
As a result, today ECF is the only organization of its kind that can provide support to a person challenged by developmental disabilities from birth through the senior years. From 16 sites in communities throughout Los Angeles County, ECF offers established programs in Early Start, Kayne Eras K-12 school, Fine Arts, Developmental Activity, Residential Living, Independent Living Skills, Work Training, and Supported Employment, reaching nearly 2,300 children and adults with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, acquired brain injuries, and related conditions.
Because of his efforts, Bowling was named one of the 2010 Smart Leader honorees by Smart Business and Chase Bank. We asked about how he put together the two organizations and how ECF impacts the community.
Give us an example of a business challenge you and/or your organization faced, as well as how you overcame it.
One of the greatest challenges followed the merger, which was legally consummated on July 1, 2008. It was the critical first step of identifying the members of the Integration Task Force that paved the way for the successful integration.
With both organizations represented, the key target areas identified and plans to facilitate “oneness” were developed and implemented. Among the myriad areas of focus were: Board Development and Board Participation Policies, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Strategic Planning, Logo Redesign, Constructing a Workable Organizational Structure, Redesigning the ECF Web Site and Marketing Materials, and numerous Staff and Community Events to promote us “Coming Together.” It was a tremendous challenge, and one our team overcame, together.