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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe nomination period has begun for the 2018 Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and Kevin McGoff, Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, has been appointed to chair the effort. McGoff, who is a past president of the association, will lead a committee of members in selecting a slate of officers for the coming year.
Letters of interest or the nomination form found at indybar.org/board should be submitted by July 1. Letters of interest or nomination forms submitted to the nominating committee on your own behalf are encouraged, as well as nominations of colleagues.
The following vacancies currently exist for the coming year and must be filled by an attorney member:
1st Vice President (serves one-year term and will automatically assume the office of President-elect in 2019)
Treasurer (two-year term, 2018 and 2019)
At-Large Member of Board of Managers (five positions, each two-year terms, 2018 and 2019)
IndyBar members wishing to seek election outside the nominating process may file a petition ballot which is now available at the bar office. To be valid, the petition must be filed by July 1 and must contain the signatures of at least 50 attorney members of the Indianapolis Bar Association.
Learn More: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the ideal board candidate?
There is no “ideal” board candidate. Instead, the IndyBar wants its board to include individuals with diverse practice and life backgrounds so that the board can make well-rounded decisions that reflect the entire membership. The association seeks true diversity in its board, while recognizing leadership and service to the association.
What do board volunteers do?
Board members are responsible for strategically thinking, planning and evaluating on behalf of the association. While association staff and volunteers typically execute IndyBar programs, the board is responsible for adding energy to the ideas and policies generated, elevating the positive profile of the association and its endeavors, and planning for the needs of central Indiana lawyers. Excellent board members are prepared, keep their commitments, speak their minds, build relationships within the board, adapt personal experiences to make the association more dynamic and understand the resources available within the association.
What do board volunteers get in return for their service?
Previous IndyBar Board members have attested to the tremendous value of board service. In addition to impressive line items for their resumes, they have reported significant professional and personal benefits, including: the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from community leaders; the chance to share their own knowledge, expertise and training with others; professional recognition that elevates their stature within the community at large; valuable work experience that opens the door to new career opportunities; and relationships with new friends and lifelong mentors.
How much time does board service require?
Although board members must be willing to invest time preparing for and thoughtfully participating in board meetings, the time commitment is not onerous. The board meets at least nine times a year for no more than one and a half hours, has a two-and-a half-hour summer assessment progress meeting and holds an overnight planning retreat every November. Board members are expected to attend the Bench Bar Conference and serve as a board liaison to a committee or working group and miscellaneous other educational programs and activities.
How do I nominate a candidate?
Complete the online nomination at indybar.org/board. The IndyBar will then contact the candidate with the link to the board application.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. IndyBar members may nominate themselves for board service by following the same procedures they would use in order to nominate someone else.
What’s the nomination process?
Submit your nomination at indybar.org/board through July 1. Nominated members will be asked to supply more information to the nominating committee no later than mid-July. The committee will review the nominations based on the criteria and will request interviews with all candidates no later than late-July. All IndyBar members submitting letters of interest will receive an interview. Once interviews are completed, the committee will then recommend one candidate per position for the slate, which will be presented at the September board meeting. The board of directors will vote on the slate, and it will be posted on the IndyBar website within 10 business days.
What if I’m nominated, but not selected?
There are usually more applicants than spots available, so it is likely that well-qualified, interviewed candidates will not be slated. A member of the nominating committee will telephone all interviewed candidates with the goal of speaking with each within five business days. Those not slated will be given the contact information for the President-Elect and will be encouraged to discuss the myriad other volunteer opportunities within the IndyBar for the coming year. It is the association’s goal to enhance the engagement opportunities for all members.
Who can answer other questions that I have?
For more information about the nominating process, or about nominating criteria, contact IndyBar Executive Director Julie Armstrong at [email protected] or 317-269-2000.•
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