Nominations needed for new BOT.

On May 19, 2006, the NRPA Board of Trustees (BOT) made the decision to reduce the number of trustees and transition from its current model representing branches and regions to a 21 at-large member Board of Directors. At its Oct. 14, 2006, meeting the Board adopted a transition plan and bylaws that gradually reduce the number of members from 70 to 21 by the annual Congress in 2009.

The transition plan is an attrition model that does not elect any expiring terms during the next three years. However, during the three-year transition phase, the BOT will elect at-large positions each year for three-year terms.

In addition, three positions, one professional and two citizens, will be appointed for one-year (renewable twice) terms. The BOT will continue to elect a president-elect, chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer from among the elected trustees. The president and past president will remain "automatic" positions.

There will continue to be a dual slate (no more than two nominees on the ballot) of candidates for all professional and officer positions. Under certain circumstances, there may be only one name on the ballot for those positions. There will continue to be a single slate (one nominee on the ballot) for the citizen positions.

The rationale for a single slate recognizes that the commitment of a citizen trustee is somewhat different than that of a professional. The citizen serves as an NRPA trustee as an avocation and devotes a significant commitment of time and personal financial resources. The Nominating/Board Development Committee (NBDC) continues to believe that when a citizen who is interested in and able to serve as a trustee/ director, it best serves the association to present that candidate in an unopposed place on the ballot.

The rationale for a dual slate for professionals is that, although professionals seek positions of leadership in NRPA for some of the same reasons as citizens, because NRPA is their national professional association, and therefore related to their vocation, there are added benefits and reasons for serving. There are many professionals who seek leadership positions in NRPA.

Some NRPA members have expressed concern about maintaining diversity, in the broadest sense, on a 21-member board. It is proposed that each year the NBDC will closely examine the BOT makeup and seek nominations that will allow the committee to select candidates whose skills and attributes will complement the existing board and contribute to the execution of the strategic plan in addition to being reflective of the NRPA membership.

Any member of NRPA may nominate a colleague or herself/himself for a position as a trustee or officer as long as that nominee meets the stated criteria. The criteria are listed in the nominating materials which are available from BOT members, National Forum members, branch and region leadership and liaisons, state executives and ambassadors (past NRPA presidents and chairs of the BOT), as well as the NRPA Web site. The forms can be submitted electronically or downloaded, filled out and sent in via fax or U.S. mail. The forms will be faxed upon request by contacting Brenda Beales at NRPA headquarters at [e-mail].

The NBDC is committed to presenting a diverse, highly qualified slate of candidates. The committee will be recruiting and developing candidates on a continual basis. If you or someone you know is considering NRPA board service in the future, please contact Beales. To enhance the nominating process and election of members whose skills match the needs of the association, the committee will interview and screen qualified candidates.

NRPA is your association. The staff and elected leaders are dedicated to developing the programs and services that support the field of parks and recreation on multiple levels. Your participation in the identification and nomination of skilled and dedicated leaders is integral to the health and success of NRPA. There are many areas where members can be contributing participants.

Please help NRPA identify and encourage involvement and participation of members who can actively lead the association. Your current branch, section or regional council leaders, all NRPA Trustees and National Forum members, as well as state association executive directors have (or will have very soon) the nomination forms and information related to nominating members for BOT candidacy and electing National Forum representatives.

For more information or to download forms, visit www.nrpa.org, or for specific questions please contact the 2007 committee co-chairs, Steve Neu, [e-mail] or Penny Randel, penny [e-mail], or staff liaison Brenda Beales, [e-mail]. The Nominating/Board Development Committee eagerly anticipates receiving your nominations.