Are you looking for a way to get more involved with EAL/LA? You’re invited to run for a Co-Chair position on the EAL/LA Leadership Council!

Election timeline:

May 22, 2013 – Call for Co-Chairs
June 5, 2013 - Deadline for applicants
June 9, 2013 - Election opens
June 22, 2013 - Voting closes
Week of June 23, 2013 - Notify Elects
July 1, 2013 - Co-Chairs announced & Terms begin

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed for completeness by current LC members. Once applicants are approved, profiles will be posted on ealla.org.

Application Packet Checklist

EALLA-Leadership-Council-Application-2013 [click to download]
Curriculum Vitae and/or Resume
Personal Statement

Please e-mail all Application materials to info@ealla.org  by June 5, 2013 at 5 p.m.

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About the Leadership Council

EAL/LA creates an atmosphere that is conducive to information sharing and generational leadership succession. We’re emerging arts leaders so the idea is that we expect our own leaders to eventually “emerge”.

In order to do so, we’ve created a Leadership Council (LC) that is chaired by our more seasoned members. The Chairs will aid in orienting new leaders over the course of a one-year period. During this period, the Chairs preserve institutional knowledge and ensure the sustainability of EAL/LA by working closely with and developing the Co-Chairs. As the Chairs “emerge” or transition from the network, the Co-Chairs progress into the Chairs role and a new group of Co-Chairs is elected from the networks general membership.

Responsibilities:

The Co-Chairs are expected to meet monthly with the LC and with partnered Chair on an as needed basis. Each Chair/Co-Chair committee is expected to provide a short report quarterly to the LC to document and update on the committee’s progress.

Co-Chair Descriptions

Executive Co-Chair

This is a two-year term:  one year as Executive Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Executive Chair (2014-2015).

Development Co-Chair

This is a two-year term:  one year as Development Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Development Chair (2014-2015).

Programming Co-Chair

Working collaboratively, Programming Chair and Co-Chair will be responsible for executing regular professional development programming for EAL/LA membership. This will include brainstorming and generating ideas, coordinating event logistics, and assisting with day-of responsibilities, as necessary. Chair and Co-Chair will provide assistance and guidance to members who seek to sponsor and organizeEAL/LA events. They will review program proposal submissions and determine which programs to recommend to Leadership Council for promotion and sponsorship. Chair and Co-Chair will communicate with planning committees to ensure programs are executed according to EAL/LA guidelines.

Programming Chair and Co-Chair will support committees for annual programs, including Creative Conversations and APAL. These programs will be managed through their respective committees, but the Programming Chair and Co-Chair will ensure the programs are being executed, are on schedule, and are in accordance with EAL/LA standards.

Additional responsibilities of the Programming Chair and Co-Chair will be to organize and attend regular meetings of Programming committee. In conjunction with the Strategic Planning process, Programming Chair and Co-Chair will develop EAL/LA Programming Priorities and Guidelines document. This will be reviewed by the Leadership Council and implemented with future EAL/LA programming.

The Programming Co-Chair is highly interested in the nuts and bolts of program development. The Co-Chair should be a highly motivated and accessible team-player. Familiarity with contemporary arts/non-profit management and professional development theories, events, speakers, and ideas is a plus, but can be substituted by an interest in these areas and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, the Co-Chair should be dedicated to ensuring EAL/LA provides high-quality, constructive, and inspirational programming to our members.

This is a two-year term:  one year as Programming Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Programming Chair (2014-2015).

Finance Co-Chair

The Finance Chair and Co-Chair manage the EAL/LA budget. In coordination with the Executive Chair/Co-Chair, the Finance Chair and Co-Chair will develop and implement systems for maintaining budget records, approving expenses and reimbursements, and keeping the members of the Leadership Council (LC) informed about financial issues. The Co-Chair will assist the Chair in monitoring the budget on an ongoing basis by reviewing monthly budget statements from Community Partners (CP) and tracking income and disbursements. The Finance Chair and Co-Chair will be responsible for ensuring that proposed expenditures are within budget and collect necessary information for the LC and CP to evaluate and authorize the expenditures. The Co-Chair will be involved in obtaining receipts and preparing forms to be submitted to CP for reimbursement. The Finance Chair and Co-Chair will support EAL/LA’s programs by helping the Programming team create event budgets. Should a paid membership structure be introduced, the Finance Co-Chair will work with the Membership and Development Chairs and Committees to receive and track membership dues. The Finance Co-Chair will, when appropriate, assist in Development activities by providing current budget information for funding solicitation and grant reporting purposes. The Finance Co-Chair will assess EAL/LA’s budget and will meet with the Finance Chair to discuss the state of EAL/LA’s finances on at least a monthly basis. The Finance Chair and Co-Chair will work with the LC to establish budgets for several fiscal years in advance and will support the overall financial goals of the organization. The Finance Co-Chair will likely work very closely with the CP liaison (the Finance Chair Emeritus) in performing all of his or her duties. In addition, the Finance Co-Chair will assist in the initiation and implementation of various projects including finance-themed workshops, and incorporation, and act as a liason to the Nonprofit Task Force committee.

For this position, that old job description standard “detail-oriented” is a must. No formal―or even informal―accounting experience is required, but a familiarity with budget spreadsheets and monthly/annual financial statements is helpful, and those with phobia of numbers or handling money may rather apply for something else. The Finance Co-Chair should be responsible and responsive to requests for budget information from the Finance Chair and other LC members. Of course, the Finance Co-Chair should be committed to EAL/LA! Sense of humor a plus.

This is a two-year term:  one year as Finance Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Finance Chair (2014-2015).

