Call for Nominations for SAH Treasurer and Secretary

Aug 26, 2020 by SAH News
The SAH Nominating Committee seeks your nominations and self-nominations for two officer positions of Treasurer and Secretary who will begin their terms after the Montréal annual conference in 2021. The Treasurer and Secretary serve a one-year term, renewable to a maximum of six consecutive one-year terms.

As two of five officers with full voting rights on the Executive Committee and the Board, these positions are among the most important in SAH; the other officers on the Executive Committee are the President, First Vice President and Second Vice President. In close collaboration with the SAH Board and staff, the Executive Committee governs the Society, proposes policies and programs, and provides service to the membership. Serving in these capacities offers an opportunity to shape the Society’s and the profession’s future. These positions do not require specialized knowledge, skills or experience, however, primarily a willingness to serve SAH at a high level. Both positions are supported by SAH staff and professional advisors.

The Treasurer has full voting rights on the SAH Executive Committee and Board and will among other duties: (i) keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements; (ii) design, implement and monitor the operation of a system of workable internal controls intended and likely to result in the protection of the Society’s funds and securities; (iii) prepare proposed operating budgets and other statements as appropriate for sharing with the board and membership; and (iv) work with the Society’s comptroller, outside accounting firm and independent auditors as appropriate to prepare and monitor the accounts, budgets, statements and systems detailed above. (See page 23–4 of the SAH Bylaws for all responsibilities of the Treasurer).

The Secretary has full voting rights on the SAH Executive Committee and Board and will: (i) attend and record attendance and minutes of all meetings of the members, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Society, promptly after the completion of each such meeting prepare and distribute copies of such minutes as directed; (ii) have general charge and responsibility for all of the Society’s books and records; and (iii) assure that all notices of meetings of the members, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Society are duly given by the Society in accordance with the Bylaws, among other duties. (See page 24 of the SAH Bylaws.)

SAH is actively working towards creating a more equitable organizational structure, one that is inclusive and whose leadership represents the wide range of perspectives in the field of architectural history at large. To that end, SAH welcomes the nominations and self-nominations of candidates who will add racial and ethnic diversity to the SAH Board; those who are working outside the tenure track, including contingent faculty; and those who are working outside the academy. 

To submit a nomination or self-nomination, please complete the SAH Board Nomination form in the SAH Online Portal. Nominations will be confidentially compiled in the SAH office and forwarded directly to the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Arijit Sen. The nomination form requests the following information: name and email address of the nominator; the name, affiliation (if applicable), email address and phone number for the candidate; nominee qualifications; explanation of why the nominee should be considered for the SAH Board; confirmation that nominator has reached out to the nominee to ask if they will serve; and the candidate's statement of intent (no more than 500 words and please see criteria below.) Also attach the nominee’s CV.

Nominations will be considered on the following criteria and the candidate’s statement should address them:

  1. Connection to SAH, including a candidate’s previous service to the Society and their passion for its mission;
  2. Professional expertise and experiences, including fit with the skillsets of current board members;
  3. Influence potential and capacity to support SAH with regards to participation, recruitment, and funding;
  4. Willingness to serve and be an ambassador for the organization and its initiatives.

We greatly appreciate your recommendations and interest as we continue to build a strong and diverse Board.

Deadline for submitting nominations is September 30, 2020, at 11:59 pm CST.