Board of Directors Meets, Monitors, Discusses Member Networking Opportunities
-
Date PostedMarch 24, 2025
-
CategoryNews
The IASB Board of Directors met for its regularly scheduled meeting in Lisle on Saturday, March 15, where the board reviewed its role in monitoring the operations of the Association, discussed learning and networking opportunities available to members, and heard updates on key Association initiatives.
The board also welcomed new directors Heather LoBue (Southwestern) and Austin Taylor (Starved Rock) to their first meeting.
Two topics of board discussion included how to evolve the Joint Annual Conference scholarship program after its inaugural year and steps to enhance Division Meeting programming and outreach to encourage increased participation.
President Mark Harms updated the board on the Constitutional Review Committee’s work and timeline. This ad-hoc committee has 15 members, including the Board of Directors, Resolutions Committee members, and Members-at-Large. The work of this committee reviewing IASB staff recommendations will be completed in April, with all proposed changes going to the Board’s Policy Review Committee and then to the April Executive Committee meeting. The Board of Directors will review and approve proposed changes at its June meeting. Any proposed constitutional amendments will be sent to the Delegate Assembly in November for approval.
Executive Director Kimberly Small updated the board on staff progress on the Strategic Areas of Focus. Small highlighted new Division Meeting speakers, scheduled meetings with partner organizations to discuss Joint Annual Conference programming, and the return of the Equity Immersion eve
nt in conjunction with the 2025 Conference. She noted changes to the IASB website online learning portal and member account pages to improve the user experience and access to member information and resources. She also reported progress on the implementation of analytics software monitor member engagement.
In the financial report, Treasurer Marc Tepper noted Conference expenditures that are typical for this time of year and capital projects underway. Small added that staff have started the process of budgeting for the next fiscal year with plans to continue to reinvest in members and technology.
The board also welcomed new directors Heather LoBue (Southwestern) and Austin Taylor (Starved Rock) to their first meeting.Two topics of board discussion included how to evolve the Joint Annual Conference scholarship program after its inaugural year and steps to enhance Division Meeting programming and outreach to encourage increased participation.
President Mark Harms updated the board on the Constitutional Review Committee’s work and timeline. This ad-hoc committee has 15 members, including the Board of Directors, Resolutions Committee members, and Members-at-Large. The work of this committee reviewing IASB staff recommendations will be completed in April, with all proposed changes going to the Board’s Policy Review Committee and then to the April Executive Committee meeting. The Board of Directors will review and approve proposed changes at its June meeting. Any proposed constitutional amendments will be sent to the Delegate Assembly in November for approval.
Executive Director Kimberly Small updated the board on staff progress on the Strategic Areas of Focus. Small highlighted new Division Meeting speakers, scheduled meetings with partner organizations to discuss Joint Annual Conference programming, and the return of the Equity Immersion eve
nt in conjunction with the 2025 Conference. She noted changes to the IASB website online learning portal and member account pages to improve the user experience and access to member information and resources. She also reported progress on the implementation of analytics software monitor member engagement.In the financial report, Treasurer Marc Tepper noted Conference expenditures that are typical for this time of year and capital projects underway. Small added that staff have started the process of budgeting for the next fiscal year with plans to continue to reinvest in members and technology.
The board will meet for its next quarterly meeting June 6-7 in Springfield. The board acknowledged retiring directors for their service and dedication: Tim Custis (Central Illinois Valley – 8 years), Lisa Irvin (Egyptian – 4 years), Sheila Nelson (Shawnee – 8 years), Tom Ruggio (DuPage – 10 years), and Chris Gordon (Abe Lincoln – 4 years; not present).
