DeLand, FL - First Step Shelter Board members will have six candidates to interview for the Executive Director position. A total of 122 people applied for the job. Each member will interview each candidate individually next Tuesday, September 24. The candidates, all local, in alphabetical order are Denise Calderwood, Palm Coast; Paul Chedda, Palm Coast; Victoria Fahlberg, Ormond Beach; Mark Mangum, Orange City; Shannon Mathis, New Smyrna Beach; and Darcell Streeter, Daytona Beach.
Board member Chase Tramont said while he hasn't had time since Monday's meeting to read through the resumes completely, skimming through he said that all of the candidates are highly qualified. He also said he feels that the one-on-one interviews will help him make the best decision.
During yesterday afternoon's meeting, Board members also received a memo from Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm extending the construction completion date to November 11. The memo stated that work on the building is about 80 percent complete. Tramont said members of the Board were expecting the opening to be delayed and says that the extra time will be spent making all the necessary purchases, training staff and opening just before the holidays.
The Safe Zone issue has been resolved for the most part. Tramont said they know that the Safe Zone will be located outside on the shelter's property but not exactly where it will end up. He said that will likely be resolved at the next meeting.
Also during Monday's meeting, Board members approved a draft of the lease agreement to rent the shelter building from the city. City commissioners are expected to vote on that agreement during their meeting tomorrow night.
