Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 7th District, or CASA, as they are commonly referred to, underwent a huge transition in early 2014 starting with a reorganization and downsizing. Then, only a few weeks later its executive director resigned with short notice to take care of her ailing parents in another state. Carlton Mason was promoted to be the new executive director.
Although Carlton had owned his own business and was working on a contract basis for CASA, taking over as the executive director was not in his immediate plans. He knew he needed help. So, he called the SBDC knowing they were the go-to place for training and consulting.
Susan Bony met with Carlton many times over the year, helping guide him through his transition. She helped him create a business plan for CASA. They also strategized on board of directors management and development, organizational structure, hosting a fundraising event, long-term strategic planning, and many other topics. CASA recently moved into a larger and more appropriate office area with a play yard for the kids they work with. These positive changes have happened because of the help he received from the SBDC.
Carlton is so glad he met Susan Bony and sees her as his go-to resource when he gets stuck. CASA was in poor financial shape when he took the helm, but now Carlton proudly says, "CASA has a solid plan for its future because of the SDBC."