RMHS CFO John Wetherington Named Denver Business Journal 2018 C-Suite Honoree

DENVER, September 20, 2018 (Newswire.com) - Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) Chief Financial Officer John Wetherington was selected as a Denver Business Journal 2018 C-Suite Honoree and will be recognized at a reception on Sept. 25, 2018, at Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Wetherington is one of 26 honorees, including five CFOs, chosen for their organizational success, leadership and community contributions. 

RMHS is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides personalized case management and direct services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as military veterans who are homeless or in danger of homelessness. The organization is the community-centered board for the City and County of Denver, which means it is where people with intellectual and development disabilities go first to obtain information and referrals, and may also receive services and case management.

Today, because of John's leadership, RMHS is growing again - in addition to expanding the services it offers children and adults with disabilities and homeless veterans. Through his compassion, conscientiousness and intense focus, John sets a high standard for how C-suite executives should operate both professionally and personally.

Mark Ferrandino, Chair, RMHS Board of Directors

Wetherington joined RMHS as CFO in 2015, shortly after the organization finished its fiscal year with a loss of nearly $6.4 million. He had the task of turning around the organization’s financial performance. He immediately set the tone and direction through his actions and integrity. Wetherington embarked on a multi-pronged approach to bring down organizational costs while enhancing client services and restoring staff morale. 

Over the past three years, RMHS has achieved a surplus in each fiscal year and positive equity since March 2017. Recently, RMHS launched the Momentum program providing services to support children and adults with the transition from a mental health institute or hospital into a community-based setting. 

“Today, because of John’s leadership, RMHS is growing again – in addition to expanding the services it offers children and adults with disabilities and homeless veterans,” said Mark Ferrandino, chair of the RMHS Board of Directors. “Through his compassion, conscientiousness and intense focus, John sets a high standard for how C-suite executives should operate both professionally and personally.”

Wetherington’s work has touched every area of the organization. Below are examples of the steps he has taken to return RMHS to a place of financial stability.

• At the time Wetherington joined RMHS, the organization leased space at five locations, in addition to occupying its headquarters building in southeast Denver. Through the introduction of hoteling space and improved technology allowing staff to share space and work remotely, the organization’s only remaining lease today is for a single location in Colorado Springs. This has dramatically improved operational expenses.
• The financial challenges of 2015 had an enormous impact on staff. Recognizing the importance of quality staff to operational success, Wetherington has taken steps to gradually restore RMHS’ match to our 403(b) retirement plan, increase wages and provide opportunities for staff development.  
• Wetherington formed the Expanded Management Team, a group of 40 assistant managers, managers and directors, who meet monthly to review and understand RMHS’ monthly financial statements and learn about initiatives at the organization. Every meeting also includes time for small groups to discuss key topics and make recommendations to RMHS’ leadership.  

Wetherington continues to demonstrate a commitment to compliance and financial accountability and fosters an environment of learning and transparency. 

“John inspires others to follow his example – to lead through respect, to remain strong through adversity and to celebrate successes,” said Shari Repinski, RMHS executive director. “He exemplifies the characteristics of the Denver Business Journal C-Suite Award recipient.”

Wetherington also volunteers his expertise, time and resources to help international, national and local organizations achieve their missions to serve others in need. Internationally, he serves as treasurer of the Board of Directors for Doctors Without Borders USA, a member of the Operating Center for Médecins sans Frontières-Paris and a member of the Finance & Audit Committee of Médecins sans Frontières International. Nationally, Wetherington has served as an endowment trustee for Alpha Phi Omega, a co-educational intercollegiate service organization. He serves locally with the Rotary Club of Southeast Denver as past president, treasurer, fundraising chair and international service chair. He also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at CSU-Global University, where he leads graduate and undergraduate courses in finance, accounting, MBA management and nonprofit management/leadership. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Kostka Beck at 303-636-5706 or jbeck@rmhumanservices.org.

Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) was founded in 1992 and is a nonprofit organization that offers person-centered case management and direct service programs for children, adults and veterans. With offices in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and programs throughout Colorado, RMHS is committed to collaborating with individuals and their families to support independence and quality of life. Visit www.rmhumanservices.org.

Source: Rocky Mountain Human Services