Executive Committee Meeting

PRESENT: Luke Shorty, Celeste Branham, Pam Proulx-Curry, Tade Sullivan, Jenni Tilton-Flood, Kelsey Preecs, Tilan Copson

Committee members convened at 3:30 pm using virtual meeting platform.

Tilan Copson was present for staff support. Maryalice Crofton sent a message to Committee prior Thursday regarding discussion items.

1. Commissioner Quorum and Attendance

  • Luke Shorty, Celeste Branham, Pam Proulx-Curry, Tade Sullivan, Jenni Tilton-Flood, Kelsey Preecs

2. Key Agenda Items:

  • Executive Director Search
    • Tentative timeline discussed for hiring new executive director
    • Candidate will hopefully begin work by the full Commission Board meeting on April 18th
    • Contingency plans developed if candidate declines offer
    • Discussed having Maryalice serve as contract support
  • Budget and Grant Submission
    • Budget covers various staff positions (director, grant program officer, public information officer, senior planner, management analyst)
    • Motion: Tade moved to approve the proposed budget and submit the federal grant to AmeriCorps for operation funds by April 16th.
      • Second: Pam seconded the motion.
      • Vote: Unanimous.
    • Will be included in commission meeting's consent agenda
    • Discussed potential federal budget uncertainties

3. Upcoming Commission Meeting Agenda:

  • Endorsement of Executive Committee Actions
    • Budget approval and grant submission
    • Will be part of consent agenda
    • Luke to send pre-meeting communication explaining actions
  • Executive Director Search Task Force
    • Motion will be presented to endorse search committee's work
    • Formal approval of new executive director
    • Potential presence of new executive director during meeting
  • Task Force Reports
    • Service Programs: Potential Governor's Service Awards recommendation
    • Public Policy: Report on congressional office visit and Morgan's bill status
    • Institutional Effectiveness Task Force: Next steps report
  • Potential update from AG's office on ongoing litigation

4. Congressional Meeting Planning:

  • Working on finalizing plans, time and invitations
  • Site visit is not on site at Alpha Legal but rather in Augusta
  • Meeting scheduled for April 15th
  • Engaging with Senator Collins, Representative Golden's offices and others is ongoing
  • Possible staff support, need for materials from Diane and Tom’s visit to D.C. to hand out, tablecloths, displays and backdrop for photo opportunities

5. Board Member Terms:

  • Pam assigned to contact commissioners with expiring terms
  • Discussed potential renewals and transitions
  • Identified commissioners with terms ending in 2025

6. Additional Discussions:

  • Discussed logistics of introducing new executive director at next Commission meeting
  • Communication strategies for endorsement of new ED, emphasizing the importance of the commission’s voice in the transition process
  • Meeting frequency for federal legislation task force, considering the need for more frequent meetings due to potential federal budget changes. Support for having a standing weekly meeting notice with the ability to adapt or change frequency based on legislative developments
  • Calendar invitations requested for standing meetings

General Reflections: welcomed new executive committee members, discussed meeting processes and communication, and emphasized transparency and strategic planning. The meeting was focused on preparing for upcoming organizational transitions and meetings, with particular emphasis on the executive director’s search and budget submission.

There being no other issues to discuss, the meeting ended at 4:29 pm.