Board Director Election 2024
Four Candidates for Director
Vote for Two
59 GeeVee
52 Nina
52 Nina
32 Pam
23 Ed
(see below for full text)
After receiving the above in the mail,
and finding it inadequate,
the following day I submitted three questions to all four candidates.
Had I started a month earlier -- there would have been more questions,
some from people other than myself,
and nothing would have been published until all four candidates had responded.
Many thanks to President Fullerton for emailing the link to all voting members.
Hopefully; something like a board recruitment committee will be around
to facilitate the 2025 election. --- Chris Miller
BEYOND THE BIOGRAPHIES….
Here are the replies
in the order in which they were received
*********** NINA VIDMER ************
What, if any, would be the first changes you would try to make if elected/re-elected? I would like to focus on rewriting the bylaws and drafting policies that include best practices, comply with the mandates of the State of Illinois, as well as those that are ethically sound and necessary. I also advocate for term limits for board members, as new perspectives and fresh ideas are crucial for organizational growth. Additionally, I propose an annual requirement for board and staff members to sign a Conflict-of-Interest Statement to prevent real or perceived conflicts in hiring employees, contractors, or for other vendor services.
I propose that the board begins recruiting more Artist Members to committees rather than generally working as a committee of the whole, allowing these folks to be vetted before advancing to board positions and giving them opportunities to share their views.
Board and staff members should also receive education on best practices, policies, and guidelines, either through materials or by attending workshops, such as those offered by ASAE or the Association Forum. More board and staff education will help them in making informed decisions.
Once the above foundational steps are in place, developing a strategic plan is advisable to identify long-term goals and conduct a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to set a future course of action to ensure the longevity of the Academy.
What would you contribute over your term ?
As a longtime executive director of several organizations, I have a unique perspective to share with fellow board members. I also possess numerous templates and samples of best practices, as well as institutional knowledge of more than 30 years in this field. Working on the bylaws, policy development, and future planning is something I deeply enjoy, and I will gladly contribute to these efforts during my term.
Would an elections committee be a good idea? Their job being to recruit people to run and maybe even ask questions like mine - with answers published on a website for all voting members to see,
I believe it is important to establish a Nomination Committee that works months in advance of the election in vetting candidates and to prepare a slate. There should be a Call for Nominations, allowing for self-nominations or by others, followed by an announcement of the slate selected by the Nomination Committee at least 30 days prior to the election. In accordance with Robert’s Rules, there should also be an opportunity for nominations from the floor.
I’m a fan of electronic elections, though paper ballots can be mailed to those who are not tech-savvy – they reach more people and saves mailing and postage costs. I have successfully used ElectionRunner, which quickly compiles results, allows for reminder emails, and maintains anonymity while tracking those who voted. This method reduces the need for proxy ballots, which can be complicated.
I like the idea of publishing answers on a member webpage. One of my organizations included videos of each candidate along with their bios on the election landing page, which was very well received by the membership. This webpage could also feature answers to questions for all members to view.
******GLORIA MEYER******
What, if any, would be the first changes you would try to make if elected/re-elected?
What would you contribute over your term ?
Develop the Education Committee as it is in its infancy right now.
Would an elections committee be a good idea? Their job being to recruit people to run and maybe even ask questions like mine - with answers published on a website for all voting members to see,
Yes!
Until I’m in such a position and have better understanding of all issues important to the members and know their views, I will be open minded and in a mode of learning.
******PAM GIBSON******
(incumbent)
What, if any, would be the first changes you would try to make if elected/re-elected?
What would you contribute over your term ?
Would an elections committee be a good idea? Their job being to recruit people to run and maybe even ask questions like mine - with answers published on a website for all voting members to see,
Committees in general are a good idea, although their effectiveness depends upon their composition. I would not favor making such a committee the ONLY avenue to becoming a candidate: I do not favor gatekeepers.
You did not ask what I think are the most pressing issues currently for the Board of Directors. For this, I would say: A. Choice of investment manager for our investment accounts. B. Repair of water leak to our main building. C. Increase P &C social media footprint.
**************
ED ZAWACKI
What, if any, would be the first changes you would try to make if elected/re-elected?
If elected, one of the things I would like to advocate for is for the Palette to follow the bylaws that are already in place. The bylaws call for a number of standing committees that any member is supposed to be able to volunteer to serve on, yet these committees do not currently exist. Committees specifically called for in the by-laws are: Ongoing Education Committee; Special Programs Committee; Exhibitions Committee; Building and Grounds Committee; Membership Committee; Fundraising Committee; and Studio Committee.
In addition, the bylaws already call for: "The Board of Directors shall establish a recruiting advisory group each January. The purpose of the recruiting advisory group shall be to prepare a list of Voting Members who are willing to serve either in the capacity of Director or Officer and to stand for election at the next annual or voting meeting." which is in direct answer to Chris' third question.
Yes, I would advocate for this.
Our bylaws are the legal rules by which our non-profit organization is supposed to operate. We do not (and should not) simply ignore them.
If the bylaws are considered obsolete by the members, they should be updated, but never ignored. If we do decide to update them, we need to be careful just as we would be careful when updating the constitution, as the by-laws not only outline how our non-profit organization operates, but also outline duties, responsibilities, and protections.
What would you contribute over your term ?
The second thing I would like to accomplish is to improve communication. Communication should flow both ways and be consistent. Only by surveying our members, can we determine other changes that we would all like to see made. I *think* I know what some things that people would like to see change, but it would be nice to survey and understand the concerns of members before taking action.
