Specific Information

Desired Characteristics for Board Members

The PMAEF mission is “to enhance the supply of skilled workers by supporting and developing education programs and by improving the public image and awareness of careers in metalforming.”

The foundation seeks potential candidates with a diverse range of professional and volunteer expertise. Candidate attributes can include but are not limited to:

• Previous volunteer leadership experience, including service on nonprofit boards
• Enthusiasm for PMAEF mission
• Ability to network on behalf of the foundation within the PMA community
• Willingness to be highly engaged and active as a board member

Board of Trustees Service to Commitment

The following is a guideline to the time commitment required to serve on the PMAEF Board of Trustees. Actual time and travel commitments will vary based on the scope of work for a given year.

Terms of office—Board members are appointed by the Board of Trustees to a three-year term and may be re-elected to serve a second consecutive three-year term.

Officers of the foundation (Chair and Vice Chair) are elected by the Board of Trustees and serve one-year terms. Officers may stand for re-election.

Meetings of the board—The Board of Trustees meets three times each year—twice via teleconference and once face to face (usually in conjunction with FABTECH).

Time estimates for board meetings do not include travel time, which can vary based on the board member’s location and the location of the meeting.

Board members can expect to spend adequate time reviewing background materials for board meetings. Board packets are sent electronically to members in advance of each meeting.

Other board work—in between meetings, trustees are sent regular e-mail updates and other background information on the foundation’s work. Board members also are asked to respond to emerging issues via e-mail and occasional phone calls.

Board members can expect to contribute about three hours per month on these activities. Board members may occasionally be asked to represent the Foundation at various meetings and functions.

Expenses—Board members receive no compensation for their service but are reimbursed for travel and lodging expenses associated with foundation business (within the guidelines).

PMA Educational Foundation and Board Member Responsibilities

Foundation board members are expected to do the following:

1. Interpret the organization’s work and value to the community, represent the organization, and act as an ambassador.
2. Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings (three board meetings annually, each approximately two hours in length—two teleconferences, one face to face).
3. Attend and actively participate in strategic planning retreats (one weekend day yearly).
4. Attend new board member orientation (approx. two to three hours).
5. Meet with potential donors/funders to make a case for funding the organization, answer questions, etc. (approx. four hours annually).
6. Act in the best interest of the organization and recuse themselves from discussions and votes where there is a conflict of interest.
7. Stay informed about what is going on in the organization, ask questions and request information. Participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies and other board matters.
8. Work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward achievement of foundation goals.

In turn, the PMA Educational Foundation will be responsible to board members in the following ways:

1. Trustees will be sent regular financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow the trustee to meet the prudent person rule.
2. Opportunities will be offered to trustees to discuss with the executive director and the president the organization’s programs, goals, activities and status; they can also request such opportunities.
3. The organization will help trustees perform their duties by keeping them informed about issues in the industry and field in which the foundation is working, and by offering opportunities for professional development as a board member.
4. Staff will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that are necessary to carry out trustees’ fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization. Board members and staff will work in good faith toward achievement of foundation goals.