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American Mountain Guides AssociationJune 2010
AMGA is Accepting Nominations for the Board of Directors

The AMGA Board of Directors elections are upon us.  We are calling on our membership to nominate qualified individuals to run for open spaces on the Board of Directors.  Each Board Member brings unique perspectives, expertise and skills to help the AMGA chart it's course and represent you as a professional guide.

Now is the opportunity for you to make your voice heard.  If you know of someone who is passionate about the guiding community and has the desire to make a difference, nominate them for a position on the Board of Directors.  To be successfully nominated, a candidate must receive the endorsement of six (6) voting members*.  Nominations can come from other AMGA members or the current Board of Directors.  There are three (3) seats up for election in 2010.

Board Responsibilities
  • The board collaborates with AMGA's executive leader in setting the organization's strategic direction. The Board also reviews and discusses reports by management on the organization's performance and prospects. In addition to its general oversight of management, the board performs a number of specific functions including the following critical activities:
  • Providing counsel on selection, evaluation, and development of Board members and annually electing Board professional directors;
  • Reviewing, approving and monitoring fundamental financial and strategic plans, budgets, and other association wide actions;
  • Assessing major risks facing the association and reviewing options for mitigation;
  • Ensuring processes are in place for maintaining the integrity of the association and its financial statements, for complying with applicable laws, the AMGA's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Code of Conduct and for enhancing relationships with members, partners, donors, and community.
Director Time Commitment and Meeting Attendance
The responsibilities of the Board are significant.  As such, directors must be willing to devote sufficient time to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively.  Directors are expected to attend all regular meetings and to take a Board committee assignment.  The Board operates by committee.

The full Board meets three (3) times a year. Committees typically meet once a year, depending on the committee. This usually means a time commitment of at least one-full day and evening per scheduled meeting in Boulder, or at other locations identified in the annual schedule. Additional time to prepare for meetings, submit and study proposals, review information and complete assignments is also required. Board members are not compensated for their service or travel and other expenses for Board business. To serve on the AMGA Board of Directors is a voluntary commitment.

Directors should be committed to serve on the board for two-terms. A term is defined as a three-year period. Directors may serve for two (2) consecutive Terms after which there must be at least a one (1) year period of absence. A portion of the elected Board stands for re-election each year and director terms end immediately following the annual meeting, which takes place in October of each year.

Nominee Criteria

Directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values and be committed to representing the best interests of the members and the association. They also must have an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom and mature judgment. Directors must have a personal commitment to the profession of mountain guiding and AMGA's purpose of being the premier source for training, services and credentials for professional mountain guides and climbing instructors in the United States. Directors must be willing to devote sufficient time to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively, and should be committed to serve on the board for two terms.

Candidate attributes that include the following:
  • The ability to understand, analyze and provide sound strategic direction on complex business components in all areas, including those in which the director may lack experience.
  • Exceptional judgment and decision-making skills.
  • The time and interest to be fully engaged as a significant contributor to the board.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A deep appreciation for the outdoors and the mountain guiding lifestyle.
  • An understanding of the nature and quality of non-profit organizations.
  • An understanding and belief in best practices in board governance.
  • An understanding of financial statements and of internal controls and procedures for preparation of financial reports
  • Represent the diversity of AMGA's communities. This includes having candidates of regional representation and diverse professional backgrounds and gender who represent the broad geographic and professional scope of AMGA's operation and membership.
Nominee Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for election or appointment as a director, a person:
  • Must at the time of his or her election be an AMGA member and be at least 18-years-old.
  • Is not a full time employee of the AMGA.
  • All elected directors must, at the time of their election and during their respective terms of office, be able to satisfy standards of independence prescribed in the AMGA's Conflict of Interest Policy.
Please submit your nominations electronically to [email protected] or mail them to:

AMGA BOD Nominations

PO Box 1739
Boulder, CO 80306

All nominations must be received by Thursday, July 8th 2010.

If you have any questions about the Board of Directors, contact Betsy Novak ([email protected]) or Josh Harrod, Membership Director ([email protected]).

* Current Certified Guide, Individual and Certified Single Pitch Instructor/Top Rope Site Manager members are eligible to nominate/vote for the Board of Directors.