By now most of you have probably read the "Governance Reform for the RCCO" article in the latest Issue of "Organ Canada/Orgue Canada". Those who are involved on the Board of Directors and other leadership groups within the College put much thought and time into the new model. This new model provides opportunities for individuals with specific skill sets to share their expertise as a member of the Board of Directors. The final step to implementation will be the ratification of the new model by the membership at a special meeting of members in the New Year. We are confident this new structure will position the College well to sustain itself and grow into the future.

To facilitate the preparation of the slate and to ensure that the process is open to all members, the Nominating Committee is now issuing a Call for Nominations. This is truly an opportunity to contribute to the organ music community, to be challenged, and to develop and share your professional knowledge and expertise. (See below for the list of openings.) To be considered, please submit your nomination to Rick Morgan, the Chair of the Nominating Committee, at gf.rick.morgan@gmail.com no later than 11:59 PM ET on January 12, 2022.

Nominations are being sought for the following positions on the Board of Directors:

1. President
2. President-Elect
3. Director-at-Large (Chair of Marketing)
4. Director-at-Large (Chair of Advocacy)
5. Director-at-Large (Chair of Development)
6. Director-at-Large (Chair of Governance)
7. Director-at-Large (Chair of Communications)
8. Director-at-Large (Chair of Programming)

Descriptions of these positions can be found at the bottom of this message.

The RCCO Board is responsible for providing overall leadership, strategic direction and fiduciary oversight for the ongoing operation and health of the organization. The Board is run exclusively by volunteers, and Directors have a critical stewardship role. Board members act collaboratively in the achievement of the organization’s goals, in alignment with the overall strategic plan. In addition to this shared responsibility each Director has a specific role.

All Directors must be a College member, but they do not have to be a member to be nominated. As Peter Nikiforuk has stated “a majority of the Board of Directors will always be coming from the existing membership of the College”. But feel free to nominate non-members who may bring new sets of skills to our Board. Non-members will be required to become members in order to stand for election. Existing Directors may also be nominated to serve on the new Board.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The RCCO is firmly committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity at all levels of the organization. We believe our work is enhanced by engaging a diverse community of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, opinions, and perspectives, thereby cultivating a welcoming environment of open communication, inclusion, and respect and we will strive to seek representation from BIPOC and other underrepresented and equity-seeking communities in leadership roles and throughout our organization.

President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall be responsible for implementing the strategic plans and policies of the Corporation. The President shall be a director, shall serve as the chair of the Board, the National Council, and of the Centre Presidents Council and subject to the authority of the Board, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation.

President-Elect
The President-Elect shall act in the place of the President in the event that the President is unable to fulfill the duties of that office, and shall act on behalf of the President when requested to do so by the President. The President-Elect shall be a director, shall serve as vice-chair of the Board and as an ex officio member of the Regional Council.

Chair of Advocacy
The Chair of Advocacy will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to raise awareness and visibility for the RCCO and the work that we do and will advocate to the public, external organizations, and governmental bodies to implement policies that will further the RCCO vision and mission.

Chair of Communications
The Chair of Communications will develop a comprehensive strategy for internal and external communications and create a communications plan that leverages and integrates all communication and social media platforms that will engage members as well as the general public.

Chair of Development
The Chair of Development is responsible for creating a comprehensive fundraising plan to secure funding through donations and fundraising initiatives that will build revenue capacity and meets the financial needs of the College. Duties include identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual donors, corporate, and/or foundation gifts and overseeing the submission of grant applications.

Chair of Governance
The Chair of Governance ensures that all governance and policy documents are up to date and that the College complies with governmental legislation to meet our regulatory and constitutional requirements. The Chair of Governance also conducts the annual board self-evaluation for the purpose of improving board effectiveness. This position requires knowledge of applicable not-for-profit legislation and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Chair of Marketing
The Chair of Marketing work collaboratively with the Board and Executive Director to design branding, positioning, and promotional material and is responsible for ensuring the RCCO brand messaging is strong and consistent across all platforms and levels of governance and will create a marketing strategy in alignment with the Strategic Plan that will reach new audiences.

Chair of Programming
The Chair of Programming will provide oversight of College programming for the purpose of strengthening existing programs, retiring underutilized or outdated programs, and developing new initiatives that align with the strategic direction, vision and mission of the College. The Chair of Programming will also serve as the Chair of the Programming Council which is comprised of the Chairs of the various College Committees.