USA Ultimate Seeking Candidates for 2020-2022 Board of Directors
Posted: September 4, 2019 03:40 PM
Expressions of Interest Due September 29
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sept. 4, 2019)—USA Ultimate is currently searching for potential candidates to fill four seats on its 13-person board of directors, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the U.S. announced today.
Individuals interested in helping provide long-term strategic direction, set policy or oversee effective corporate governance for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit amateur sports organization are encouraged to express their interest by September 29.
Potential candidates may be considered for one of four available seats – Appointed, At-Large, Elite Athlete or Independent. All are three-year terms commencing on Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring on Dec. 31, 2022.
The At-Large representative is elected by the members of USA Ultimate. All current members in good standing who meet the requirements outlined in Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of USA Ultimate’s bylaws may be considered as a candidate.
The Elite Athlete member is elected by Elite Athletes. To run for the board as an Elite Athlete, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements and the definition of an Elite Athlete as described in Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of USA Ultimate’s bylaws.
The Appointed candidate may or may not be a member of USA Ultimate and will be selected to fill board openings in specific areas of expertise.
The Independent position may not have any material relationship with USA Ultimate, either directly or through an organization that has a material relationship with USA Ultimate. USA Ultimate’s Nominating Committee will make a determination as to the independence of an individual.
More information regarding the Appointed and Independent positions are found in Sections 5.6(c) and 5.6 (d), respectively, ofUSA Ultimate’s bylaws.
The following board members’ terms are set to expire on December 31, 2019: DeAnna Ball (At-Large), Val Belmonte (Independent), Heather Ann Brauer (Elite Athlete) and Harvey Edwards (Appointed).
The first step in USA Ultimate’s annual election and appointment process is a public call for candidates, inviting individuals to formally express their interest in serving on the board.
For a detailed description of the board’s scope of responsibilities and full eligibility requirements, please read Article V of the USA Ultimate Bylaws.
To be considered, eligible candidates should express their interest by filling out the USA Ultimate Board of Directors Expression of Interest Application. Applications are due by September 29.
In addition to the eligibility requirements, USA Ultimate’s Nominating Committee will consider the following, which aligns with the process the board uses in considering potential board candidates:
1. The candidate’s potential contribution to the effective functioning of USAU and their ability to work cooperatively with and in support of the CEO and professional staff;
2. Any potential or impending change in the candidate’s principle area of responsibility with their company or in their employment;
3. Whether the candidate brings relevant expertise and experience to the Board;
4. Whether the candidate has the ability to attend meetings and fully participate in the activities of the Board;
5. The candidate’s reputation for personal integrity and commitment to ethical conduct;
6. The candidate passing a mandatory background check and completing SafeSport training; and
7. Whether the candidate has or may develop any relationships with other organizations, or if circumstances may arise that make it inappropriate for the candidate to continue serving on the Board.
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, qualified candidates shall possess the highest personal values, judgment and integrity consistent with the organization’s mission and vision while exhibiting an understanding of athletic competition, Olympic ideals and familiarity with the business, financial and other challenges and issues inherent to national governing bodies of amateur sport. Often, they have strong professional backgrounds in fields such as finance, fundraising, governance, strategic planning, marketing, audit, management, communications, law, equity, diversity and inclusion, or other sport-related issues.
Following the application period, the nominating committee will conduct a formal review of eligible applicants and determine a final slate of approved candidates. Approved At-Large and Elite Athlete candidates to be included on the official ballot will then be required to draft and submit a formal campaign statement for publication by October 21.
