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In March, Dr. David Jacox announced that Linda Timmons would succeed him as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic effective July 1, 2008. Timmons has a long history with Mosaic and is rooted in the social ministry of her Lutheran faith. When she was 6 years old, her family moved to Axtell, Neb., where she grew up in the home that was originally built for Pastor K.G. William Dahl (founder of Bethphage, one of Mosaic's legacy organizations). Her father, a Lutheran pastor, had been called to serve at Trinity Church (formerly the Bethphage Congregation).
What were your first thoughts at being named to the new position?
The word I keep using is humble. I am absolutely just humbled at the opportunity. I've been around this organization since I was 6 years old, and to think that I could lead and serve in this way is just remarkable. What do you bring to the position that is unique? I have an appreciation for the past and a passion for the future. My history is unique. I grew up in the house built for Pastor Dahl and I remember some of the Deaconesses (who served at the Axtell campus). It is not a story I've read but it is something I've experienced.
What changes can Mosaic expect when you're at the helm?
There will be a continued commitment to the quality of services that we provide, to leadership development at all levels of the organization, and to innovation around the sustainability of our mission for the next century. We need to be moving away from such a strong dependence on Medicaid funding and the limitations that these resources place on our mission.
Knowing that there are multiple initiatives, what would be your number one priority to accomplish?
The quality of services for people we serve and the support for our staff is always a priority. We are a faith-based organization and we are called to service. Is that reflected in the way we carry out the work we do everyday? We're called to be a witness and called to create inclusive communities for people with disabilities. There is a passion to do what we do because we are called to do this work. The majority of our employees will tell you 'I am here because I make a difference in somebody's life.' Building upon that passion will take us to the next level. A faith perspective transforms leadership development, the quality of services and sustainability. We're not your run-of-the-mill organization. We're going to be the best in what we do and clearly define our niche and how we do it. When people hear of Mosaic, they're going to think of faith in action, individualized supports and outstanding staff . I like the quote, "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
Where do you see Mosaic's weaknesses that you will seek to strengthen?
It is the scarcity mentality caused by the parameters placed on us by Medicaid; the idea that we can only do what we're paid by Medicaid to do. Some of the answer is to bring more money to the table. Some is encouraging creativity and taking the risk to try something new. We're not always going to succeed and the first time we fail, it will be a shock to us because we are used to being very successful in every arena. But we will learn from our mistakes and become a better organization because of it. I think we've realized in Mosaic that the time is right to move beyond the limitations of government funding. That's the exciting side of having Dave (Dr. Jacox) do what he is going to do for Mosaic in his new position. There is full-time work to be done there with the creation of a for-profit business that will sustain the ministry, and diversification into more private-pay services.
Where do you see Mosaic's strengths that can only get better?
First is innovation: we're very innovative for a non-profit organization. And our constant pursuit of excellence: good is not good enough for Mosaic. Great is what we're striving for. We won't compromise the quality of what we do.
Did you envision yourself in this role 15 years ago?
I had hoped that I would be in this role at some point before my career was over. I'm the classic example of someone climbing the career ladder. I began as a 16-year-old working second shift. I furthered my education and used the opportunities that were there, telling myself 'I can do this.' I've always looked for partners who can help advance the work we're doing. It is not about advancing me. I recognize the talent and strength other people bring to the table. The successes I've had professionally have been when I've been a part of a team that was really willing to step up to the plate and make great things happen. We're partners. I don't have to have all the ideas, I don't have to know everything. Together we accomplish our goals: it is all about partnership.
What is your favorite memory of your time working with people with developmental disabilities and Bethphage/Mosaic over the years?
My best memories come from the time when I worked direct service in Axtell. I was working second shift and in the summer we shared in activities like swimming, bingo, and hymn sings. I played piano for the hymn sings at night. We worked hard and we had a good time. It was my first experience working with a team of people committed to a common goal.
How does your personal faith as a life-long Lutheran (a 'pastor's kid') come into play working with a Lutheran faith-based organization?
My parents had a very positive influence on me. I was raised to give 110 percent of myself to my family and to my work. Both of my parents actively support social ministry organizations and are passionate about community improvement. This work is so personal to me: this is my faith in action. I cannot imagine working somewhere where I could not express my faith. I expect people will hear more about it from me.
What about being the first woman to lead this organization?
There are two things here: one is personal the other professional. I had to ask myself, "is this the right decision for my family?" My family (husband Randy and children Meagan, 11 and Christopher, 8) has been so encouraging of me. My kids think its cool that I'm going to be the "big boss," and as Meagan said, "the first girl boss." I hope that I am a good role model for them. It is nice for my kids to see that you can be a mom and a wife, work, and still create balance in your life. On a professional level, there are not a lot of women leading Lutheran social service organizations. Finding a peer, a professional woman about my age raising children, has been a challenge.
What would you like to say to donors and others who support Mosaic?
We value your support. Your support is necessary for us to do our mission in the way we feel called to do it. From our earliest beginnings the financial and volunteer support from people who care about our mission has been our lifeblood. That will continue to be the case for years to come. We believe in full inclusion. We want people to be our partners who also see the value in people who have disabilities and the people who work with them. Together we can impact our world and make full inclusion for people with disabilities a reality. Our mission demands no less.