Committee members convened at 3:30 pm using virtual meeting platform.
PRESENT: Luke Shorty, Celeste Branham, Jenni Tilton-Flood, Diane Lebson, Bill Guindon, Pam Proulx-Curry, Maryalice Crofton
Discussion items.
Timeline for appointment recommendations. Maryalice spoke with the Director of Boards and Commissions. The recommendations have not been processed but he hopes to bring them to the Governor before the Commission’s September meeting.
Staff report on results of changes in Maine Volunteer Leadership conference. There were 250 registrants for the MVLC and, in a change, most were not AmeriCorps members. The content was well received and attendees were not aware of the hiccups behind the scenes. Offering mileage reimbursement seemed to make a difference but, since that cost is being covered by the Dept of Education, it is one the organizers will have to add to budget in future years. Evaluation of the overall conference is out and results on the date move will be available in September.
AmeriCorps 30th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion. This will take place 9/27/2024 in the morning at the Blaine House in Augusta and there is a strong possibility the Governor will be present. Jamie and Tilan are organizing it. Alums have been invited. Commissioners are asked to attend.
Retreat plan. The site is Thomas College for both the retreat and business meeting. A draft outline of content was sent by Kaira to this committee. She would like feedback it. Comments centered around the transition section of the agenda. Discussion is not just about move to new fiscal agent but needs to include what board should look for in next Executive Director (attributes), the need to hold firm to Commission identity so it is not lost (redefined) during the transition, and acknowledge postponement of strategic planning until late 2025. Luke will lead this section with Kaira.
2024-2025 meeting schedule. The board meeting schedule is partially built around grant due dates set by the federal agency because the Commission needs time to vote on budgets or grant awards. Members decided that the additional issues needing board attention this year warrant meeting more frequently and not skipping the usual three months. The proposed schedule will be September/October/December 2024 and January through June 2025.
September agenda items to date: adoption of meeting schedule, grant award votes, consideration of the Maine Volunteer Foundation MOU/workplan with the Commission, and adoption of the Program Committee mission.
Actions in support of AmeriCorps funding restoration. Congressional actions on the federal AmeriCorps agency budget are unchanged. The House budget committee adopted severe reductions that would close the agency. The Senate has not marked up the budget yet.
Other. Most task forces did not meet in July. It was noted that Tilan Copson joined the Commission staff as acting-Public Information Officer on July 29. This ends a 15-month vacancy in the position responsible for communications.
Members were informed that the Commission will be part of a workforce development grant thanks to the efforts of Kirsten Brewer. The grant was made to Service Year Alliance and $12,000 for training will flow to the Commission.
The next Executive Committee meeting is September 3, 2024.
There being no other items for discussion, members adjourned at 4:25 pm.