Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Saturday, October 16, 2010
Marriott Center
8:30 a.m.

Board Members: Tom Campbell, Jackie Carlson, Sara Coady Howe, Ed Godek, Bob Graham, Ron Grasso, Dave Hautanen, Andy Hochberg, Paul Hohenberger, Ogechi Ibe, Abbey Kosiba, Sean LeBlanc, Andy MacDougall, Mike Mahoney, Carole Mansur, Adam Martignetti, Molly McCullough, Zachary Morello, Joe Moro, Michaella Morzuch, Kendra Porter, Dave Richter, Vaughn Rist, Scott Robbins, Kim Sherman, Joel Slovin, Ron Spicer, Petra von Ziegesar and Kevin White      

Absent:  Shyno Chacko Pandeya, Bob Shaughnessey, and Jeanne Traester

Staff:  Deb Goodhind, Kevin Fleming, Angela Lussier, CJ Masse, Breck Pierce, Kate Robert and Anna Symington

Guests:  Rahul Prakash, Sheila Prolman, Matt Raycroft, Adam Sheehan, Garrett Sullivan, and Tim Vartanian   

Call to Order
The meeting convened at 9:30 a.m.

President’s Update
Sean LeBlanc thanked all of the Board and Club volunteers in attendance and noted that our volunteers are critical to the ongoing success of the Alumni Association.

All volunteers and staff introduced themselves and provided a brief overview of their past and current affiliation with the Association.

Membership 101
Ron Grasso provided a brief recap on the restructure of the membership program.  The primary reasons for implementing change were to promote inclusivity and connection, build affinity for UMass Amherst, and encourage and increase participation in all aspects of programs and services.  All alumni are considered general members of the Alumni Association, with three paid levels of membership including Sustaining, Life and Legacy.  There is no longer a dues requirement to be a member; instead, alumni may invest any amount they wish at any time they wish, with all investments credited towards an upper membership level. 

In marketing the new membership program to all alumni, emphasis has been on providing benefits, programs and services of value, but at no cost to alumni, to build affinity and promote a culture of inclusivity among alumni.  For alumni that support the Alumni Association as Life or Legacy members, additional emphasis has been on identifying and promoting additional value-added benefits.

Alumni feedback regarding the membership restructure has been positive and initial investments have been strong.  Participation in other alumni programs and services has also increased since launching the new program. 

The Communications, Marketing and Membership Committee recommends that all Directors and Club volunteers familiarize themselves with the new membership program so that they can effectively communicate with their constituents and advocate for their participation and investment in the Alumni Association.  The Committee provided all attendees with a list of recommendations on how best to engage alumni in these types of discussions.

From Networking to Netnaturaling
Kevin Fleming and Angela Lussier facilitated an exercise and discussion on the top five strategies of successful networkers.  These strategies include:

  • Starting with the basics and understanding the purpose of the event you are attending
  • Starting the conversation to engage alumni
  • Exiting the conversation
  • Leaving something behind
  • Being memorable in a positive way and following up with individuals with whom you spoke

Consent Agenda
Tom Campbell presented the consent agenda that included:

  • Approval of Minutes – May 22, 2010

Motion: by Ed Godek, seconded by Ron Spicer, to approve the consent agenda as presented.  The motion passed with 24 ayes and 5 abstentions.

Strategic Plan
Anna Symington provided an overview of the new proposed strategic plan, which was developed to include Board feedback on the previous plan, key initiatives outlined within Chancellor Holub’s “Framework for Excellence” document, and new capital campaign strategies.  The document is intended to be an easy and standalone reference for volunteers and staff, and identifies three key goals for expanding outreach, increasing collaboration with campus partners, and building mutually beneficial relationships through volunteerism and advocacy.  Abbey Kosiba, president of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), provided an overview of the SAA’s BEAT T-shirts program, which is promoting student pride through sales of maroon t-shirts intended for students to wear at athletic games, while also raising funds toward general student scholarships.    

Motion: by Ron Spicer, seconded by Michaella Morzuch, to adopt the strategic plan as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

As suggested, Anna will consider developing various metrics to assist in measuring the Board’s success in meeting plan goals.

Committee Reports

Audit
Andy Hochberg presented the FY 2010 audited financial statements and noted that the FY 2010 tax returns were available for review by Directors on the Board website.

Motion: by Sara Coady Howe, seconded by Michaella Morzuch, to accept the financial statement as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

Nominating
Jackie Carlson extended an official call for Officer nominations for the President, three Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer positions.  The call for nominations will conclude on November 12 and Officer elections will take place during the February Board meeting.

Director Orientation
Sean noted that the Alumni Association depends on a network of volunteers serving in a variety of roles to help the organization in meeting its mission.  The Board of Directors values all volunteers and works to create programs and services to support and enhance their involvement.  In addition, tools and guidelines are available to ensure that volunteers conduct themselves professionally, and are aware of their responsibilities as Alumni Association ambassadors in promoting the interests and values of the Association and UMass Amherst.

Sean reviewed various Director responsibilities with the Board, including conflict of interest guidelines, appropriate volunteer conduct, confidentiality requirements, meeting attendance, financial obligations, and Board advocacy.

Old Business
None

New Business
The Career Connections Committee is looking for Board members who might be willing to provide individual career counseling to alumni on a short-term basis until the vacant Alumni Career Programs position is filled.  Interested directors are asked to submit a profile for consideration.

Adjournment 
Motion: by Michaella Morzuch, seconded by Dave Richter, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.