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

2008 Election Candidate Forum: The Questions Question 5: What do you view as the most important responsibilities of a Sierra Club Director? Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question. Lane Boldman One of the most important responsibilities for a Board member is to listen actively, to debate collegially, to build consensus in a professional manner, and then to communicate the results effectively, including a plan for action. I believe I have demonstrated those traits convincingly in my time working directly with the Board and with the Delegates as their Council Chair. A Director needs to ensure that our resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible and to set “big picture” goals for the organization. Most importantly, a Director needs to manage by example, approaching tasks in a clear and thoughtful manner, to be clear about who is responsible and accountable on any given task the Board sets, and to see that the tasks have been accomplished. Joni Bosh Questionnaire Not Returned Clark Buchner Being present to address the issues with a sound mind and the ability to exercise good judgement on behalf of the larger context of the club no matter how uncomfortable that may be would be the prime responsibilty as a director. I would hope as a director, to be guided by the truth, have beauty revealed to me, and that it would result in the good. Jeremy Doochin Most importantly- Representing the interests of the 750,000 Sierra Club members and listening to the concerns of our activists. A vision for the Club and a strong capacity to empower others to take action. Fiduciary responsibilities; managing the $70 million budget. Building coalitions and extending a hand out to people from all walks of life: businesses, unions, students, and faith based organizations. Providing effective leadership skills and the capacity to listen and work well with others, while representing the Club nationally. The ability to efficiently create policy and involve all Club activists in the decision making process. To guide successful political and conservation campaigns. To ensure the longevity and sustainability of the Club. My background as an organizational developer has prepared me in the highest manner to fulfill these responsibilities and more. Jim Dougherty Doing one’s homework and persistently asking “what else can we do?” Clair Tappaan Lodge -  I have consistently supported budgeting a subsidy in order to keep CTL open, a position I will adhere to. Larry Fahn Questionnaire Not Returned Barbara Frank Look at the big picture;  maintain and ensure the financial viability of the organization;  hire and oversee the Executive Director. David Scott First, stewardship: assuring the long-term soundness of the club, which includes helping the club raise revenues and adopt budgets that will support our current work and leave a healthy Sierra Club for future members.  Second, setting broad policy and direction for the Executive Director, other lead staff and volunteer leaders to follow and implement, and holding them accountable for doing what they have committed to do. Third, being a responsible and effective spokesperson for the club.  Fourth, delegating well:  assuring that the Board doesn’t get involved in decisions that don’t need to reach the Board level.  Taking all authority disempowers other volunteers, and good leaders don’t do it. Jerry Sutherland Leadership, fiduciary responsibility, and grass roots empowerment are the Board's greatest responsibilities. Directors must be willing to lead by example. They set the tone for everyone else. The Board cannot continue authorizing multi-million dollar net deficits. I hope the new Climate Recovery Campaign will be successful but the Board should look to see if there are underlying causes of the drop in funding of current campaigns and address any found. New content won't solve process issues. Increased personal involvement by Directors in fundraising efforts may help. We need to engage more of our members who are not active. The Harvard Project showed only 2% participate currently. Directors can help by taking every opportunity to remind activists that their work is appreciated and by continuing to sponsor chapter level training such as the new Leadership Development Project. Matt Urban Directors need to be stewards and evangelists. Stewards mean monitoring and maintaining the financial health of the organization. Evangelists means living the role of Sierra Club Director everywhere, participating hands on in Club fundraising and donor development, and continually looking for new ways to raise funds to support our work. Specifically, Directors should: 1) Understand the current state of the Sierra Club, how it fits into the larger environmental movement, and how to best capitalize on our capacities to affect meaningful change in the world. 2) Understand the financial workings of the Club in such a way as to be able to effectively participate in budget setting and financial development opportunities. 3) Provide leadership to the organization – modeling effective governance, leading by example, communicating effectively within and outside of the organization. 4) Work well with other directors and senior staff. 5) Commit the time necessary to accomplish these items. Nathan Wyeth Questionnaire Not Returned << Question 4   Question 6 >> 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