Board members were impressed with Mauro's ability to inspire and influence the audience at a local fundraiser. References described Mauro's very open, unstructured style of management. The board decided this was just what the organization needed. They hired him despite their concern that Mauro had not worked in this specific field and had never managed a large number of employees. In his prior role, he was responsible for a local chapter of 28 employees. This new role would require him to lead 132 employees who worked at the association's national headquarters. They believed he would adapt, and they hired him.