SUGGEST A CANDIDATE FOR NLC’S NATIONAL BOARD

Why is New Leaders Council HQ gathering suggestions for National Board of Directors members?

New Leaders Council values transparency, equity, and accountability. During the CEO listening tour and in feedback surveys since then, NLC alumni have expressed a desire to know more about who serves NLC on its National Board of Directors and how these leaders are selected. To clarify the National Board qualification and selection pipeline and open up this process for alumni to offer suggestions, NLC HQ has created a Suggestion Form and feedback period for our alumni to submit their recommendations. 

When is the suggestion form open? Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022

Do suggested Board members have to be NLC alumni? 

Though we’re proud that alumni serve on the National Board of Directors, potential Board candidates do not have to be an NLC alumni to be considered.

Who are NLC’s current National Board of Directors members?
Our National Board of Directors members include those listed here on Our Leadership page. 

Who are NLC’s current National Advisory Council members?
Our current National Advisory Council members include those listed here on Our Leadership page.

What is the selection process for National Board of Directors members?

In line with our bylaws, the Governance and Nominating Committee, is responsible for vetting suggestions for consideration. The Committee will evaluate prospective candidates and as a collective will decide who to invite for an introductory conversation to learn more about the candidate, hold a broad discussion of roles and responsibilities, and to assess the candidate’s commitment to NLC’s core values. This will be followed by a second group interview of board members and, if applicable, a formal invitation to join the board. The full Board then votes to approve candidates during their quarterly Board meetings.

While not every suggestion will be able to serve on the Board, the Committee will also consider if your suggestion would be a great addition to NLC’s national Advisory Council.

• More on the Advisory Council can be found here.

What is the financial commitment that a Class B Board member must meet? 

Class B Board members need to commit to at least a $10,000 write or raise fundraising commitment for each year they serve on the board. Many current and prior board members secure fundraising donations well above that minimum amount to support the important work of our NLC community. 

What is the term of a Class B Board member on the NLC Board of Directors? Are there term limits? 

Class B directors shall serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Class B directors may be eligible to return to the Board one year after completing their first two terms. 

When and how often does the Board of Directors meet, and in what format? 

The Board holds quarterly Board meetings, with a total of 4 meetings a year. The annual in-person Board meeting is held during the NLC Convention in July/August. Every Board meeting has an option to attend virtually. 

How many board members do the NLC bylaws call for, across how many different classifications?

According to Article IV, Section 4.2 ‘the authorized number of directors shall not be less than 5 nor more than 32, until changed by amendment to the Articles or these Bylaws.’ 

Currently the NLC Board of Directors has 3 Classes. Class A shall be the President of the corporation, ex officio. Class B shall consist of individuals chosen from among persons who, at the sole discretion of the Board, are identified as successful business, civic, and social leaders in their communities. Class C directors shall be the chairs, respectively, of the National Programs Committee, the National Diversity Committee, and the Vice Chairs of the National Programs Committee. 

How many positions are currently filled? 

As of September 2022, the NLC Board of Directors has 18 Class B Board members, and 6 Class C Board members.  

NLC recruits new board members on a calendar basis where an open call is extended every November and December to allow for suggestions received during that time to be considered in a Q1 meeting of voting board members. While this is the specific time of year NLC solicits suggestions, the approval process for new additions to the board is rolling. 

What is the difference between a Class B and Class C Board member?

Class B shall consist of individuals chosen from among persons who, at the sole discretion of the Board, are identified as successful business, civic, and social leaders in their communities. Class B Board members serve with a commitment to write or raised $10K to support NLC. 

Class C directors shall be the chairs, respectively, of the National Programs Committee and the Vice Chairs of the National Programs Committee, who serve on the Board at the discretion of the President & CEO. Class C Board members serve with a commitment to give what they can to the organization, and to donate a significant portion of their time to the volunteer roles on the NPC. 

After I submit my suggestion form, when will I hear back from NLC?

Once you submit your suggestion, that completes your involvement in the process. The Nominations committee of the Board of Directors will take the process forward from there, and will not be responding individually to nominators or informing individuals about the progress or lack of progress their nominee may make. Announcements with introductions of new additions to the Board of Directors will be sent to the entirety of the NLC network in the coming months.