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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Mar 28, 2006 19:37:28 GMT -5
At this upcoming August 2006 NSS Convention in Washington State the NSS Directorate will elect four officers to the NSS Board. Those officers are the Administrative Vice President, Executive Vice President, Operations Vice President, and the President Pro Tem. These Vice Presidents are important positions within the Society who's duties are summarized in the Executive Search Committee web pages, additional position details may be found in Section nine, Administrative policies sections of the NSS Business web site. Generally people in these VP offices serve two to four years. All the current VP's will have served for two years, so now is the time to consider putting your hat in the ring. The President Pro Tem is a non-voting position where an experienced person is designated to fill in for the President if the President is not present. The one year terms will start at the 2006 NSS Convention and end at the 2007 NSS Convention. Any NSS members that are interested in running for any of these positions should contact Gary Moss, chair of the Executive Search Committee, at kd4itj@amsat.org www.caves.org/info/execsearch/exec_current.htm |
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Post by Scott McCrea on Mar 29, 2006 8:51:39 GMT -5
Hi Sharon,  So, are you going to run for a VP spot? You should. |
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Post by madratdan on Mar 29, 2006 16:14:35 GMT -5
You'd get my vote Sharon. I hope you run again. I always enjoy your column in the NSS News. We need informed people like yourself in charge.
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Post by Sharon Faulkner on Mar 31, 2006 10:00:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the vote of confidence guys! I had not originally intended on running for a VP position again this year, though it is not out of the question. Probably a topic that should be discussed with Gary Moss prior to declaring candidacy on a discussion forum in any case. ;D Scott, did Wayne send you over here to ask if I was running for a VP position? If I'd just sent false information about someone in the most recent IT Subcommittee Report I'd probably be curious of their intentions too.  Hopefully there will be several good candidates who throw their hat in the ring and it is about time you two (Scott and Dan) start thinking about dipping your toes into the political waters too. Welcome back to the forum Scott. |
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Post by madratdan on Mar 31, 2006 10:25:12 GMT -5
Especially if it ment you could end up being Wayne's boss.  ;D  Hummmm..........you mean I could be the first limited member to run for a BOG position?  |
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Post by Mike Hood on Apr 4, 2006 17:35:52 GMT -5
Hopefully there will be several good candidates who throw their hat in the ring and it is about time you two (Scott and Dan) start thinking about dipping your toes into the political waters too. Welcome back to the forum Scott. Unfortunately, it's tough to get members to run for an officer slot. You've probably noticed that most run unopposed, or, at best, maybe two will run. I think the Chairman of the Executive Search Committee might have one of the toughest jobs around--trying to convince people to run for an officer position! Being an officer takes a lot of time, travel, and out-of-pocket expenses. I think my credit card is still reeling from my four years as an officer! ;D However, serving as an officer is a rewarding experience and I wouldn't trade my experience as Operations Vice President and President for anything. Those of you who have considered it should go for it! It's easier to get elected as an officer than as a director. To get elected as an officer, you only have to convince 12 people you're the right person for the job. Mike Hood |
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Kelly
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Post by Kelly on Apr 5, 2006 13:32:11 GMT -5
I wonder if most people who would run think its useless to run against an incumbent officer. It seems that once you've been on the BOG or been an Officer, that you become part of a certain social circle - in with the in crowd so to speak. I guess, to me it seems that most of the officers are selected either by being in this circle, or being a friend of someone that is in this circle. Than again, I certainly would not want to volunteer for such a time consuming, costly job, so maybe the reason the selected officers seem to be from the BOG 'circle' is because the BOG has to actively go recruit their friends in order to find anyone willing to do the job. Food for thought...  |
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Post by Mike Hood on Apr 5, 2006 14:02:48 GMT -5
