SUAA Board Update - August 2023

Report Submitted by Steve Cunningham, President

Since my last report of June 10 that followed the Annual Meeting in Springfield, the Board has met via Zoom on two occasions. Of course, the most immediate focus of the Board has been to coordinate and launch the search for a new Executive Director, following Linda Brookhart’s announcement at the Annual Meeting of her plans to retire as of the end of the year. Significant actions and matters undertaken by the Board include:

• July 20, 2023 - Finance and Membership reports provided by Treasurer Larry Kloc and Membership Committee Co-chair, Andy Small. A special SUAA-wide Membership Zoom meeting is being scheduled for September 6. Regional Directors’ reports and SUAA Chapter events throughout the State were discussed. Linda Brookhart reported on events in Springfield and the status of HB 4098, sponsored by Representative Kifowit. Pursuant to SUAA Bylaws and Section VI of the Policies & Procedures Manual, the Board undertook the necessary review and steps required to initiate the “planned transition” process of undertaking the search for a new Executive Director, including collaboration regarding the search process, Position Description, and Position Announcement.

• August 1, 2023 - Special meeting conducted to finalize the Executive Director Job Description, Position Announcement, and search process. A committee of the Board (screening committee) will undertake preliminary review of applications as they are received.

The full Board will be involved throughout the search, with a preliminary deadline for applications and nominations set as September 15. Meanwhile, we look forward to a couple of Pop-up Presentations via Zoom for the membership. In addition, we are preparing for the SUAA Fall Meeting at ISU on October 25.

Respectively Submitted,

Steve Cunningham

SUAA President