WAC Hunts For Board Members - Organizing For 2025

HAMDEN - Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) Directors discuss the hunt for new members on Jan. 28. 

After approving minor adjustments to the board member recruitment protocol, Governance Committee Chair John Verhoeven asked directors to consider potential recruits. He noted the process is cumbersome, but it's important to be "fair to people we are electing."

The board discussed seeking new farmers to join in December after Verhoeven and another board member announced their retirement at the end of the term. At the December meeting, Executive Director Ryan Naatz had tasked the Governance Committee with generating a list of 30 possible nominations.

One individual recommended by a WAC senior staff member is being reviewed, reported Naatz. There are currently 14 directors with bylaws that account for 15 to 19 members. The board should consider a review of the total number of directors allotted in the bylaws, said Naatz. "In the past we have discussed lowering that number," he said, "If we don't have a timely reappointment then that is something we should consider." After being asked what he wanted it lowered to, Naatz reiterated that it should at least be discussed. "I don't have a number in mind," he said, "but its no good to have a minimum threshold that is difficult to maintain." He noted that the board operates on majority rule and should strive for an odd number of directors. 

As the discussion continues, directors are expected to consider individuals' time for committee participation, East of Hudson representation, and directors' succession.

In another discussion, directors organized for 2025 by reappointing Wayland Gladstone as chair, Tom Huston as vice chair, Jennifer Grossman as secretary, and Karl Gockel as treasurer for a two-year term.

Directors are expected to hear reports on the capacity study conducted regarding WAC's Economic Viability programs in the coming weeks. The study was conducted by Cornell. 

The next WAC Directors meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Mar. 25 at 10 a.m.