I wonder if most people who would run think its useless to run against an incumbent officer. It seems that once you've been on the BOG or been an Officer, that you become part of a certain social circle - in with the in crowd so to speak. I guess, to me it seems that most of the officers are selected either by being in this circle, or being a friend of someone that is in this circle. Than again, I certainly would not want to volunteer for such a time consuming, costly job, so maybe the reason the selected officers seem to be from the BOG 'circle' is because the BOG has to actively go recruit their friends in order to find anyone willing to do the job. Food for thought... True, it is difficult to unseat an incumbent, but not impossible. However, even if you don't win, it shows the Directorate you're interested and you can bet the Executive Search Committee will add you to its list of potential candidates. I was not elected to a VP position the first time I ran, but it got me noticed and I did get elected as the OVP the next time I did. When I chaired the Executive Search Committee, the main reason I got for people declining to run is because of time constraints. The board doesn't really have an "inner circle" they choose from, but they do know who qualified members are and they do go out and talk with them. One past EVP was asked to run by a director a day or so before the Monday convention meeting and he was elected. New blood is always sought, but hard to come by. |
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L Roebuck
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Post by L Roebuck on Apr 5, 2006 14:15:39 GMT -5
Than again, I certainly would not want to volunteer for such a time consuming, costly job, so maybe the reason the selected officers seem to be from the BOG 'circle' is because the BOG has to actively go recruit their friends in order to find anyone willing to do the job. Food for thought... I overheard one caver say that to attend each NSS BOG meeting it cost them approximately $800.00 (plane ticket, lodging, transportation, food, etc) If there is an "elite inner circle" could it be that it refers to the caver's who can afford $3,200.00 per year to attend the meetings?  Oh well, if that's the case I will have to wait until I win the Lotto before I could even consider tossing my hat in the arena. |
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Kelly
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Post by Kelly on Apr 5, 2006 14:38:22 GMT -5
I overheard one caver say that to attend each NSS BOG meeting it cost them approximately $800.00 (plane ticket, lodging, transportation, food, etc) If there is an "elite inner circle" could it be that it refers to the caver's who can afford $3,200.00 per year to attend the meetings? Oh well, if that's the case I will have to wait until I win the Lotto before I could even consider tossing my hat in the arena. Thanks for the in site, Mike! This is a really interesting topic. I have tried to talk people into running for the BOG or officer positions, but it is really hard to find willing bodies. Lynn makes a really good point about $$$. I know at least one former BOG member who did not run for a second term because of the cost. BTW, I never meant to imply that there is some secret 'elite inner circle' only to say that I think the BOG are more likely to appoint someone they are familiar with or know people who can vouch for them, ya know! Maybe we can make a list of turn-offs for running for the BOG or officer position and see if some of those can be worked on. 1. $$$ 2. Time 3. Bored meetings (pun definitely intended) ;D |
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Post by Mike Hood on Apr 5, 2006 16:19:46 GMT -5
Than again, I certainly would not want to volunteer for such a time consuming, costly job, so maybe the reason the selected officers seem to be from the BOG 'circle' is because the BOG has to actively go recruit their friends in order to find anyone willing to do the job. Food for thought... I overheard one caver say that to attend each NSS BOG meeting it cost them approximately $800.00 (plane ticket, lodging, transportation, food, etc) If there is an "elite inner circle" could it be that it refers to the caver's who can afford $3,200.00 per year to attend the meetings? Oh well, if that's the case I will have to wait until I win the Lotto before I could even consider tossing my hat in the arena. It depends on the member of the board. Most will usually stay at a member's home and will be picked up from the airport, driven to the meeting, and taken back to the airport. This is what I usually did (plus it's fun to stay at members' homes and meet other cavers), so I usually was out the cost of airfare and food. Also, I usually drove if the meeting was less than a 10-hour drive. Also keep in mind you only pay out of pocket to attend the board meetings. The officers do get a budget for travel to the two (sometimes three) executive committee meetings. Transportation is covered for that and the meeting is usually held at one of the officer's home, so you stay there for the weekend. You don't have to be wealthy to serve. I'm active duty enlisted in the Air Force (E-7), so I certainly am not rich! What did help me was the ample leave time I had built up that allowed me the time to travel. |
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Post by Mike Hood on Apr 5, 2006 16:25:33 GMT -5
