GUFC Board and Committees

General Duties of the Board of Directors

The Board manages the affairs of the organization, and board members are the ultimate stewards of the Council's mission, programs and policies. Board members are expected to attend the four Quarterly Meetings of the Council membership (the 4th meeting being the Annual Conference) in addition to Board Meetings approximately 2 weeks prior to the regular meetings. Board members are also ambassadors of the organization, representing the Council and its programs throughout Georgia and bringing new members and constituents to our group.

The organization's Standing Committees include Executive, Finance, Nominations, Membership, Governance and Educational Resources. Other committees include Annual Awards, Grants, Education, Landmark & Historic Trees, and Conference Committee. Typically, these committees are chaired by board members, though others may serve on them as well.

Election to the board is an opportunity to participate on the front line of community forestry in Georgia.

2008 Committees: Finance Nominating Membership Governance Awards Grants Educational Resources Landmark & Historic Trees

Finance
Chair: Scott Souder

Chaired by the Treasurer to manage the financial affairs, business and policies of the corporation. Ensures all necessary legal forms are filed. Helps develop and update accounting, tax and legal procedures for Council, Council employees, and Council contractors. Establishes and monitors the Council's fiscal year budget. Interacts closely with all committees with respect to allocations. Prepares income statements and balance sheets for the Board of Directors at meeting intervals . Conducts an annual internal audit or ensures external audit by CPA has been accomplished and was satisfactory.

Nominating
Chair: Sarah Visser, Past-President

This Committee ensures a sustained and viable operation by overseeing and managing board leadership. Seeking a board that can best facilitate the mission and programs of the Council, this committee develops and prepares a slate of candidates, contacts all candidates to ensure a level of commitment and willingness and ability to serve, submits the slate to board members for board vote, submits a slate of officers to the general membership for their vote, informs candidates of results and ensures that the presentations are made at the Annual Conference or other appropriate time.

Membership
Chair: India Shahid

Works closely with the Executive Director and Board to institute and improve membership processes; rewrite and republish as necessary the membership documents, brochures, recruitment packages, etc.; ensure timely mailings of renewal letters and membership cards; target potential new members; and helps to prepare membership database and directory.

Governance
Chair: Sarah Visser, Past-President

Addresses Council procedural issues as requested by the membership or Board of Directors. Researches and recommends procedures for changing By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, etc. as needed. Ensures that proper requirements are being fulfilled each year, such as Annual Reports filed, nomination procedures done as specified by By-Laws. Generally makes sure that the Council is operating under correct policies and procedures.

Awards
Chair: Eric King

Promotes, coordinates and creates all aspects of the awards process. This includes publication and mailing of the nomination brochure, selection of nominees, reviewing and deciding the awardees and notification to them. Works with the publicity committee on publicizing the event and receiving press coverage. Works with the Conference Committee for awards luncheon location, presentation arrangements and all associated tasks to do with the awards ceremony. Responsible for identifying the tree that will be painted for the awards and commissions the painter, or suggests and arranges for alternative award.

Grants
Chair: Sarah Visser

Works with committee to implement GUFC's "Tree Legacy Grant Program," (funding from the Home Depot Foundation) which assists Georgia communities in tree planting projects mitigating environmental issues. Also works with the Georgia Forestry Commission to review Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant applications. Promotes grant opportunities in local areas and provides technical assistance in preparing grant applications.

Educational Resources
Chair: Eric King, President-Elect

Facilitate ideas and develop educational programming to further the Council's mission. Works closely with the Executive Director to identify and market programs to target groups.

Landmark & Historic Tree Register

Responsible for promotion, researching, receiving nominations and reviewing applications for tree nominations. Assembles an award ceremony, certificate or plaque. Maintains records of Landmark and Historic Trees in perpetuity.