I am always surprised that the energy level at the May Board meeting is anything other than sedate. After all, it is the end of the academic year for many and most of us are still recovering from the Seattle Conference. The Board arrived alert and ready for business. 

The Board approved the revisions to the current Bylaws of Article VI, Section 2 which names the Executive Director as an approval needed for all committee members of the Committees of the Corporation.

Treasurer Kim Scott along with Director of Finance Fran Taylor presented the Finance Committee’s approved budget for FY 25 for Board approval. After several clarification questions, the Board approved the FY25 Budget which will be in effect from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. The Board is reminded that its responsibility does not end with the approval, but to monitor the expenses AND revenue throughout the year.

I congratulated all involved with the Seattle Conference. This success is attributed to all of the work involved, and praise goes to the Conference Committee, National Office staff, hundreds of Conference volunteers, and all of our industry partners.

The Board was asked to review the updated draft of the USITT Travel Policy as presented by a committee assigned to edit the policy. This affects all USITT members, specifically but not exclusively, those on committees of the Corporation and Board members doing business directly related to USITT. Travel changes were based on an equitable analysis, a responsibility of this and any future Board. After discussion, the Board approved the final changes. These will be posted with the updated Policies and Procedures document.

The final presentation was Executive Director Laura Lee Everett’s on the operations of the Institute. This focused on the ‘glowing statistics’ of the successful Seattle Conference. Most numbers exceeded their forecasts. The results have set a high bar for any conferences to follow. GREAT JOB, all.

In closing, it has been and continues to be my honor to serve the USITT membership

Carolyn Satter, president