Leadership & Committee Chairs

Executive Committee

President
Term: 1 year
Current PresidentJessica Alberhasky, University of Iowa

Description: The President represents UMACRAO at AACRAO's annual meeting and guides the UMACRAO Executive Committee, making decisions aligned with UMACRAO bylaws. They lead crucial initiatives like the annual conference and act as a liaison to state and national associations. This role requires 2 to 5 hours weekly, mainly from January to October.

President-Elect
Term: 1 year
Current President-Elect: Jackie Schluchter, North Dakota State University

Description: The President-Elect provides support to the President and Executive Committee while preparing for the upcoming year. As a member of the Executive Committee, this role involves considering the viewpoints of the membership, providing diverse perspectives for issue resolution, and supporting the President. This position involves an average time commitment of 2 to 3 hours per week, primarily in July, August, September, and October.

Past President
Term: 1 year
Current Past President: Shawna Saad, Iowa State University

Description: The Past President plays a crucial role in supporting and mentoring the President and Executive Committee. Responsibilities include overseeing awards and President-Elect nominations. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to seek guidance when needed while demonstrating initiative in executing duties. This position involves an average time commitment of approximately 2 hours per week, primarily in September and October.

Secretary
Term: 2 years
Current Secretary: Elissa Thoman, University of Iowa

Description: The Secretary is responsible for managing records, handling correspondence, and supporting meetings. They maintain accurate records, ensure transparent communication, and facilitate efficient governance processes, contributing to UMACRAO's goals of transparency, compliance, and effective internal communication. This position involves an average time commitment of 3 hours per week, primarily in July, August, September, October, and November.

Treasurer
Term: 3 years
Current Treasurer: Jodi Pierce, North Dakota State University

Description: The Treasurer manages UMACRAO's financial accounts. Key responsibilities include financial oversight and management. Skills required include effective communication, strong organizational abilities, and teamwork. This role involves an average time commitment of 2 hours per week, particularly during July, August, September, October, and November.

Special Recognition Committee
Term: 1 year
Current Special Recognition Chair: Shawna Saad, Iowa State University

Description: The Special Recognition Committee is responsible for nominating candidates for Honorary Life Member, Exemplary Service Awards, and Tina Falkner Inspiration Award to the Executive Committee. Chaired by the Past President, this committee evaluates potential recipients and recommends selections based on outstanding contributions.

Committee Chairs

Audit Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Audit Chair: Rebecca Ringham, Minot State University

Description: The Audit Chair oversees financial evaluations, ensuring UMACRAO's fiscal integrity. Responsibilities include reviewing financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and recommending improvements. Strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and analytical skills are essential. This role involves attendance at the annual UMACRAO conference and a commitment of 1-2 hours during audit periods.

Communications Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Communications Chair: Kristan Hellige, University of Iowa

Description: The Communications Chair oversees vital communication tasks, including member messages, social media management (LinkedIn), and conference branding. They support all conference communications, drafting and publishing targeted messages. This role demands strong organizational, delegation, and communication skills, along with marketing knowledge. Valuable skills include copywriting, editing, LinkedIn promotion, and accessibility standards, with graphic design as a bonus. This position involves an average time commitment of 2-3 hours per week from January to May, increasing to 3+ hours June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Corporate Relations Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Corporate Relation Chair: Colleen Harms, University of Minnesota

Description: The Corporate Relations Chair is responsible for cultivating relationships with companies, registering them as conference vendors, and encouraging them to upgrade to sponsorships. The role involves showcasing the value of our partnerships to sponsors. Key skills include relationship management, effective communication, and outreach. The ability to build and nurture relationships, coupled with an engaging and outgoing demeanor, is essential. This position involves an average time commitment of 2 hours per week, primarily May through November.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Chair
Term: 3 years
Current DEI Chair: Hannah Rounds, University of Iowa

Description: The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair advances access, equity, and inclusion in higher education at local and national levels. They lead efforts to incorporate these practices into regional programs and align with AACRAO's priorities. Key skills include open communication, empathy, and motivation. DEI experience is valuable but not required. This position involves an average time commitment of 5 hours per week, with higher time commitments in January, February, March, September, and October.

Government Relations Chair
Term: 2 years
Current Government Relations Chair: James Harms, University of Minnesota

Description: The Government Relations Chair represents UMACRAO at AACRAO’s annual Hill Day and provides information on higher education policies. They collaborate with the Communications Chair to include advocacy objectives in email campaigns. Key skills include strong communication, analytical, planning, organizational, and creative problem-solving abilities. Political experience is not required, but knowledge of government operations is helpful. This position involves an average time commitment 1-2 hours per week, with more time in April, May, and June.

Local Arrangements Chair
Term: 1 year
Current Local Arrangement Chair: TBD

Description: The Local Arrangements Chair manages local details, coordinates with hotels and local businesses, and coordinates logistics with other committees. Key skills include attention to detail and adaptability. This position involves an average time commitment of 2-3 hours per week, with higher time commitments in September and October.

Membership Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Membership Chair: Abbie Suntken, Iowa State University

Description: The Membership Chair is responsible for member support, establishing member profiles, application processing, payment follow-ups, explaining membership benefits, and facilitating first-time attendee sessions. The role also involves tracking membership trends and generating related reports. Key skills include strong organization, verbal communication, and time management. Familiarity with Memberclicks is a bonus. The position averages 0.5 hours per week, with increased commitments from May to October.

Philanthropy Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Philanthropy Chair: TBD

Description: The Philanthropy Chair coordinates conference fundraising, selecting local groups aligned with UMACRAO's mission. Skills needed include financial management, handling complex donations, and managing last-minute tasks. Creativity is key for engaging fundraising strategies, while effective communication ensures clear information sharing. Strong organization and event management skills are crucial. This position involves an average time commitment of less than 1 hour per week, with increased demands in September and October.

Program Chair
Term: 1 year
Current Program Chair: TBD

Description: The Program Chair designs the conference program, schedules presentations, and coordinates with other committees. They manage electronic programs, collect presentation feedback, and collaborate with the president-elect. Skills needed include organization, detail-oriented, event coordination, and familiarity with organizational members. Proficiency in Google Drive is a plus. The average time commitment for this position varies, with increased demands in June, August, September, and October.

Site Selection Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Site Selection Chair: Joni Krueger, Augustana University

Description: The Site Selection Chair selects the next conference venue, focusing on
cost-effectiveness and attendee experience. Prior experience in LAC and Program committees is preferred. Skills involve researching and comparing locations, and event planning expertise is helpful. This position involves an average time commitment of 10 hours per week in August, September, and October, mainly for planning meetings.

Technology Chair
Term: 3 years
Current Technology Chair: Jacob Nolton, Iowa State University

Description: The Technology Chair oversees the UMACRAO website, managing content, design, and accounts. They offer technical support for virtual meetings and the annual conference. Skills needed include hardware/software knowledge, basic HTML/CSS skills, effective communication, and issue resolution. This position involves an average time commitment of 1-2 hours weekly, with higher demands in July, August, September, and October.