In May 2015, more than 2/3-majority of NCECA’s Board of Directors voted to amend the organization’s bylaws. Because these bylaws affect the way that some members of the board are determined, these amendments must now come before NCECA’s membership for a vote. These amendments concern how officers (only) are engaged for board service. Currently, the board chooses the President-Elect after the membership puts forth candidates to the nominating committee. In current by-laws, the positions of Secretary and Treasurer must have two candidates proposed by the nominating committee for election by the membership. This requires the nominating committee to identify two individuals who have capacity to do a specific job instead of one … and then there are “winners” and “losers.” A strong candidate who is not elected is unlikely to seek board service in the future. NCECA loses the talent of that individual, and sometimes his/her good will also.

The secretary and treasurer are the only elected officers at this point; and the board proposes that these two positions become appointed in the way that the president–elect is now.

7.7.A. The board shall appoint the Secretary from nominations made by the membership through the nominations committee. The membership and board will be solicited to submit names for nomination as Secretary. Nominee must be approved by two-thirds board vote to be appointed as Secretary of NCECA. The Secretary’s subsequent service in the office of Secretary shall be contingent upon a two-thirds vote of confidence by the Board of Directors during the second to last meeting of the term of office of the incumbent Secretary. Failing to achieve a two-thirds vote of confidence, the Board shall elect, by two-thirds vote, a sitting member of the board to serve as the Secretary. In this case, the requirement to have served a full board term will be waived.

7.8.A. The board shall appoint the Treasurer from nominations made by the membership through the nominations committee. The membership and board will be solicited to submit names for nomination as Treasurer. Nominee must be approved by two-thirds board vote to be appointed as Treasurer of NCECA. The Treasurer’s subsequent service in the office of Treasurer shall be contingent upon a two-thirds vote of confidence by the Board of Directors during the second to last meeting of the term of office of the incumbent Treasurer. Failing to achieve a two-thirds vote of confidence, the Board shall elect, by two-thirds vote, a sitting member of the board to serve as the Treasurer. In this case, the requirement to have served a full board term will be waived.

Your board’s rationale for this by-law change is that as NCECA becomes more sophisticated and complex, each position requires special knowledge, experience and certain skill sets. Recruiting and appointing one excellent candidate for each position will allow us to become more strategic and effective. We continue to depend on our membership to bring qualified candidates to the nominating committee who fit the bill. All of the Director-at-Large positions, including the Student DAL would continue to be elected via electronic ballot by the full membership.

NCECA’s bylaws require any board-approved amendment that changes the way that board members are elected must come before the membership.   You can access current NCECA bylaws here  Feel free to post thoughtful discussion in the comments below.

The ballot will be open until July 30, 2015. Please vote with understanding and knowledge of the issue that affects NCECA’s future. Please make your vote count.

VOTE NOW!