Note from the Leadership Development Committee
June 13, 2018

Dear Commissioners,

In the summer of 2017, the Executive Committee (EXCOM) created the  Ad Hoc Leadership Development Committee (LDC)  to:  1) identify commissioners interested in a leadership position on the Commission, and 2) develop a clear and transparent election and succession process that supports organization continuity.

The committee asks all commissioners to complete the short 4-question survey by Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 6:00 PM ET- even if you are not interested in a leadership position at this time:

The LDC:
  • met over the past eight (8) months to develop a refined process that is clear, transparent, and independent of the EXCOM  
  • asks that you review all documentation, as these are in final form, but may be revised after this initial, pilot year of implementation
  • will review all submittals for possible elected positions, standing committee chair positions which are appointed, and other opportunities such as facilitating discussions at the ABM or other projects

While the new pilot process provides a clear and transparent framework for interested mem bers to attain a leadership position, note that:
  • In accordance with our By Laws, Article III (Officers), Section 1. Election and Succession
  • elections will continue to be held annually
  • nominations are still accepted from the floor
  • historically, elected officers have and are expected to serve two (2) consecutive, one (1) year terms - which supports continuity for the commission
  • elections will continue to be held annually
  • timelines will be adhered to strictly and nomination forms must be received by the deadline
  • the LDC is currently an ad hoc committee, chaired by the immediate past commission chair.  Members are appointed by the national chair and are long-standing commissioners with 3+ years of experience.

The  slate of candidates will be released prior to the fall Annual Business Meeting, and commissioners will have the opportunity to meet the candidates prior to the formal election process during the  General Session .  

The Ad Hoc Committee felt it was important to pilot the new process and assess the results prior to making a change in the commission by-laws. Dependent on the results, they could, as early as 2019, recommend a by-laws change to create a permanent standing committee that would oversee the process.  Therefore, the LDC asks for your support and respect for the process during the pilot testing phase over the next year.

Many thanks to Rick Masters, General Counsel and the committee (appointed by Chair Rosemarie Kraeger) for their work:
  • Laura Anastasio, Connecticut Commissioner
  • Sarah Forster, Maine Commissioner
  • Gary Hartman, Wyoming Commissioner
  •  Marcy Herman, Alaska Commissioner
  • Craig Neuenswander, Kansas Commissioner
  • Cheryl Serrano, Colorado Commissioner

Sincerely yours,
Kate Wren Gavlak
California Commissioner and LDC Chair
Email:kwrengavlak@yahoo.com
Cell: 661-972-4890
The LDC asks that you view all documentation, although these are in final form, they may be revised after this initial, pilot year of implementation:
Questions? Contact Kate Wren Gavlak, LDC Chair & CA Commissioner at:
Cell: 661-972-4890 or Email: kwrengavlak@yahoo.com
Rosemarie Kraeger
WHY WAS THE LDC CREATED?

The LDC was created in the fall of 2016 to address the perception that the Executive Committee (EXCOM) was a closed group and there wasn’t a clear process on how a member could move into a leadership position or become a standing committee chair.  

With the goal of transparency and inclusiveness in mind, they were thoughtful in the development and their discussion. Efforts were made to avoid an uncomfortable situation as in the past ABM. We are grateful for the LDC’s hard work and thank them for their efforts to help move the Commission forward.  - Rosemarie Kraeger, Commission Chair
WHAT IS AN "AD HOC COMMITTEE"?

The LDC currently has the status of an Ad Hoc Committee pursuant to Art. VI (which establishes Robert's Rules of Order as the governing procedure in the absence of a specific provision of the Bylaws or MIC 3 statute to the contrary. Pursuant to Robert's Rules, Special or Ad Hoc Committees are created to perform a specific task and are customarily dissolved when the work is complete. 

Unless the LDC is reauthorized as an Ad Hoc Committee after the work of the committee is completed at the annual meeting, its work will technically be done. It can also be 'reclassified' as a standing committee by action of the Executive Committee or the Commission when in session. - Rick Masters, General Counsel