AW Board Election Wrap Up

As an organization, American Whitewater is fortunate to have a committed group of volunteer Board of Directors that provides the organization with high-level oversight and strategic direction. To sustain this healthy and vibrant board an effective election process is in place to insure an appropriate transition of Directors over time. This transition process balances the need for fresh ideas with appropriate leadership continuity. Our recent elections concluded on December 15, 2010. Over 370 members cast their votes for new Directors and approved changes to the AW Constitution. Participation in the election process increased greatly through a new online ballot (as compared to past paper ballots printed in the Journal).

New Directors

New board members starting their terms in 2011 include Kent Ford from Colorado and Christopher Hest from California. Geographic diversity was seen as a key issue for AW’s board makeup (California and Colorado have robust stewardship efforts underway and additional bench strength is valuable to help support this important work). Geographic board diversity keeps AW more connected to the local communities where our Directors and members live and play. David Cernicek, Chris Bell and Norwood Scott were also reelected to serve as Directors.

A very special thank you goes out to Aaron Pruzan and Kristine Jackson for their years of service as outgoing AW Board members. Charlie Walbridge enters a new chapter in his involvement with American Whitewater as an Honorary Director. All AW Director terms are posted here.

Bylaws and Constitution Changes

Changes to the AW Constitution were approved during the fall election cycle. The major change to the Constitution is the addition of term limits for Directors. This now limits Directors to no more than 4 consecutive terms (12 years) total and no more than 2 consecutive terms without serving as an officer or key committee chair.

Joining the Board

Serving as an American Whitewater Director is an exceptional opportunity to help foster the continued growth and development of a highly respected nonprofit organization. While serving as a Board Director requires both commitment and energy, it is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and a great way to give something back to the paddling and environmental community.

If you have an interest in serving on American Whitewater’s Board of Directors you can download the current recruitment information package. This will describe the roles and responsibilities of an American Whitewater Director as well as the nomination and election process.