AGM Board Elections
Ananda
Dear ERA members,
At the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, we will elect members of the Board of Directors. Under our bylaws, the Board is chosen by you, the membership. The Steering Committee is serving as the selection committee to help run a fair, transparent process. Here is how it will work.
Seats up for election this year
- One seat currently held by Fred Jennings, whose term has ended (re-election or replacement)
- One seat being vacated by Maya Dutta, who is not seeking re-election
- One seat held by Precious Phiri, who joined mid-term to fill Aniqa Moinuddin's seat and now stands for election in her own right
Standard terms run three years. The Steering Committee may expand the Board if the slate of qualified candidates warrants it.
We have received nominations and had interviews with three ERA member candidates so far, who will be on the slate:
Ivan Sellers, Brian Von Herzon and Mary Olson
What we are looking for
ERA is moving into a phase where scale, capital alignment, and coherent positioning matter more than ever. Board members who can help us build systems, open doors to serious funders, and steward the mission we share are especially welcome. Diversity on our Board is also important; diversity of perspective, gender, geography, and discipline strengthens us.
Timeline
- Now through Friday, May 1 — Nominations still open. Any member may nominate themselves or another member. Reply to this email with the candidate's name, a short statement of interest (2–3 paragraphs), and relevant background.
- May 1 – May 12 — Vetting conversations. The selection committee will meet with every nominee to discuss the role, the commitment, and ERA's direction. We will share our recommendations, but each nominee decides whether to remain on the ballot.
- Monday, May 12 — Slate published. You will receive the final candidate list and each candidate's statement. We will hold a members' candidate forum that week so you can hear directly from every person on the ballot.
- Tuesday, May 27 — Election at the AGM. Ballots will be shared at the AGM and an online voting process will continue for a 10 day period.
To nominate
Reply to this email (anandafi...@gmail.com, co...@ecorestorationalliance.org) by Friday, May 1. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
Questions about the process, the role, or the time commitment? Reply and I will get back to you, or raise it at a Town Hall.
Thank you for being part of this. The next chapter is the one we write together.
Warmly,
Ananda Fitzsimmons
Board Vice Chair, EcoRestoration Alliance
Ananda Fitzsimmons