1/4 of the company quits each year. 20% staff layoffs in Q1 2017. - Anonymous employee Centerline Digital Employee Review

I felt compelled to respond to your review for a few key reasons. As you might already know, I am the COO. I am a female and I am a single mother. I have worked at Centerline for over 12 years. I didn't start in this position. I began my career here as a freelance editor, animator and producer. Maybe a role very similar to yours. As the COO, I can respond to your comment around our recent layoff from direct involvement. The decision to reduce staff is never easy. Honestly it's one of the hardest decisions you have to make as a leader. Our main goal was to treat everyone with dignity and respect. The individual emails sent out were to ensure the entire staff was alerted at the same time to what was going to happen that very morning. We wanted to give those directly affected by the layoff time to compose their thoughts prior to meeting with either me, Charles (CEO) or John (CSO). We closed the office that morning so that when they came in for their scheduled meeting, they had the privacy and respect that they deserved. There was also a meeting afterwards with leaders and one with the full staff to explain what occurred and answer questions. Again, it was a very difficult day for everyone. I can understand opinions around other ways to handle it. I've been laid off before. However, I feel we handled it with decorum and professionalism, and in turn those laid off handled it with grace, understanding and true professionalism. I do find your comments about female opportunities and maternity leave concerning. Considering that 50% of Centerline leadership positions are held by women and we are 50% female owned, we far exceed most companies in terms of female leadership. If you talk with any one of them, you will immediately see that they are vital to the actual success of the company. We also actively promote women in the company. From account directors to creative directors, female leadership is core to how we do business. It's a strong network. However, your comments lead me to believe you haven't had the opportunity to become part of it. If you are a current employee (as your status states), I invite you to come talk with me or any of the senior level women here. We are ready and willing to mentor, guide and listen. Also I would be happy to walk through our benefits which includes 6 weeks of paid maternity leave (which I've used ....twice). I hope you accept my invitation. I look forward to hearing from you. Tami Gaythwaite