A plan of action, innovation and involvement.

• Author: Campbell, James M.
• Position: President's page

The IADC Board of Directors is a hard working group. In my more than four years of service, I have frequently marveled at the deep commitment that every Board member has to the IADC. In addition to monthly telephone conferences, the Board meets at the Midyear Meeting, the Annual Meeting and in April and September at the IADC offices. The April Board meeting (which takes place at the conclusion of the Corporate Counsel College) is particularly important for the President-Elect, who is asked to lead a portion of the meeting regarding future planning and plans for the coming year.

Last year, the IADC experienced substantial change in its staff personnel, staff organization, and administrative policies. We named Mary Beth Kurzak as the Executive Director, and we moved the IADC office. In many ways, the administrative aspects of the IADC were completely rebuilt, and we had the opportunity for a fresh start. At the April 2009 Board meeting, my goal was to ask the Board to consider and question other aspects of the IADC and to examine them critically. I divided the Board into three groups and asked them to consider the following issues:

1. Revenue Sources;

2. Meetings and Seminars; and

3. Publications, Newsletters, Web Site and Social Media.

   Following the three break out sessions, the Board met as a group and discussed each of the issues at length and in detail. Much of the focus of the Board's work in the coming year will be based on the concepts and ideas that were expressed and developed at the April Board meeting.

   Since that meeting, the Board has approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. During this process, the Executive Committee, staff, and Board did an extensive assessment of overhead and fixed costs as well as meeting revenues and expenses. The result was a budget that fiscally responsible and creates a scenario for the best return on investment for both member dues and meeting registrations.

   In assessing the three items above, the Board was able to prioritize its efforts for the year. With these priorities in mind, I have asked each Board member to lead a particular area or issue for the coming year. The assignments are as follows:

1. Jeff Campbell continues as the Board liaison for the Membership and Diversity Committees. With Jeffs leadership, both Committees are working to identify and recruit new members who are deserving of IADC membership.

2. Bill Perry is responsible for compiling and revising the Board Practices manual.

3. Fritz...