I overheard one caver say that to attend each NSS BOG meeting it cost them approximately $800.00 (plane ticket, lodging, transportation, food, etc) If there is an "elite inner circle" could it be that it refers to the caver's who can afford $3,200.00 per year to attend the meetings? Oh well, if that's the case I will have to wait until I win the Lotto before I could even consider tossing my hat in the arena. Thanks for the in site, Mike! This is a really interesting topic. I have tried to talk people into running for the BOG or officer positions, but it is really hard to find willing bodies. Lynn makes a really good point about $$$. I know at least one former BOG member who did not run for a second term because of the cost. BTW, I never meant to imply that there is some secret 'elite inner circle' only to say that I think the BOG are more likely to appoint someone they are familiar with or know people who can vouch for them, ya know! Maybe we can make a list of turn-offs for running for the BOG or officer position and see if some of those can be worked on. 1. $$$ 2. Time 3. Bored meetings (pun definitely intended) ;D You're welcome. I think it's good for members to understand how much of the board operates. Yup, I agree that numbers 1 and 2 are definitely the biggest turn-offs. True, much of the meeting can be boring, but then you wouldn't be on the board if you weren't interested in the politics of the NSS. So, most board members are more interested in what goes on than those in the audience listening. It'd be great if the NSS had the money to cover the costs of the board members, but I just don't see that ever happening. Plus, there's more important issues for the NSS to spend money on. Additionally, those who serve on the board know the monetary commitment when they volunteer to serve. Like I said, I certainly enjoyed my two years as OVP and two years as President and feel the financial cost to serve was well worth it. |
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L Roebuck
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Post by L Roebuck on Apr 5, 2006 16:43:39 GMT -5
Very recently a caver told me they were going to run for the NSS BOG but the person did not plan to get involved In The Politics. Doh!.......all I could do was grin.
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Post by Mike Hood on Apr 5, 2006 17:26:41 GMT -5
"Famous last words."...I wish them luck! Well, gotta get finished packing for tomorrow. The Dayton Underground Grotto is hosting the Huntsville Grotto at the Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve this weekend (site of the 2001 NSS Convention). |
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Kelly
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Post by Kelly on Apr 6, 2006 7:25:10 GMT -5
Well, gotta get finished packing for tomorrow. The Dayton Underground Grotto is hosting the Huntsville Grotto at the Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve this weekend (site of the 2001 NSS Convention). Oh! I was caving with a bunch of Huntsville cavers this past weekend, and they were all talking about this trip. Something like 50 people they were expecting (from both OH and AL). Tell them all Kelly from Atlanta says 'hello'. Having been caving for only about 9 years, I have seen the NSS go through some growing pains. Many of the big not for profit agencies find a way to pay for travel. I'm not sure how I feel about my hard-earned dollars going for EC travel, but I wouldn't be really opposed if it did happen. Right now, the only people that can run are the folks willing to 'donate' several hundred dollars a year to the NSS for their travel. Maybe a lot more people would be interested in signing up if the cost were cut out. Sounds like a good issue for the upcoming Planning Committee. Lynn, what the heck is that guy thinking that he can stay out of 'politics'! I almost fell out of my chair when I read that! |
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L Roebuck
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Post by L Roebuck on Apr 6, 2006 10:06:49 GMT -5
Oh! I was caving with a bunch of Huntsville cavers this past weekend, and they were all talking about this trip. Something like 50 people they were expecting (from both OH and AL). Tell them all Kelly from Atlanta says 'hello'.
Having been caving for only about 9 years, I have seen the NSS go through some growing pains. Many of the big not for profit agencies find a way to pay for travel. I'm not sure how I feel about my hard-earned dollars going for EC travel, but I wouldn't be really opposed if it did happen. Right now, the only people that can run are the folks willing to 'donate' several hundred dollars a year to the NSS for their travel. Maybe a lot more people would be interested in signing up if the cost were cut out. Sounds like a good issue for the upcoming Planning Committee. If the funds were to reimburse NSS BOG Members for a portion of the legitimate expenses such as travel (plane ticket, mileage, etc), car rental or lodging, I would not be opposed because I feel it would open the doors to new candidates who otherwise could not even consider running due to financial reasons. The best potential candidates that I have spoken to are the one's who can not afford the expense so they can not toss their hat in. Due to these financial constraints, I feel the Society is restricted and only potential candidates, who can afford it, can run. So we may very well be missing some fine candidates who potentially could be good contributors to the future of the NSS. Lynn, what the heck is that guy thinking that he can stay out of 'politics'! I almost fell out of my chair when I read that! Like I said ...... all I could do was grin. ;D |
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Post by Scott McCrea on Apr 18, 2006 9:01:57 GMT -5
Scott, did Wayne send you over here to ask if I was running for a VP position? Um, no.  |
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