Participate in PCO Board Nominations and Bylaws Vote!
Responses due December 10th, 2012
Bylaw Changes:
The proposed bylaw changes will increase the term limit of the elected board member from one year to three years, with a two-term limit (total of six years). After reaching the two-term limit, a board member may be re-elected following a one year hiatus.
This change is to avoid having the membership re-elect all 15 board members each year and allows a board member time to acclimate to PCO and the board member role.
We also updated the Education and Marketing Committees to combine them into one Education and Outreach Committee.
Submit your PCO Bylaws Vote here!
Board Member Nomination:
PCO is Seeking 2013 Advisory Board Members
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock and livestock products in Pennsylvania and surrounding region. PCO is also accredited under International Standards Organization (ISO) Guide 65.
PCO values a diverse board that supports the mission of PCO and represents the membership by having a balance of interests. For the non-certified-member seats, we can invite organic producers who are certified by another agency.
Areas of particular need identified by the board are:
- NRCS representative knowledgeable about organic programs
- Consumer or environmental policy person
- Member with experience in non-profit leadership
- Strategic planning or foundation fundraising
- Organic poultry producer
- Organic inspector
- Small business manager / accountant
Nominations will be submitted to the nominating committee for review.
Qualifications
● Generally, members should live in PCO’s certification region: Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, District of Columbia.
● Board members should be good communicators and be willing to contribute to the organization, chair committees, help at events, etc.
Areas of Responsibility
● Lead the organization in strategic planning
● Ensure adequate financial resources and provide financial oversight.
● Build a diverse and competent board.
● Select, support, and evaluate the executive director.
● Enhance PCO’s public standing
Meetings and Events
● The 2013 board term begins on the first board meeting following the election.
● The board meets quarterly. Typically, 3 meetings take place at the PCO office in Spring Mills, PA and one is held in the Lancaster County, PA area. Members may attend by phone or web connection. (Travel expenses are reimbursed upon request.)
● When possible, the PCO board is also asked to participate in strategic planning, training events, field days, trade shows, and other events.
2013 Outgoing Board Members
- Dave Wilson, Seed Processor
- Forrest Stricker, Crops/Livestock/Handling: Dairy
- Melanie Wertz, Organic Inspector
- Patty Lovera, Environmental Issues
- Tom Murphy, Penn State Extension
Board Members Standing for Re-election
- Allen Matthews, Education/Crops
- Andrew Batdorf, Crops/Livestock: Dairy
- Charlie White, Penn State Extension
- Dave Johnson, Crops: Dairy
- Debra Deis, Crops: Seeds
- Julie Hurst, Crops/Livestock
- Kathy Soder, Pasture Specialist
- Ken Rice, Processor: Livestock Feed
- Phil Coles, Crops: Mushrooms
- Tony Marzolino, Crops/Livestock