********. Text of the biographies*********
Antonina (Nina) Albano Vidmer
Nina Albano Vidmer has been the principal of Chicago-based NAV and Associates (NAV) since 1992, serving as executive director and/or administrator for non-profit organizations. These services m include association management. meeting planning. causational programns and conferences, program development and implementation of special projects. Clients include the American Ostcopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine, the Illinois Real estate lawyers Association, Workers Compensation Lawyers Association, National Academy of Elder Law Altorneys, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries. Dulage county estate Planning Council, Greater Northshore estate and Financial PlanningCouncil, Veterans' Legal Aid Socicty: as well as two federal SAMHSA grants educating providers on addiction medicine.
Pamela Gibson is an east coast transplant who has been a longtime artist member and Board member of the P and C. She is retired from over thirty years of the practice of law, where she specialized in international corporate tax litigation. In the early 1990's, Ms. Gibson served as Treasurer and Board Member of The Three Arts Club. Earlier, she was elected to two terms on the City Council of Franklin, Massachusetts. She is most interested in working to keep the P & C in sound physical and financial condition for future generations. Pam Gibson credits her artistic achievements to the nurturing of her extended family of artists and fine craftsmen. for whom anything which DID NOT get up and walk away was fair game for paint.
Nina also writes an advice column under the pseudonym Cara Zia for Fra Noi, the publication of choice for Chicago’s Italian-American community. A resident of Chicago, Nina has two children, Vincent (Lauren) and Grace (Matt), and five crandchildren. She enjoys cycling and studies at the Palette and Chisel Academy in Chicago.
Ed Zawacki
I've been a member of the Palette since January 2018 and have been grateful for the environment and opportunities it provides to practice and improve. During my time as a member. I've taken classes and attended open studio of all types including sculpture. quick sketch, and long pose. During 2021-2022. 1 co-monitored the Friday Zoom portrait session with my wife, Helen Chang. Along the way, I've also monitored as a substitute for long pose and sculpture sessions, I also regularly attended open studio on both Fridays and Sundays for a long time. Finally, both my wife and I have volunteered to help with Palette activities, the most recent being the 2022 Memorial Day Model Marathon. have both experience and awareness of the current situation and issues as well as the concerns of members at the Palette. Outside of the Palette: recently (October 2022) retired from my 36+ year career at the University of Illinois Chicago. At UIC, I served as the Chief information Security and Privacy Officer for the last 15 years. From 2019- 2022. I also doubled as the Director of Enterprise Systems. I'm running for a seat on the board of directors because I value what I've seen at the Palette. yet I am also aware that there are issues that need to be addressed. I’d like to work with the board to help move the Palette forward into the 21st century. Yes, we have a web site and limited social media presence, but there's much more that we can be doing to improve the social media and Zoom presence to benefit both the Palette as well as our members. I believe that member communication has also been an issue and that we can and should do better. We should survey our members to find out what's working and what's not. as well as ask for new ideas on how to improve the Palette. I am not an instructor and do not have any plans to become an instructor. The board has enough instructors on it. We need some regular member representation as well who have no stake in this other than to help improve the Palette and help it run professionally. A good Board should consist of members with different ideas, as discussion of new topics and directions makes an institution a better and stronger place. If elected to the board, I would strive to represent all interests. I would advocate for regular input from members (when was the last time you were asked for your opinion?) and better communication. Not just communication about workshops and classes, but news about what's being discussed on the board and what is happening with members. Advance notice so that you can plan your schedule when it might be affected. I would like to work to bring the Palette into this century. I would listen to what members have to say and discuss the pros and cons of issues. Please support me with your vote and together we can make the Palette an even better place than it already is. Thank you.
Gloria Segura Meyer
Objective
Versatile and dedicated professional with a passion for art seeking opportunities to contribute creativity and administrative expertise in the Palette & Chisel's involvement and exposure in the art community.
Overview
Gloria Segura Meyer (Gee Vee) grew up on the island of Cebu, Philippines, back in the time when this region of the country was a quiet province, and in her case, simple housing with eight older siblings, a parade of cousins, aunties, uncles and suitors with interest in one (at least) of the six female siblings. Order in the house was maintained by her Mom and older sisters, and not her WW2 veteran, full Colonel, father.
Starting an early age, GeeVee had a strong love for art, but was unable to pursue it academically until much later. Self-taught until she immigrated to the United States, she began to take classes and workshops starting about the age of 30. A partial list of her training programs include: • Matsuda Sensei, Hiroshima Japan • Jon Onye Lockard • David Gista • Rob Liberace • Various artists, -Studio Incaminati, -Florence Italy
Prior Professional Involvement and Education
In addition to her focus on creating art, GeeVee has had relevant professional and voluntary involvement in many activities, including: • Craven Arts Council. North Carolina, Board Member; headed committee for one of the Arts Festival for Craven County • Coastal Carolina Classrooms, North Carolina, Board Member • Hiroshima International School, Board Member • Executive and administrate assistants at Chi Systems, Ann Arbor Michigan, Airfund Corporation, Lexington, MA and Reilly Financial Planning, Lexington,MA • University of San Carlos, Colegio de San Jose Recoletos, BA in Marketing
Current Life
Today, Gee Vee spends most of her time in Chicago, but also in eastern North Carolina as well as traveling with her husband of 38 years. Together, they have two grown children, both engaged and to be married in 2024. Outside of her art and family life, Gee Vee's interests include travel, reading (medieval and religious history, biographies), drawing, painting and drawing again.
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