Kirsten Larsen
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 13/99) - The board of directors for Northern Addiction Services (NAS) decided last Friday not to renew the contract of its executive director, Don Irwin.

The decision is being explained as part of the board's plan to restructure NAS and the programs it offers.

John Gilliland, a board member assigned to handle public relations regarding the decision, said the board felt a new executive director was needed to see the organization through the restructuring process.

"The executive director is, in a sense, the leader of the organization and determines for the most part the way the organization moves," said Gilliland. "So it's important to have the right person on the board and make decisions the way the board wants to move.

Irwin's two-year contract was originally due for renewal in June, 1998, and the board extended it to Dec. 31 to allow the board time to discuss whether to renew Irwin's contract or not.

Irwin was not surprised by the decision and said that the board seemed ready for a change.

"There have been a couple of problems ... in terms of having the confidence of the board," said Irwin.

Gilliland said the board does not see the decision as based on any problems, but rather based on the need for new direction to address the changes ahead.

"The board feels Don has done a good job for the conditions at the time, but the times have changed and we need a fresh look at things over the next few years," said Gilliland.

The organization is considering some changes to the way it offers in-residence services, as well as extending services beyond its focus on addictions treatment.

The board plans to discuss avenues of change while looking for an executive director the next few months.

"We will bring someone in on a short-term basis for now," said Gilliland. "I don't think we will wait for a new director before thinking (about changes) but I doubt we will be done thinking after bringing in our new (executive director)."