Board of Directors Main 2008 Election Meeting Sites & Dates Officers and Directors Election Results, 1998-present

2008 Election Candidate Forum: The Questions Question 4: What special abilities would you bring to Sierra Club leadership? Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question. Lane Boldman •My proven ability as a consensus builder, bringing leaders together, working in a productive manner. •My professional skills in communications and media, where I will focus on improving our internal communication and our electronic outreach needs. •My experience as representative of the grassroots leadership, from my time as Chair of the Council of Club Leaders. We currently have a gap in coordinating between National and Local programs. My unique vantage point gives me the best ability to bridge that divide. As a Board member, I will come with the experience of having an immediate and personal connection to each and every Board Governance Committee, Chapter and the Sierra Student Coalition because of my work as Chair of the Council. •Due to my successful national victories while Chair of my local Chapter, I bring conservation and issue expertise, but also proven administrative skills. Joni Bosh Questionnaire Not Returned Clark Buchner I have experience in working with other environmental groups. I was a founder and officer of the Houston (TX) Consortium for the Future, The Friends of Shelby Farms (4500 acre park), and CommonSense, Inc. (brought convenience  recycling to Memphis, TN). I served on the board of Meadowcreek (an environmental center in Fox, Arkansas), Tennessee Recycling Council, and the Tennessee Environmental Council. I bring those experiences with me as well as my skills as an architect which are useful in dealing with complex patterns in such a way as to help reorder such components  to work more effectively in new structures as well as meeting the challenges of interfacing changes in existing fabrics that require alterations. I hold memberships in AIA and the Memphis Green Building Council. Jeremy Doochin As a 20 year old college student, I bring an extensive background and involvement working with youth, including the ability to effectively recruit and train young leaders to become active within the Club. The experience of having conceived and built multiple large environmental and social action organizations. I understand organizational models, leadership, and how to best work with individuals from all walks of life. A wide knowledge of environmental issues, combined with experience from working with a wide array of non-profits both science & policy based. The keen ability to work with and listen to people, problem solve, and organize large grassroots efforts. A knowledge of budgets, fundraising, and organizational management. The ability to perceive a societal need and to create an organization or program to meet that need. A passion for working with individuals to empower communities to seek better solutions. Jim Dougherty I have 30 years experience as an environmental lawyer and volunteer activist/leader (i.e., day and night since 1978).  I have led more than a dozen campaigns to stop bad projects (e.g., highways through parks) or promote positive solutions (e.g., tree-protection legislation). I strive to bring to my Board (and other committee) service a passion for the work and a commitment to our shared vision.   I am seen as something of a “gadfly” on the current Board.  I am dissatisfied with the pace, intensity, and creativity of our current global warming (or “climate change,” in Club vernacular) campaign.  I dissent from our current plan to allow our membership to decline to 700,000 from its high of 800,000.  I am concerned that the Club is losing touch with its volunteer, grassroots traditions. I am an ardent wilderness lover and backpacker, as well as a semi-professional landscape photographer. Larry Fahn Questionnaire Not Returned Barbara Frank I have staying power. I am a team player.   I do my homework. I like to think outside the box.   I like looking at the big picture.   I am a consensus builder.   My preferred role is  as a “ servant leader”, with the work being what drives me.    Receiving a Special Service Award from the National Sierra Club , being honored by my Chapter, being named Wisconsin's Conservationist of the Year, along with  numerous other awards attest to my leadership qualities and capabilities. David Scott I’ve worked for twenty years as a poverty lawyer, helping people avoid homelessness, get medical care -- helping people survive in a society that is increasingly difficult for the poor.  I have also taught university writing courses. As a lawyer, I understand legislation, the courts, and the regulatory process.  As a poverty lawyer, I also understand the needs of an “other America” that is still a world apart from mainstream environmental organizations.   Many of my clients are minorities or disabled. I bring an informed perspective to club discussions about diversity and environmental justice.   My writing skills would help my Board work immeasurably.  Our Energy Policy and our Farmworker Support Resolution are both better documents because of my efforts.  I’ve had letters published in the New York Times and Newsweek, opinion pieces in Ohio newspapers and articles in various Club publications.  I can be an articulate voice for the Club. Jerry Sutherland I am the only candidate from the Pacific Northwest, an important region of the country that is not represented on the Board. I am familiar with both the national and local level of Club work and understand what makes them work best. My Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and background in technical sales help me work effectively with fellow leaders and staff.  I know how to campaign, as evidenced by earning a spot on this year's ballot by gathering over 700 signatures. Petition candidacy is a time-honored, grassroots approach that Jennifer Ferenstein (past President; current director) and Jan O'Connell (past Vice President) both used in their first successful elections.  I dive into new challenges with vigor. Finally, my Associates Degree in Business Administration gives me an advantage in working with complex Club finances. Matt Urban I have strong “high-tech” expertise, and for the past 12 years I’ve been CEO of Mobius New Media, a respected and growing interactive marketing firm. From that experience I bring both an understanding of new media communication technologies, but also a solid foundation in financial management and what it takes to run a successful business. On a personal level, I don’t push my personal agenda over the views and wishes of the group, and I really do believe in the strength of group over personal views. I have a strong sense of integrity and people can count on me to deliver. Finally, my natural instinct is to always look at the big picture and understand all facets involved in any decision. I think those are all very positive attributes that I would bring to the Board of Directors that would positively impact the Club and our work. Nathan Wyeth Questionnaire Not Returned << Question 3   Question 5 >> Show all questions Show all candidates Back to Candidate Forum Main Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club