Board of Directors Meeting Highlights – February 2012

The SACNAS Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting in Washington, DC on February 3 and 4, 2012, welcoming in seven new general members and President-Elect, Dr. Tina Garza, associate professor of biology at University of Texas at El Paso, and electing Dr. Lee Bitsóí (Diné) as Secretary.  Generative discussions included:

• SACNAS transition from a conference-based to year-round programs;
• Board transition to a “governance” board, rather than a “working” board;
• Transition to a new Executive Director, with the departure of current leader, Judit Camacho in July, 2012.

SACNAS staff and board at the White House.In her report on transitions, Judit spoke of change, choices, and courage—relating those themes to the evolution of SACNAS’ year-round activities, increasing partnerships, developing further strategic directions, increasing revenues, the need to invest in additional staff, and the importance of data—assessment and evaluation—in developing outcome-based approaches and programs.

The Board of Directors heard reports from the Treasurer, the Vice President of Science Policy & Strategic Initiatives, and the Directors of Programs & Native American Initiatives. The Board of Directors established an Investment Committee, which will draft policies concerning fund development.  Regarding organizational and funding priorities over the next 12 months, the board also heard a presentation from a consultant on building up existing program areas with expanded and reorganized staff infrastructure.

Many board members enthusiastically volunteered to participate in taking important organizational steps regarding infrastructure, funding, and planning to reach the goals outlined in the SACNAS Vision 2020 plan (pdf).

Related Resources

Meet the 2012 Board of Directors