Annual Meeting
December 7, 2007
The Chapter's Annual Business Meeting was held as part of the Holiday Banquet at the Woman's National Democratic Club at 1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW. Susan Fournier, Chapter President, opened the meeting at 6:55 pm. She thanked Kathryn Ray for sponsoring the meeting at the Woman's National Democratic Club.
President's Report:
Susan reported that the state of the Chapter is excellent and highlighted the following:
- We completed the first full year under the new governance calendar. We conducted the first Fall elections, guided by Sheryl Rosenthal, Nominations Chair, and Ellie Briscoe and Layla Voll, who got the polling system up and running when our sitting Elections Chair became a candidate.
- We engaged in a membership challenge with the New York Chapter, led by then President Shirley Loo. Our chapter surpassed the NY Chapter, which was graciously acknowledged with a cheesecake sent to a Board meeting and a contribution to Lubuto Library project.
- We held more than 70 programs this year. Diane Schnurrpusch put together a calendar that included programs on Second Life, Gems of South Africa, and Idea Mapping. We also offered Click U Live seminars each month; Click U replays of popular sessions; and a book club led by Mary Bowen. The full list of programs can be viewed at the Events Archive on the Web site.
- We used several communications channels:
- Chapter Notes, edited by Lea Wade.
- Events Calendar, which was produced in print by Megan McGuinn and on the Web site by Alison Ince. Alison also began producing the print calendar when Meg left the area.
- Kimberly Allen, Communications Secretary, who publicized our programs to other interested organizations.
- We began to update the Chapter Manual and governance documents and to bring these documents in line with the new governance year. Work will continue into 2008.
This report has been submitted to SLAand will be detailed in a future issue of Chapter Notes.
Susan introduced Erin Clougherty, outgoing Treasurer, and thanked her for her many years of service on the Board.
Treasurer's Report, Erin Clougherty:
Erin remarked that she has enjoyed serving the Chapter and meeting members and other chapter treasurers. She reported on the addition of the Treasurer-Elect position, currently held by Martha Reifschneider. Martha will take over as Treasurer in January and has been great to work with over the past year.
The Treasurer's report is available on the tables tonight. Erinnoted that our checking and savings accounts have been consolidated and moved to Chevy Chase Bank. She reported that the Chapter is in good financial condition.
Awards:
Michael Kolakowski, Scholarship Chair, recognized the following scholarship winners:
- Patricia Sanner was awarded the Catherine A. Jones Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Sanner is a student at The Catholic University of America's School of Library and Information Science.
- Christopher Zammarelli was awarded the InfoCurrent Scholarship. Mr. Zammarelli is a student at the University of Maryland's College of Information Studies.
On behalf of the Awards Committee and Chair Anne Caputo, Susan Fournier announced recipients of awards given in recognition of individuals, members, or others who have made exemplary contributions to the Chapter and the profession:
- Member of the Year - Erin Clougherty: For her innovative practices as DC/SLA Treasurer over two three-year terms, including the introduction of PayPal as a method of payment for events; for the introduction of an Assistant Treasurer as an elected position on the Board; and for her behind-the scenes work to elevate and professionalize the role of our financial officer.
- Board of Directors Award - Janice Lachance: For her role in taking the Chief Executive Office of SLA and the Association to a higher level, particularly her work on relations with other information professional associations; for the regard in which she is held in the association world; and for her role in globalizing SLA and the information profession. Additionally for her innovations within the association and for her high quality management of the association and its business. Nancy Sansalone, SLA CFO & COO, accepted the award on behalf of Janice and conveyed Janice's thanks.
Elections:
Susan reported that DC/SLA is one the few chapters or units that holds contested elections, and remarked that it is testament to the strength of our membership who are willing to take on these volunteer leadership roles. She recognized the following continuing officers:
- Diane Schnurrpusch, President Elect
- Sharon Lenius, Director
- Martha Reifschneider, Assistant Treasurer
- Jenny Wood, Recording Secretary
Susan introduced and recognized the following newly elected Board members:
- Lorraine Bell, Communications Secretary
- Julia Leggett, Director
- Sage Hulsebus, 2nd Vice President:
- Greta Ober-Beauchesne, Vice President/President Elect
Susan gave special recognition to Diane Schnurrpusch for her work coordinating and planning programs for the Chapter, and for her support during Susan's year as President. Susan turned over the Chapter President's gavel to Diane.
Incoming President's Remarks:
Diane thanked Susan and presented a plaque in recognition of and appreciation for her hard work and dedication during her term as President. Diane also thanked the 2007 Board and committee members, particularly Hospitality Co-Chairs, Mary Reusch and Alicia Koundakjian.
Diane congratulated and recognized two chapter members who have recently been elected to the SLA Board of Directors: Susan Fifer Canby, Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect, and Robyn Frank, Division Cabinet Chair.
Diane remarked that she is excited about the upcoming year, and that her vision for the upcoming year includes:
- Continuity: continuing with programs that work well and with a variety programs
- Change: taking advantage of new technologies such as wikis and blogs
- Collaboration: working with other professional organizations on programs that benefit the larger communities, and working with new committee chairs for programming support
Main Address:
Outgoing 2nd Vice President, Gail Kouril, introduced Mike McCurry, who then presented the main address of the evening. He served in the White House as press secretary to President Bill Clinton (1995-1998) and currently is a principal at Public Strategies Washington, Inc. where he provides strategic communications counsel to corporate and non-profit clients.
Adjournment:
Before the conclusion of the meeting, Diane Schnurrpusch recognized the past chapter presidents in attendance.The meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm.
Executive Session:
An executive session of the DC/SLA Board of Directors was held prior to annual business meeting. Sheryl Rosenthal, on behalf of the Nominations Committee, presented the committee's slate of candidates for the SLA Awards and Honors Program.
Martha Reifschneider moved that the recommendations of the Nominations Committee be accepted in full. Erin Clougherty seconded. Motion approved.
Jenny Wood
Recording Secretary