Interview with Michael McLaughlin, November 19, 1990

Interview Summary

Michael "Mike" McLaughlin is the president of Christian Appalachian Project as of the time of this interview. In this interivew, McLaughlin talks about growing up in Ohio. He talks about his career as a personnel director and how he came to work for Christian Appalachian Project. McLaughlin talks about his job interview with Father Beiting and his impressions of the founder of Christian Appalachian Project. McLaughlin talks about decision-making at Christian Appalachian Project when he was hired in 1974. He talks about his lack of official job description and talks about some of his early duties. He talks about the high employee turnover rate at CAP when he first arrived and how they worked to improve it. McLaughlin talks about the origins of Christian Appalachian Project's Camp Nelson, which Father Beiting began in an effort to provide employment to the Jessamine County community after the closing of a large distillery. McLaughlin talks about becoming the Executive Director of Christian Appalachian Project and his first assignment in that role that set the tone for his employment. He talks about working to fix CAP's finances. McLaughlin talks about his relationship with Father Beiting. McLaughlin talks about Christian Appalachian Project's shift toward human development projects in the period between 1975-1980. He talks about their expansion into Stanford, Lincoln County; Somerset, Pulaski County; and Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County. McLaughlin talks about Christian Appalachian Project's fundraising through direct mail campaigns, planned giving, television campaigns, and generating profit through its various businesses. McLaughlin talks about Christian Appalachian Project's involvement with outside agencies and communities and how it has changed since he first arrived in 1975. He talks about Christian Appalachian Project's reputation in the local communities.

Interview Keyword

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Christians in Appalachia Religion Catholics Appalachian Region--Religion. Volunteering Volunteers Voluntarism. Father Ralph W. Beiting Father Beiting Fundraising Camp Nelson Board of directors Executive directors Personnel managers

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachian Region--Social conditions Christian Appalachian Project McLaughlin, Michael McLaughlin, Michael--Interviews Social service, Rural Nonprofit organizations. Work. Careers. Occupations. Professions. Vocation. Community-based social services. Community development. Community involvement Religious communities Financials Fund raising.

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Interview Usage

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