John Bowman is a tough act to follow (on stage or as Executive Director), but within 10 weeks he will retire and we need the slot filled.
Any suggestions on how we go about doing this?
I understand that there exists a small movement to bring me back (I used to be ED several years ago). I would gladly return if this is what the membership desires but I think there are some Pros and Cons to this suggestion. I will at least delineate what I think is the major Con to my return as ED:
NACHI has gone to great lengths to decentralize. In other words, we’ve taken many steps to become the most member-driven trade organization in the world. Some of these steps I took personally such as my refusing to participate in closed-door meetings, my refusal to engage in lengthy private email or phone conversations with leadership, my refusal to offer my opinion in certain matters, my refusal to micro manage anyone, my refusal to offer guidance to committees and chapters, even my refusal to enter the members-only section of this message board. All this in an effort to allow our members the access and freedom to do and say what they will.
One has to admit… there is no other trade association on earth whereby any member can form his own chapter http://www.nachi.org/form.htm , name his own chapter, recruit members, form a chapter website, hold meetings, hire speakers, offer education, form legislative positions, elect officers, co-op market, lobby, manage the chapter’s own money, create chapter by-laws, and even spin off as a separate legal entity http://www.nachi.org/formalchapter.htm with separate legal counsel as several NACHI Chapters have recently done (Chicago & NY), all without really procuring permission from anyone! NACHI really is a member-driven association, decentralized to the extent that it can be (and still function efficiently).
Having me return as ED is a step toward recentralization IMHO.
Comments? You have 10 weeks to figure out what to do.
Why not have a list of candidates and their platforms. Each Nachi member in good standing can vote. That would be democratic. The voting could be done via the internet?
Now… the next problem… are there any candidates wishing to run for the position?
Can we find any info on the position? That would give everyone an opportunity to see if they have anyone in mind who is qualified, willing, and able…shorten our list of Fools…hehehe
Structure, structure, structure… There must be a current NACHI road map, so to speak as to what the organization was, is and is going to be. There must be a specific, “Documented” job discription for each employee and operational discriptions for each of the individual committees. Interested parties of any quality and integrity will want to know what the job entails and where the organization expects to be taken. A Board of Directors should be elected and the ED should be a paid position. The ED would be responsible for day to day operations of the organization including all staff. Directors should meet monthly, their duties would be oversight of the NOT FOR PROFIT organization, including financial matters, ED and other staff performance reviews and of course providing volunteer services for other committees without conflicting the day to day operations of the ED. You won’t possibly be able to set this up correctly in ten weeks…
There are consulting companies that do nothing other than work with setting up and establishing not for profit organizations. There are consultants that provide start to finish protocols including running the onsight meetings, interviews and evaluations for employing your next ED. There are even specific investment brokerage firms, “Paley Needleman”, for example that work only with not for profit organizations in maintaining the highest integrity investments and portfolio’s so as to protect membership and officers a like.
There is indeed, a lot to do at the worlds largest inspection organization.
NACHI HIRES 4 Regional Directors who work for you (NACHI Corporate)
They are each given a Region of the US. There job to manage and grow the Region.
These same RD’s become sitting members with 1 vote each at the Board of Directors/Advisors Meetings.
The Executive Director is a PAID POSITION and elected by the Members via the message board, but only after all have been mailed a hard copy advising of the election dates.
The ED also sits in at Board Meetings and can cast 1 vote on behalf of Membership.
Each State has 1 State Chapter President (VOLUNTEER or Possible Compensation from State Funds).
All State Chapter Presidents meet Quarterly with the ED.
Each State President has 1 vote on behalf of the State he represents
Each State has MULTIPLE Local Chapter Presidents (VOLUNTEERS).
All Local Chapter Presidents meet Quarterly with the Sate President.
Each Local President has 1 vote on behalf of the Chapter he represents
NACHI Board of Advisors - Need not be members. 5, 7, or 9 Members.
NACHI (you) HIRES 4 Regional Directors who work for you (NACHI Corporate)
They are each given a Region of the US. There job to manage and grow the Region. Provide support to the State Presidents and assist in Regional Marketing and Membership growth.
These same RD’s become sitting members with 1 vote each at the Board of Directors Meetings.
The Executive Director is a PAID POSITION and hopefully at some point elected by the Members via the message board, but only after all have been mailed a hard copy advising of the election dates.
The ED also sits in at Board Meetings and can cast 1 vote on behalf of Membership.
Each State has 1 State Chapter President (VOLUNTEER or Possible Compensation from State Funds).
All State Chapter Presidents meet Quarterly with the ED.
Each State President has 1 vote on behalf of the State he represents
Each State has MULTIPLE Local Chapter Presidents (VOLUNTEERS).
All Local Chapter Presidents meet Quarterly with the State President.
Each Local President has 1 vote on behalf of the Chapter he represents
NACHI Board of Advisors - Need not be members. 5, 7, or 9 Members.
The BOA elects 1 of its members to be the Chairperson.
BOA gets 1 Vote at BOD Meetings.
Nick Gromiko retains the tie breaking vote by holding the even number.
