Recap of the Board Minutes
May 17, 2022
 
BOARD ACTIONS

The Board of Directors approved 3 Travel Grants for the 2022 International Exhibition to USITT members  Curtis, Craig, Kelsey Vidic, and Rob Eastman-Mullins.  USITT has established this funding to support member participation in either World Stage Design or Prague Quadrennial, depending on the year. The submitted exhibits were selected by juries and will be seen at World Stage Design in Calgary, in August 2022.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Previously approved, the Policy on Ethics/Conduct and Harassment, President Satter presented a Disclosure document that will be attached to all nomination packages, required of all receiving awards and recognitions and those in leadership positions. This is in place to protect USITT, in the event that there is a substantial reason to secure legal action.

In addition, Dana Taylor was appointed as the USITT Ethics Officer who, if needed, will facilitate an investigation.  All Disclosure documents will be treated as HR documents.
 
On May 17, the Grindle Leadership Fund was launched, honoring the 12 years of service David Grindle to the Institute. This will further David’s impact which expanded membership and benefit many members. It will be housed in the Tayneshia Jefferson Fund for Inclusion which is based on a passion for diverse leadership and offers additional support to the newly represented voices participating in the leadership of USITT. The goal is 350 donors by June 12, 2022.  Please go on the USITT webpage and click on the donation and will have access to donate.
 
The search process for the new Executive Director has begun with the Board approval of the Search Committee. 

• Board of Directors representatives: Carolyn Satter, Jim Streeter
• Commission representatives: Joe Payne, Rich Dionne
• Past President representative: Carl Lefko, committee chair
• Exhibitor representatives: Mickey Henry, ETC; Whitney Winkels, Wenger
• Early Career Professional rep: Avery Evans, LT Gourzong
• National Office representatives: Lea Ann Quimby, Jody Harris

The Request for Proposal has been sent out to 5 suggested Search Firms. A deadline of May 23 was set for those to be submitted. The Search Committee will select one firm and contact that organization for their services.
 
Lea Asbell-Swanger has agreed to fill in as Interim Executive Director until the new ED has been hired.

SECRETARY REPORT

Paul Brunner, who chairs the Bylaws Committee presented a motion defining the makeup of the Committees of the Corporation (under the management of the Executive Director and defining how the chair is selected. The motion was passed.
The second motion presented was to approve the Policies for the Development and International Committees. Both received Board approval.

TREASURER REPORT

Kim Scott, treasurer presented the first draft of the 2023 budget draft for the Institute. A final proposed budget will be presented at the June 9 Board meeting for approval. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Any remaining members’ financial credits from canceled conferences will be worked out by June 30, 2022. Members are being notified of how to use these credits for the 2023 conference, membership, or merchandise. Credits not used by June 30, 2022 will be treated as a donation to USITT and tax receipts will be issued at the end of the year.
 
USITT continues to send Theatre textbooks to 11 participating Universities in Africa that are members of the African Theatre Association (AfTA). AfTA and USITT began to partner just prior to the pandemic. Our goal is to exchange speakers and articles so that we can learn from one another  The Book Project comes from the fact that many universities have extremely limited funds for libraries and those funds are often not spent on the arts. USITT members often have an excess of books that can be used in these libraries. AfTA members submit a request to their leadership, those are vetted, and a list given to USITT. USITT members can ship books to the office in New York and those books are distributed among the libraries with shipping supported by the Samuel Scripps International Fund.
The next shipment will go out just prior to David Grindle’s departure. 

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE

The Board honored Rafael Jaen’s Board service to USITT, as he completed his term as Vice President of Publications.
 
Thank you for your support of USITT and its activities. You are a member, and your voice is important.
 
Respectfully,

Carolyn Satter, President