Regionalization Corner.

• Author: Shunk, Marcie
• Position: LMA NEWS

In case you missed the memo (actual email sent October 23rd) the LMA Board of Directors has approved the move to a regional structure beginning January 1, 2017. This change was an outgrowth of the One LMA initiative that included interviews with over 100 chapter leaders regarding factors that inhibit chapter leadership participation. At its core, regionalization is about delivering greater member value and increased collaboration across the association.

To implement this change, several dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly to define details of our new organizational structure. This Regional Implementation Task Force (RITF) has recommended, and the board has adopted, a structure with one legally incorporated LMA entity and six unincorporated regions in the United States. (See included map.) The structural implications of regionalization for Canada will be announced later this year.

Additionally, the board has approved regional board composition and leadership selection guidelines that include the selection of Regional Nominating Committees for each new region. These committees, comprised of recent past chapter presidents, will be responsible...