Friday, October 6, 2006
Reams Goodloe
TO: NBUA Membership
From: Reams Goodloe
Date: September 25, 2006
SUBJECT: Board of Directors
In spite of the excellent work of current NBUA Board Members, the organization nevertheless faces ongoing challenges, internally and externally. A fresh perspective in the mix should be effective in assisting the Board to meet those challenges, while helping the organization improve and grow as the premier association for baseball umpires in the Northwest, and beyond.
I believe that I have the communication skills, both written and verbal, to serve on the Board as a representative of the membership of NBUA. I can also help to present the perspective of the newer members, as this is only my third year of NBUA membership. However, I believe that my experience, both professionally, including assisting in the governance of non-profit groups, as well as from my coaching experience up through the Connie Mack level prior to joining NBUA, would enable me to effectively serve the membership as member of the Board of Directors.
What you can expect:
1. Communication: I believe that some of the current issues which are being debated would have benefited from better communication from the Board at the planning stages, rather than simply issued as a "done deal" with the possibility of further corrections. Where feasible, I would advocate that the Board consider using a "notice of proposed policy or rulemaking" to the members, soliciting input, before finalizing changes to organizational practices, so that membership input could be more effectively considered, and surprises to the membership minimized or eliminated.
2. Accurate information: Currently, it seems to many NBUA members that information on the actions or practices of the Board is difficult or impossible to obtain. I would advocate timely communication of accurate information to the membership, whether by "meeting minutes" or otherwise, so that incessant debate without accurate factual details could be minimized. I would encourage Board members to think through and complete Board action in a manner that facilitates timely communication with the membership.
3. Business Judgment: I have run a small business for the last 16 years. The business involves providing business and legal advice to a variety of entities, from individuals up through NYSE listed corporations. I have also provided counsel to non-profit community groups. I can help the NBUA Board flag important aspects of matters that it may want to more carefully consider as it takes up various issues that have been brought to the Board for consideration or resolution.
4. Corporate Citizenship. Although the operation of the NBUA has been delegated to the Board of Directors (formerly the "Trustees"), the "Articles of Incorporation" of NBUA include the provision that "the interest of each... ...member shall be equal to that of any other... ..and no... ...member can acquire any interest which will entitle him to any greater voice, vote, authority, or interest in the corporation than any other member." I will work to help the Board understand the limits of its authority, and the rights reserved for the members. I will assist Board members in acquiring and evaluating relevant information that might influence the Board's decision, or limit (or provide for) its authority or ability to make a decision on various matters.