Authored by: Bruce Steinert, PhD, CCRA, SRAI Secretary
Email: bksteinert@aol.com
Date: Thursday, March 7, 2019
The Board of Directors and Executive Committee met February 22-24 at the Executive Office in Arlington, VA.
Kim Carter, SRAI President, reported that there has been good progress on strategic initiatives to expand volunteer activities; enhance the use of technology in educational and operational settings; develop credentialing programs; increase membership, particularly in the international arena; streamline society operations, and increase financial reserves. Additionally, she reported on a webinar given in February. This webinar, presented in a panel format, discussed lessons learned regarding preparation, survival, and recovery from the recent federal government shutdown. More than 135 viewers attended the webinar.
A special Task Force has been developing an upgrade to our website including new branding and a more user-friendly feel. The Board got a preview of the new website - quite exciting. Expect more information on the rollout as the project continues.
Rene Hearns, SRAI Treasurer, reported that the annual audit of the Society finances has been completed. The auditors presented a clean report with no findings. This extends our series of clean audits in recent years. Congratulations to Rene, the Audit Committee and the Executive Office team for this outstanding accomplishment. Additionally, the Board approved the Society’s tax return. Yes, not-for-profit entities have to file tax forms, as well. Many of you might have noticed that your investment portfolios were somewhat ‘lackluster’ in this past quarter. The Society’s investments were no different. However, the Investment Committee has been on top of the situation, the market downturn had only a minimal effect on the Society, and our financial security remains strong. Thanks to the Investment Committee for their hard work and diligence.
On the international front, the Society has received several inquiries regarding the establishment of new chapters in countries outside North America. The Board of Directors, Governance Committee and International Section are exploring the requirements to enter those areas.
Preparation for the 2019 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA, is in full swing. The committee reported that more than 285 session and workshop proposals were submitted to compete for the 150 available time slots. Many thanks to all who invested their time to create and submit proposals. Every one of us knows something that someone else needs to know. Sharing that knowledge is what drives our profession. Final notices will be sent in April-May.
Mark Hochman, Ad Hoc Board Member, reported on the progress of the Micro-credentialing Committee. Several of the courses are nearing completion. Much work is yet to be completed to finalize content and load into our learning management system. The rollout of the initial courses should be by the end of the calendar year.
The Board approved meeting budgets for our two newest chapters in Alaska and Texas. Typically meeting budgets are approved as part of the Society’s annual budgeting process. However, these chapters were just recently created necessitating the special Board action. Congratulations to the Alaska and Texas Chapters’ leaders and members for their hard work to bring these new chapters to life. Best wishes for successful inaugural meetings.
I close with a reminder that the Board meetings are open and any member may attend. Guest attendance in person is usually easiest at the two Board of Director meetings at the beginning and end of the Annual Meeting each year in October. For the winter and summer Board meetings, that are held at HQ in Arlington, we can arrange virutal to interested members.
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