Deadline nears for Welcome Center director applications

Published 9:57 am Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The Welcome Center board has a Wednesday deadline for applicants looking to be the new director and hopes to make a decision by mid-August.

Victoria Salas resigned from the position in early June after only ab­­out a month on the job, citing budget problems and general mismanagement as reasons for leaving the Welcome Center.

The board has disputed these claims, stating that there were some problems at the center, but not any Salas couldn’t begin to fix.

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Founded in 2000, the center helps new residents of varying nationalities get comfortable in Austin. Among other things, the center helps new residents find employment and manage finances.

Board chairman Mark Stevens said he has received a large number of applications and would like to make a choice within 30 days of the deadline.

He said an ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, non-profit experience and business savvy. Being bilingual would also be a plus, Stevens said.

RoseMary Aase had been serving as interim director since former director Liliana Silvestry stepped down in February and continued in that capacity following Salas’ resignation.

Aase said her time as interim director has been positive and said the center is “moving forward.”

She said the Welcome Center has continued to provide valuable assets to members of the Austin community.