Chicago Games, Inc., the local organizing group for this summer's Gay Games VII, continues to refine itself internally in preparation for what is expected to be the most financially successful Gay Games ever.
Brian McGuinness is no longer the Games' executive director, although may be involved in a non-staff role. His new role has not been defined or confirmed as of press time, and he was unavailable for comment about the changes.
Chicago Games, Inc., has implemented a new project management-based structure, with a new organization team of six to eight people and a project management office led by a managing director, Christee Snell, who was a member of the board of directors. She will be supported in the project management office by three individuals, including Rob Hunden, a board member; and two existing staff members who already are in administrative roles.
No other major staff or board changes are anticipated as a result of this structural change, said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games Chicago Board co-vice chair.
'The new structure is designed to enhance the ability of all of our departments, to finalize plans and execute them in collaboration with other departments,' Boyer said. 'The new structure was evolving out of a need for additional collaboration. This is the third structural change, based on the need for additional collaboration. Previously, we had changed based on visibility and fiscal financial planning. The second phase was around registration and sponsorship development and additional sports and logistic planning. This third phase is the logistics, operations and execution phase.
'This isn't really a dramatic difference in what has been happening over the last couple of months as we've evolved. To the outside world, this might appear as a significant change that is very close to the ( start of ) the Games, but, for our purposes, it sort of represents a codification of what we're already doing and the model that we had almost gotten to.'
Snell and Hunden each have significant project management background, which is key, Boyer said.
The Games infrastructure now is a project management model as opposed to a more-traditional non-profit model which tends to be executive director-based.
'I'm sure there were people who were surprised ( by the change ) , much the way I'm sure there were people who were not surprised,' Boyer said. 'The board of directors had been working on the change in structure for several weeks, but the entire organization had been evolving toward this collaborative structure for several months.
'We believe this is best direction for us to go. It takes what already is a strong organization and is the last thing that will put us over the top to make sure that the Games are a complete success.'
Last week, the Games surpassed the 11,000 mark for committed participants, and there are now more than 200 sponsors.
At the end of March, there was more than $800,000 in cash in the Games account which is, by far, the strongest monetary position of any previous Gay Games and more than some internally had expected at this point, Boyer said.
'All of our plans are on track,' he said. 'This change in operational structure reflects an acknowledgement by the board of directors that it's important to continue to be nimble and be able to use the entire organization to its most effective self. While the previous structure would have been fine, this one is significantly better and dramatically improves our chances for success.'
McGuinness had been the executive director since last May.
Snell has been the leader of the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for five years. She has been on the Games' board for several months. 'She absolutely has the project management skills that we need to ensure the success of the event. Christee, combined with leaders on our Board and our staff, will make sure the event is a success,' Boyer said.
Added Sam Coady, co-chair of the board: 'We're on track to deliver a very memorable Games and we're just evolving our organization continually. Christee is very qualified for this new role.'
