Rationale Behind the Proposed Changes to the ABRF By-Laws

February 1, 2021

As a follow-up to our earlier notice, the ABRF Executive Board (EB) is
proposing two significant changes to our current By-Laws as they relate to the
term length and composition of the EB.

The first is to change the term length for EB members from the current 4-year
term to a 3-year term that can be extended to 6 years.  The change in term
length is largely in response to the increasing number of EB board members who
are not able to fulfill their entire 4-year terms.  We looked at other board
models and the 3/6 model fit the best with how we have been managing early
retirements from our board.  Currently, board members who step off the board
have been replaced by another board member that has already completed their
4-year term.  The 3/6 model provides new Board members with a shorter time
commitment, but enables the ABRF to retain highly engaged leaders beyond four
years.

We expect that the shorter terms would permit the board to be nimbler in
addressing and maintaining diversity (e.g., race, gender, expertise, location)
to have a board that represents all members.  The board will be making the
decision on whether a current member would be permitted to serve a second
3-year term.  The composition of the board and its needs would be a major
consideration on whether a board member would serve a second three-year term.

The change in term limits would begin to be applied to those board members who
are elected in the 2021 election this Fall.  The current and newly elected EB
members would not be eligible to participate in this term change.

The second change is to add an individual from the Chapters and Affiliates
Board (CAAB) as a voting member of the EB. Since the chapters and the full ABRF
are using the same resources for money and meeting management, the EB believed
strongly that it was appropriate for chapters to have a direct voice in how
these resources are managed.

A Discussion Forum has been set up for members to share their comments and
concerns about the suggested By-Law changes.
http://list.abrf.org/groups/abrf-by-laws-update/
Also, you can send your comments to the Executive Board.  Please share your
comments and concerns by February 19th.

Thank you and the EB looks forward to your feedback.

ABRF Executive Board