CEO Update: AGM 2021
Thank you to everyone who attended CSAE’s virtual Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. We were thrilled to have 247 CSAE members in attendance.
As the 2020-2021 chair of the Board of Directors, Barbette Igonia, CAE presided over CSAE’s 70th AGM. In her opening comments, she reflected on the past year and some of the challenges CSAE has addressed.
“While we have all had to navigate the impact of the pandemic, CSAE continued to deliver on its mission, delivering knowledge and resources, and building community to advance association excellence,” said Barbette. “Embracing new delivery tools and experimenting with new channels, CSAE provided uninterrupted value and support to members.”
She also shared that in accordance with its commitment to continuous improvement, the CSAE Board has approved the introduction of continuing professional development requirements for holders of the CAE designation. These new requirements will come into effect in January 2022.
Additionally, Barbette highlighted CSAE’s commitment to understanding member needs and priorities. The association conducted a member needs assessment in 2021 and developed a new strategic plan to inform its future direction.
Meanwhile, CSAE has remained thoughtful and intentional in its approach, leveraging data and expertise to respond to today’s challenges.
“It has been a great pleasure to have a front row seat to watch the emergence of new programming and innovative ways to stay connected,” said Barbette. “In some ways, a virtual world has opened the doors wider for the CSAE community.”
The AGM agenda included the election of the CSAE 2021/22 Board of Directors. Barbette welcomed the new and returning members to the executive under the leadership of incoming chair, John Buck, CAE.
Secretary-treasurer Patrick Gauch, CAE presented his financial report, which can be found on page 26 of Building Community, CSAE’s 2021-21 annual report. Thanks to risk mitigation and CSAE’s efforts to maintain financial stability during the pandemic, the association posted a $489,000 surplus this year.
Incoming chair John Buck, CAE reviewed CSAE’s strategic plan. Watch this video to learn more about our exciting new direction.
All motions were carried with the majority of the votes cast on the question per the bylaws. CSAE used Associations Connect to conduct the voting. This proprietary platform, thanks to Higher Logic, allows for accuracy and privacy of the vote.
- Motion – that the members approve the AGM minutes of Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
- Motion – that the members elect Joel Neuheimer, Jamie Ryan, CAE and Heather Terrence, CAE as directors for a two-year term.
- Motion – that the members elect Patrick Gauch, CAE to his third, two-year term; and, Danielle Russell, CAE to her second, two-year term.
- Motion – that the Audited Financial Statements, as approved by the Board of Directors, along with the relevant Independent Auditor’s Report for the period ending April 30, 2021, be received.
- Motion – that the members appoint Welch LLP as auditors for the 2021/22 fiscal year.
All the meeting materials, including the annual report, Building Community, are available to CSAE members on Associations Connect and the CSAE website . If you have not yet read the annual report, we encourage you to do so. Should you have any questions, please feel free to send a note to info@csae.com and we will happily respond.
At CSAE, we are thankful for the many volunteers who contribute to our ongoing success, including the Board, network councils, committee and working group participants. We are also grateful to our partners, Higher Logic (Associations Connect) and Minutes Solutions, for their support with the 2021 AGM.
A most sincere thank you to you, CSAE members, for your continued engagement and participation. We look forward to supporting you for many years to come.
Tracy Folkes Hanson, CAE
President & CEO
