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Authored by:
Angela Sherman
Director, ad hoc - Chapters
University of Virginia
Email:ags3f@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu

The Summer meeting for the SRAI Board of Directors was held July 21-22, 2018 at Headquarters in Arlington, VA. After a long spell of hot, dry weather, the skies opened up and heavy rain fell all day Saturday. It made it a little easier, somehow, to spend two days at a table in a conference room on a weekend, working through the business of the Society. It did make for a very wet trip to dinner Saturday evening though, and even though the trip to the restaurant was short, everybody got soaked!

Meetings always open the same way, with roll call, approval of the agenda, the rules of procedure, and a quick review of Robert’s Rules of Order. At this meeting, members had more opportunities than usual to explore the Rules of Order, as several members have developed a lot of expertise in Parliamentary Procedure and made a point of keeping business moving according to the rules. It is a great learning experience all by itself to see the rules in action.

Probably the most momentous event of the meeting was the introduction of the new Executive Director! Yes, we have found a new ED after a one-year search. Members will be very pleased that our new ED is a very experienced, seasoned Research Administrator with solid skills in the field. I won’t spoil the surprise, but everyone will get to meet our new ED in Orlando at the Annual Meeting in October. We welcomed another new ad hoc member, Alex Delevan, who will be in charge of Divisions. He replaces Ed Black, who sadly passed away several months ago. Alex has a great deal of expertise in Commercial Divisions and has already proved to be an asset to the Board with his business acumen.

Following approval of the prior meeting Minutes and the Consent Agenda the officers presented their reports. Some highlights of officer reports include:

• The new Bylaws have been approved by all Sections and all Chapters except one, which will hold a virtual meeting to vote before the Annual Meeting. Looks like all systems are go to roll out the new, improved, streamlined Bylaws in October.
• The new Strategic Plan will be fully integrated into all Society business, and will form the basis for decision-making. For example, the Board Report form that is used to submit items of business to meetings will be redesigned so that submitters can easily state how their request will move the Society forward in achieving its goals, and which pillar of the plan it will support.
• Technology upgrades are on a fast track. The Society is investing aggressively in technology that will give users the look and feel that they have become accustomed to in other areas. he member experience will become much more dynamic with social-media-like ability to create pages and access information quickly. This upgrade is also crucial for the upcoming Micro-Credentialing program for a superior online learning experience.
• INORMS (the International Network of Research Management Societies) had a very successful meeting in 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. In an exciting development, INORMS plans on holding some of their council meetings in conjunction with the SRAI annual meeting in 2019 and 2020. International members of INORMS will greatly enhance the diversity of attendees, making for an even more interesting event for everyone.
• The BOD continues to search for ways to streamline nominations processes for the many opportunities that are available. Look for easier applications and much better information on the benefits and responsibilities of becoming an Officer or a Board member. SRAI needs YOU!
• The Treasurer reported that SRAI is maintaining adequate financial reserves and enters FY2019 in good shape. However, she reminded the Board as all good Treasurers should, that our ambitious desires to implement the strategic plan will require that the Society must remain at the leading edge of developing new services and opportunities desired by members to keep revenue strong in support of them.

After a break, the afternoon business revolved around various chapter requests for discussion and approvals. On a personal note, I am very pleased that the Board approved the formation of a Chapter Council. The idea for a Council of Chapter Officers that will facilitate improved sharing of ideas and best practices among SRAI’s Chapter officers was originated by the North Carolina Chapter, but I was happy to take it on as a cause. Stay tuned for more information, beginning with a Learning Café in Orlando that will kick off the Council. Technology upgrades that are in process will greatly facilitate a collaboration page on the website in the near future, as well as regular conference calls and other networking opportunities.

Saturday was a shorter but intense day of discussion about items such as the approval of new Distinguished Faculty Members (to be announced in Orlando), Micro-Credentialing, Governance Committee and International Section business, and reports by Board Members. By the time the meeting finished at around noon the skies had cleared. We were all tired but happy at the progress we had made and the things we will need to work on in the future.