Spring Board Meeting Recap

May 18, 2020

From TSAE Executive Director Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE:

On Friday, April 24, the TSAE Board of Directors met for our regularly scheduled Board meeting. Well, maybe I should say previously scheduled as there was nothing “regular” about it.

We don’t normally follow up a board meeting with a summary report, but I felt this is an important time to share how TSAE is functioning operationally, steps TSAE leadership is taking to help members during COVID-19, and exciting updates on strategic items that were already in progress and are still moving forward.

As with your own organizations, during this time governance does not stop so we proceeded with holding our meeting on April 24 via Zoom. Thankfully by now most of us have become familiar with the platform so we were able to meet easily without technical difficulties (with consideration given to how motions and votes were made).

COVID-19-Related Discussions and Actions:

  • Finances: Cash flow, uncollected debt, fixed costs, salaries and benefits…these are all on the top of our mind now. Our contract accounting agency and I provided the Board with an update of where we are now and some forecasting based on what we do know for the next few weeks, as well as answered questions and concerns. We will soon be providing our finance committee with best case/worst case/hybrid scenarios through the end of the year. 
     
  • Membership Renewal Grace Period Extension: Our membership dues year ends on April 30, at which time members have always had a 30-day grace period to renew before they are dropped from the membership. Out of respect for some members current financial situations and an understanding that we all need to stay connected now more than ever, the Board voted to extend the grace period to 90 days. Members who may need more time to renew will remain in good standing and receive benefits through July 31.
     
  • Board Nomination Interviews: The nomination committee was originally scheduled to interview Board candidates in late March, but out of respect to immediate needs committee members and nominees may have needed to address in the early stages of the pandemic, the interviews were put on hold. The committee will now host interviews through video conference calls in mid-May. Following the interviews, the committee will send their slate to the Board for a vote, which will be followed by an email to the membership for final approval.  We thank the candidates for their patience during this time
     
  • Summer Board Retreat: Our summer board retreat, where we hold board orientation, discuss strategic initiatives, induct new Board members and officers, and hold a meeting, was originally scheduled for June 25-26. The Board decided to postpone the meeting and are looking for a new date in August with hopes we can meet in-person for these important conversations and governance matters. We will be monitoring all state and local mandates, as well as taking into consideration the health and safety of our Board and staff, and adapt to a virtual meeting if necessary.

Strategic Initiatives Update:

  • Diversity & Inclusion: Following in-person conversations at the New Ideas Conference, a member survey, and discussions with a task force, the group charged to “Research, develop & model policies and practices that reflect TSAE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion” presented a proposed statement to the Board on TSAE’s D&I position statement, which was approved: 

    TSAE aims to be a resource and model for members and organizations on effective practices that drive successful DEI initiatives. TSAE believes in fostering a culture amongst our members that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to all. Through diverse perspectives, an inclusive culture, and equal opportunities, we are Better Together!

    Additionally, the group created a “roadmap” of suggested next step. The statement will be placed on the TSAE website and the board will discuss next steps to model and integrate the work into TSAE’s culture, education and resources. Thank you to Strategic Initiative leader Trevor Mitchel, CAE, MBA for his leadership on this.
     
  • Next-Gen Leadership: The group leading the initiative to “Identify next generation needs to help TSAE develop future association industry professionals” conducted a member survey earlier in the year and from the results determined that the 21-29 age range is not the most engaged group with TSAE. This led them to ask why, how do they want to be engaged, and what programming and opportunities would they like TSAE to offer? Their next step is to form a task force to dive deeper into these areas. We appreciate Julie Courtney, CAE, CMP for leading this work.
     
  • Online Education: The initiative group heading up work to “Research and recommend new on-demand educational products that TSAE may develop and market” was pleased to report that the new online Essential Elements of Association Management webinar series was highly successful so far. The program was previously a two-day in-person seminar drawing close to 30 participants and has now moved to an eight-part webinar series taking place throughout the year. We now have a national audience and multiple sessions have drawn more than 80 participants. The program is available live and on-demand and, once complete, will be offered as a full package as well. The group is exploring additional opportunities for on-demand education. Thank you to Robin Painovich, CAE, for leading this initiative.

Full Board Meeting updates may not be an ongoing communication, but during this time we feel full transparency and connection with you TSAE is vital. If you have any questions about the above items or anything else at TSAE, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Steven J. Stout, FASAE, CAE
Executive Director

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