Three board seats up for election at the RMA 2020 Fall Convention
The RMA is busy planning for the 2020 Fall Convention, with the format yet to be determined as we continue to navigate the staged relaunch as a result of COVID-19. Information will be shared with members once logistics are more solidified.
Three of the seven seats on the RMA Board of Directors will be up for election at the 2020 Fall Convention and will serve a two-year term (2020 – 2022):
- President
- Director for District 1 – Foothills-Little Bow
- Director for District 4 – Northern
In the event that a current RMA board member chooses to run and is successfully elected as President, that Vice President or District 2, 3, or 5 Director position will become available for the remaining one-year period of the two-year term. In this case, the appropriate district election would take place at the same time as the other district elections already scheduled at the 2020 Fall Convention, and an election for Vice President would be scheduled within the current agenda.
Eligibility Requirements
Section E of the association bylaws identifies eligibility requirements for members of the Board of Directors, including that the individual must be a duly elected official for a full RMA member municipality. For the position of district directors, individuals must represent a municipality that is within the district that is up for election. View the online members map to determine which municipalities are located in each district.
Board Member Commitment
The duties of an RMA board member are significant and require commitment to the association. There is considerable time required for meetings and committee preparation, attendance, and travel. RMA encourages members interested in pursuing a RMA board seat to contact a current board member to gain a full understanding of the responsibility and commitment required.
The overall role of RMA board members is to represent and advocate the broad collective municipal and rural interests of the membership, and to oversee the delivery of services that assist members in their business operations and decision-making processes. Serving on the RMA Board of Directors is an opportunity to help shape the direction and future of your organization and serve Alberta’s rural municipalities.
The RMA Board of Directors has 12 regular monthly meetings each year. Those elected to the RMA Board of Directors also serve on the following RMA subsidiary boards:
- RMA Insurance
- RMA Fuel
- Genesis Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (GRIE)
These three business boards meet five times per year in a combined meeting under one RMA Business Services board agenda. These meetings are separate from the regular RMA monthly meetings. In addition to the aforementioned board meetings, there is a commitment to participate in strategic planning sessions each year.
RMA represents its members on over 70 committees and external boards, which are divided among the Board of Directors; committees require varying levels of commitment ranging from monthly to annual meetings.
Election Procedures
Nomination procedures and election information will be shared with RMA members once convention logistics are finalized. As planning for the convention continues, the RMA is exploring the use of technology to allow for virtual voting. Details on the specific voting format being used will be shared with RMA members when determined.
Terms for Directors
Terms for elected board members shall commence at the conclusion of the convention at which they are elected, and shall, unless sooner vacated, terminate at the conclusion of the convention two (2) years hence. Following the 2020 Fall Convention, all board members elected will participate in an RMA orientation session in early December, prior to participation in their first board meeting, currently scheduled for December 17, 2020.
For further information, read the RMA’s Policy regarding board member responsibilities.
For enquiries, please contact:
Gerald Rhodes
Executive Director
gerald@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com