By Carolyn Satter, USITT President

The USITT Board of Directors met on Jan. 19, 2022, for a regularly scheduled online meeting, which originated on the lands of the Paiute and Hualapai tribes in Las Vegas.

The Board approved the winners of the Young Designers, Managers, and Technicians Awards, the Rising Star Award, the Wally Russell Professional Mentoring Award, and the Thomas DeGaetani Award. 

Executive Director David Grindle reported on the vaccination policy that will be implemented at the Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Baltimore.  The details of which can be found on the USITT website.  David also mentioned that Director of Finance Fran Taylor is moving the current financial system to digital payments and electronic management of records.

Secretary Paul Brunner presented the proposed changes to the USITT Bylaws and noted that the Bylaws Committee has been working on these updates throughout 2021. The changes to the Bylaws were approved by the Board and are set to take effect July 1, 2022.

President Carolyn Satter referenced the success of the 2020 Setting The Next Stage fundraising campaign that doubled its expectation and resulted in the Development Committee contacting contributing Institute members with messages of gratitude. She also congratulated the Board of Directors on their efforts to have 100 percent of all members contributing financially on a yearly basis. 

In her report, President Satter also highlighted the creation of a Distinguished Scenic Designers Forum whose members each commit to annual giving, provide mentorship to USITT members, are available to participate on panels, and can serve as award judicators.  You will be seeing more about this ‘distinguished’ group in future news. 

The Sexual Harassment Policy Committee has been meeting for many months to create a document reflective of the intent of the Board for a policy.  The first reading of this document was presented.  A final draft will be presented to the Board for approval at the March meeting.  

President Satter concluded with the announcement of a formation of an Ethics committee to create a checklist to be used for all nominations, awards, honorariums, candidates for elected offices, and USITT committee leadership. The first draft will be presented to the Board at a future meeting.

Treasurer Kim Scott reported on the favorable financial condition of USITT and the beginnings of assembling the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.

Vice-President for Conferences Kasey Allee-Foreman gave a brief overview of the upcoming Annual Conference & Stage Expo, including changes that encourage hands-on learning and multiple opportunities to network.