Who should serve on the next national board of directors of the Handbell Musicians of America? Whoever it is, YOU will play a vital and essential role.
Who are the board of directors?
The board of directors consists of a president, president-elect and five at-large directors as the voting members. Each member serves a six year term. The executive director is a non-voting participant. Additionally, a board-appointed secretary serves without voice or vote. The term of the current board expires September 30, 2017. At that time, Ed Rollins (president), Stephanie Rhoades, Steve Shorney, and Jessica Westgard Larson (at-large directors) will be replaced by a new president-elect and three new at-large directors. Those new members will join Derek Nance and Jennifer Vangolen. P.L. Grove will be our new president. Board members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for expenses directly related to their board responsibilities.
In order to facilitate a national election, the national board has appointed a nominating committee. For this next election, the committee consists of Stephanie Rhoades, chair; Karen Leonard from Area 1; and David Weck from Area 8. This committee’s duties are to review all nominations and then recommend to the national board individuals to be voted on by the membership.
A nomination form is on page 17 of the May/June 2016 issue of Overtones, or complete the online version below. This form is the only means to nominate someone for consideration to the national board of directors.
The nominating deadline is September 1, 2016.
Immediately following this deadline, the nominating committee will review the forms, compare each nominee’s qualifications, and make recommendations to the board of directors. The ultimate authority for determining the slate of candidates rests with the national board of directors. This slate will contain two candidates for president-elect and six candidates for at-large director.
Online voting begins February 15, 2017, and ends March 15, 2017.
The membership will vote for president-elect and for three at-large candidates. The results will be posted at www.handbellmusicians.org, in Overtones, through E-Notes, and through communication with the area chairs.
Who would make a desirable candidate for the national board?
The national board of directors must be diversified with individuals who share an interest in our instrument regardless of age, gender, race, color or religion. To achieve this diversity, the qualities listed below are those which the National Board will consider in finding potential nominees and candidates:
- Historical experience with AGEHR/Handbell Musicians of America
- Business experience: finance, accounting, policy governance, sales, marketing, law, human resources or fundraising
- Music and handbell experience: director, ringer, music educator, church, community, or specials needs choirs
- Strategic planning and/ or not-for-profit experience
- Information Technology services
This diversity of backgrounds and experiences will broaden the national board’s perspective, creating an environment that will enable Handbell Musicians of America to be successful in a competitive non-profit environment. We need a range of personalities for a board that can collectively become skilled to:
- be proactive
- brainstorm
- plan for the future
- anticipate the needs of our constituents
- be a servant leader
Handbell Musicians of America is dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. The best possible future for the Handbell Musicians of America board of directors will come from good communication between diverse individuals who share our mission, vision, values and goals. YOU know these people. Therefore, the best possible future for Handbell Musicians of America ultimately rests with YOU. But, before you nominate someone, check with her or him to insure they are able and willing to be considered for one of the most fascinating and rewarding responsibilities they could imagine.