A Board of Directors will be elected at the 47th Grand Lodge Convention in May, pending approval of proposed law changes by delegates. Electing directors to the board is the ultimate and most important example of a representative form of government and an important duty of delegates.

Directors provide mission-based leadership and set strategy for the organization to ensure that necessary financial, human and other resources are in place to meet its objectives. They provide the obvious and necessary governance but they also provide value to the officers with their varied core competencies, experiences and understanding of trends occurring in and outside our industry.

The deadline for candidates to apply has passed, and those candidates are now featured in the April edition of Hermann Sons Life and are highlighted on our website. I’m very pleased to see the desire these candidates have to represent and serve our organization.

All of these candidates have been reviewed by a Vetting Committee and meet minimum requirements to be a board candidate. In addition to membership requirements, the Vetting Committee reviewed essential core competencies including business judgment, vision, strategic insight, management skills, leadership skills, industry knowledge, financial literacy, financial accounting skills, professional communication skills and the ability to navigate current technology. Delegates will consider the candidate’s background and how he/she will meet the needs of our organization as we move into the future.

Six candidates will be elected to the Board of Directors in May. Delegates also will elect a Chair of the Board from among those elected to the Board. When it comes time to elect a chair, delegates should be choosing someone who would be a strong leader to preside over board meetings and the Grand Lodge Convention.

Even if you’re not a delegate, you can still talk to your lodge’s delegate(s) so your opinions can be considered. Delegates are representatives of their lodges and are charged with acting in the best interest of our organization.

Our future looks like it will continue to be bright with a strong slate of leaders ready to serve on our Board of Directors.