PRSA Colorado Newsline

I strongly believe that there’s a leader inside each and every one of us.  We may not always think of ourselves in that light, but consider the times in your personal and professional life when you’ve stepped up and taken control of a situation, and had a positive impact on the outcome.

I’m pleased to announce that the 2011 PRSA Colorado Board of Directors nominations are now open. At PRSA Colorado, there is not a specific path to leadership; however, many people find that getting involved at the committee level helps prepare them for the responsibilities of serving on the board.  That said, all PRSA Colorado Chapter members in good standing are eligible for board positions, and can nominate themselves or have another member nominate them.

Here’s a list of the open board positions for 2011:

President-elect (one open position – serve a three-year term through 2013)

• Officiates for the president if absent or unable to act.
• Includes accepting the position of president following his or her first term, and also accepting the position of immediate past president during the third year of his or her term.

Treasurer (one open position – serve a two-year term through 2012)

• Serves as custodian of all Chapter funds and property.
• Chairs the finance committee.
• Oversees the proper accounting of all Chapter receipts and disbursements, and books.
• Makes monthly reports on the financial condition of the Chapter to the board and performs such other duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

Directors (three open positions – serve a two-year term through 2012)

• Implements Chapter’s strategic initiatives through the management and guidance of committees.
• Has voting authority along with the officers of the board, president, president-elect, treasurer and secretary.

Assembly Delegate (two open positions – serve a three-year term through 2013)

• Serves in the Assembly of the Parent Society as the representative of our Chapter and electorate to the PRSA national organization.
• Represents the policies of our Chapter at the Annual PRSA Conference.
• Note: Assembly Delegate nominees must have either previous board experience – within a Chapter, District or Section – or be Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

To nominate yourself or a Chapter member, please fill out the nomination form, with five signatures from existing Chapter members.  The deadline for submitting the nomination form is 4:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

As I prepare to take the reigns of the organization next year, I’ve been very encouraged by the many people who have come to me expressing their interest in being more involved.  I’ve been a member of PRSA for a number of years and have held leadership positions in the local Chapter for the last five years.  I can tell you firsthand there are many benefits to being involved, both personally and professionally, including great friendships, new professional connections, and a better understanding and appreciation of the profession, to name a few.

I encourage you to consider joining the PRSA Colorado board in 2011. It would be my pleasure to serve with you in continuing to make this Chapter a model of success!

Meredith Bagnulo, APR

As immediate past president of our Chapter, I have the honor of chairing the annual nominating committee that will identify Chapter members who will join the 2011 board of directors. Our Chapter bylaws outline the make-up, responsibilities and milestones for this important committee. I’m joined this year by:

• Meredith Bagnulo, APR (current Chapter president-elect)
• GG Johnston (current Chapter board member)
• Amy Johnson (past Chapter president)
• Brenda Bell (current Chapter member)
• Pam Peccolo (current Chapter member)

Each PRSA Colorado Chapter member will receive a letter and official nomination form via e-mail, per our bylaws. Please be on the look-out for this correspondence. If PRSA Colorado does not have your current e-mail address, please send it to info@prsacolorado.org. If you do not receive the letter, need another copy or have questions, please e-mail me at g.seamans@comcast.net.

The letter will state the nomination and election process, and describe the board positions open for 2011, which include:

• President-elect (one open position – serve a three-year term through 2013)
• Treasurer (one open position – serve a two-year term through 2012)
• Director (three open positions – serve a two-year term through 2012)
• Assembly Delegate (two open positions – serve a three-year term through 2013)

Note: Assembly Delegate nominees must either have previous board experience — within a Chapter, District or Section — or be accredited in public relations (APR).

As a heads-up, the open nomination process closes Friday, Aug. 20. The election — or confirmation of the nomination slate if there are no opposed positions — will take place during the Oct. 22 membership meeting, which also is our third annual Chapter retreat.