How did BEST administer programming before permanent staff was hired?
The Lead Consultant, who facilitated the initial conversations between and among funders, continued to work with toward the design and implementation of the project. As the BEST Project grew, she assumed many of the responsibilities now assigned to the Director of Programs. She was responsible in large part for recruiting and vetting the initial cadre of consultants, including writing the documents associated with these roles, such as templates for the consultant application and contract. This work was carried out for the fist six months through virtual communication methods and on-site meetings. Prior to funding the first nonprofit cohort, a part-time administrative assistant was added and an office opened for BEST staff in the Resource Center. In addition to managing this start-up phase, the Lead Consultant was charged with documenting the processes leading to BEST and collecting lessons from the experience.