What would happen Nick is that you would still head the Organization with your vision…after all, it’s gotten us this far! The RD’s and ED would then spread that vision to the State Presidents who would the spread it to the Local Chapter Presidents and down to the members.
Members would have the option of having a voice by voting on “needs” and having their State President convey those needs to the ED who would then convey them to the BOA for a vote at the BOD Meetings.
As far as day to day responsibilities for the ED and any qualifications, lets just say that that person has to have a genuine desire and passion for NACHI and its membership. Other than that they do not need to be rocket scientist or have fancy titles or initials next to their names…just a burning desire and ability to carry the NACHI vision to the next level! I believe meeting with the State Presidents, going to Chapter meetings, speaking at diffrent events to rally support to NACHI, etc, will keep that person busy enough.
You Nick would continue to “staff” NACHI to support the needs of the membership as you already do.
Just my two cents…I’m not that educated to give you a nickles worth.
JUst a quick drift here, Nick… what would happen if you passed on, is there a will to leave nachi to someone, or somebodys? Not wanting that to happen to anyone, but was just thinking…what ifs.
Ben, a contingency plan was put in place a couple years ago in the event of my untimely death. There would only be a problem in the short term. If I died tomorrow Chris Morrell takes over all my duties temporarily.
Thanks for the offer, but I currently have my hands full. I was just appointed to a two year term to the Heritage Committee for my municipality, and I promised to help with the CMI, and Canadian Newsletter. I also have my inspection company to run, plus my property management company.
If I took on the role I would be going like a one arm paper hanger with craps!
Actually, Russ - this is also a plan the way most non profits would pursue it…
Harvey’s plan is detailed and institutes some formal structure, but I need to see some job descriptions and specified duties, boundaries on authority, etc. Otherwise, we will have the same thing (personality conflicts and pissing contests) all over again with paid positions and accusations of conflict of interest.
If there is no formal job description, no realistic concept of what is expected, and no support for the authority of the position (see Joe F’s refusal to acknowledge John’s suspension or authority to do so) then there is little point in pursuing Harvey’s (or any) suggestion.
Nick as ED would be polarizing, and I dont think it to be wise - but if the reality is that the ED’s authority will be undermined by Nick’s authority (see the Joe F situation) or if Nick will continue to implement his will then it makes little sense to pretend to have a spearatly empowered ED position when all it is, is window dressing.
Start with a set of by-laws, laying out the ground rules. Abide by the by-laws, and ammend as needed with input from the membership. No man is an island unto himself.
NACHI’s Executive Director
It is essential that the NACHI’s new Executive Director take a leadership role of its key functions, Board of Director initiatives and be focused on ensuring the future sustainability of the association. This will be the major focus of the new Executive Director.
Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading the Membership. The ED will be responsible for leading the overall development and execution of membership growth and related program development. It will be the ED’s role to architect and execute the overall plan for this. The ED will be responsible for working with the Board of Directors to amend the current By-Laws to accommodate additional Board of Director positions, Board of Advisor positions, Committees, working with various organizations and people to identify and nominate new Board Members to the Organization, and lead the overall approach to obtaining major national acceptance from its membership.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**:**
As the ED and as a member of the NACHI’s senior management team, participate in setting association priorities and overall direction for NACHI.
Develop strong working relationships and enhance systems of communication among the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, affiliates/vendors, and staff on key organizational goals and objectives.
Provide day-to-day leadership and management to a wide-ranging organization in a manner that furthers the mission and core values of NACHI.
Review and assist to improve the structure, systems, and governance of the national organization to ensure that it is achieving maximum effectiveness.
Spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes.
Work closely with the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Regional Directors, State Presidents, staff and affiliates/vendors to build more unified programs and objectives.
Work with the NACHI Committees (Membership Advisory Board, Ethics Committeee, Legislative Committee, etc.) to further strengthen relationships with these offices and membership.
Work closely with the Nick Gromiko to foster relationships with members, affiliates/vendors, and staff.
Supervise the State Presidents, the Director of SOP and COE for the Board of Directors.
Work with the National leadership and staff to provide greater support for the Board and its policy-making committees.
In the absence of the Nick Gromiko, assume/assist in maintaining that position.
Ensure that the decisions of the Board Of Directors and the Committee’s are executed in a timely fashion.
Leads the Organization in the development and successful implementation of all National Programs. Will assist in the architect and execution of those programs.
Leads the development of campaigns.
Owns overall operational responsibility for the organizations membership.
Serves as the focal point with public officials and the media. Promotes NACHI through media contacts and events.
Develops strategic alliances and partnerships to further the vision and goals of the association.
Ensures that all ongoing programs are being executed and are meeting schedule and budget commitments.
*]Acts as the principal spokesperson for the association and oversees external affairs, public relations, and media communications.
For those advocating a paid ED: the going rate for an org of our size is in the six figure range. Is that in our budget? If so, does it reflect the best use of funds?
For those advocating wither a paid national search (via an outside source) and/or creation of a strategic plan and HR documents by an outside source: This cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $35,000 depending on the level of involvement and the desired outcome. (at least as of 4 years ago when I last had to use a planning firm).
I have no position on either suggestion - I just want to bring to light some of the costs involved so people can make an informed decision about the various proposals.
