EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S NOTES ON THE ANNUAL REPORT: 2008 was a year that brought challenges as well as successes.  Early in the year, we learned  that we had achieved our goal of national accreditation. 
This process,  funded by a grant from The Duke Endowment, was an 18 month process in which the staff, board and community stakeholders and volunteers examined every aspect of CAPA’s operations, policies and procedures.  We  measured our operations to internationally developed standards of the Council of Accreditation.
What we learned was that our agency operated with sound practices but we needed formal operations guidelines in writing and use.  Under the direction of Claire Glasson, then CAPA’s  Director of Program Services, the board, staff and volunteers tackled hundreds of standards and wrote sound policies and procedures for the staff and board to follow.
I thank Claire and everyone who gave their expertise to help us reach our goal. 
Ironically, following the procedures we put into place, we discovered that CAPA had been the victim of fraud.  The facts were turned over to law enforcement immediately and the responsible party was brought to justice and CAPA is recovering 90% of its losses as of this time.
Another highlight of 2008 was the restructuring of the committees of the board of directors.  Our 25 board members now serve on two of six committees which include Advocacy, Governance, Finance, Fund Development, Communications and Operations Management Advisory.   There is a place for non-board member volunteers on nearly every committee.  We seek to involve as many people as it takes to “do” the business of CAPA in the most efficient and effective manner.
My thanks to the board and staff for their support and guidance during 2008.  Economic climate as it is, I look forward to 2009.
Respectfully,
Susan F. Cato