Communications Co-Chair

The Communication Co-Chair will assist the Chair in maintaining the website, social media and other online accounts. This includes site moderation for spam, membership, content, and access issues. The Co-Chair will help generate blog content and solicit permission for cross-posting relevant blogs to be posted on ealla.org. Co-Chair will keep an editor’s eye on website specifically blogged content. The Communications team is responsible for checking EAL/LA voicemail and general email account, and forwarding questions to appropriate people. The Communication team will assist the LC with other tech issues as they arise. The Communications team will assist the Marketing & Membership team in writing and distributing press releases and pushing out information and announcements through all channels. The communications team will work closely with all departments to develop and maintain brand fidelity. The Co-Chair will communicate to the Finance team any budgetary concerns or recurring costs. The Co-Chair will work with the Development team in identifying and implementing appropriate online revenue initiatives.

The ideal Co-Chair will be very web savvy and have be active online on a daily basis. The Co-Chair will be accessible to the LC and membership, keeping tabs on the various online accounts on a regular basis. The Co-Chair will meet with the Chair on a monthly basis aside from the LC monthly meetings. The Communications Co-Chair will have an interest in web technologies and content management. The Communications team will work on an archiving solution for audio, video, and image content for the group and will be looking to experiment with new tech tools to benefit the EAL/LA membership.

This is a two-year term:  one year as Communications Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Communications Chair (2014-2015).

Marketing & Membership Co-Chair

This is a two-year term:  one year as Marketing & Membership Co-Chair (2013-2014), followed by one year as Marketing & Membership Chair (2014-2015).

At Large Member

As a voting member, the ALM will also attend monthly Leadership Council meetings, participate in online discussions, and work with various Chairs on projects, as available.

About the Leadership Council

2012 EAL/LA Leadership Council Co-Chair election time is here! If you are a registered member of ealla.org you will receive an email with this link to VOTE. Wanna know who’s running? Read more about the candidates below.

For election schedule and position descriptions, please read: http://ealla.org/leadership-council-elections/

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Candidate for Executive Co-Chair:


Shayna Keller


Managing Director / Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles

As a native Angeleno, I care deeply about Los Angeles’s arts community, and have spent most my life as a performer, maker, audience member and arts administrator in this cultural landscape. Los Angeles’s strength lies in its size and abundance of cultural participation, but its vastness can be overwhelming and isolating to those new to the arts community. EAL/LA’s welcoming, inclusive network is an invaluable resource for our city’s emerging cultural workers.

During my first experience with what folks in our community so fondly know as “burnout”, a colleague from the dance world directed me to EAL/LA. I was relieved and thrilled find this network of people who shared the vision of a well-supported, engaged, empowered community of young arts professionals.

I have personally experienced the benefits of an expanded peer and professional network through participating in the 2012 Arts Professionals Advisors Link program. My fellow APAL mentees all bring me tremendous hope for the future of LA’s arts and culture sector, and I could not have asked for a more perfect advisor than Claire Peeps of the Durfee Foundation. EAL/LA’s programs, and the people who facilitate them, are sensitive to the needs of our field, constantly working to encourage and inspire future leaders.

This is all to say: I am passionate about EAL/LA’s mission and committed to moving the organization forward. In running for this position as Executive Co-Chair, I hope to expand my leadership skills and give back to the organization that has so generously supported my professional growth and well-being. I also hope to bring the interests and perspectives of the dance community to the table, and in turn learn from my peers across artistic disciplines.

I am well acquainted with many of the responsibilities involved in the Executive Co-Chair position through my current role as the Managing Director of the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles. As the only staff person, I am used to wearing many hats and shifting between executive, programming, development, marketing and volunteer management roles. I am naturally drawn to strategy, implementation and helping others achieve their goals. The Executive Co-Chair position would allow me to help facilitate the growth of EAL/LA, and in doing so hone my leadership skills in a new context.

Since I am the only staff member of my organization, much of the work I do happens alone. Becoming a part of EAL/LA’s Leadership Council would provide a platform for me to explore more collaborative leadership practices and build relationships with a diverse group of active, engaged peers. I find the energy of collaboration deeply satisfying and want to invite more of it into my life. Having attended a Leadership Council meeting on behalf of our APAL cohort and spent time at EAL/LA events and mixers, I know what a terrific, bright, thoughtful, dedicated group this is. It would be an honor and privilege to serve among these individuals.

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Candidate for Development Co-Chair:


Katrina Frye


Administrative Assistant / Pasadena Conservatory of Music

As a new member of EAL/LA I have been waiting for an opportunity where I could give back. The ability to inspire is priceless and I feel like EAL/LA is in the position to evoke relevant conversation while stimulating leaders to move the status quo. I have personally felt this way through EAL/LA’s blogpost and current members. As a young leader I am always looking for ways to stay accountable and encouraged. I see my chance for a solid foundation with EAL/LA and more specifically this position.

The position of Development Co-Chair specifically resonates with me as I have concentrated on law, policy, and advocacy throughout my current Masters program. I have found that these areas of focus are the foundations to strong development. I find my strengths as a connector and activator, guiding me to be a key team player for the development field. Today’s development landscape is competitive which means creativity will rise to the top. The blend between my arts background and my present business degree lead me to be unique perspective. Not only has my professional experience directly prepared me for this position but my academic foundation overwhelmingly aligns with the needs and demands of the Development Co-Chair. I believe this opportunity would bring a great balance to my professional and personal development. I find myself at a perfect crossroads in the professional career. I have now been an assistant to just about every position in the work place and I see this Co-Chair position aligning me to move beyond assistant to director. I have been waiting for an opportunity to dive into specifically LA’s arts leadership arena. To learn directly from the current leadership council already would be remarkable but then to further this learning with the next year of action would be incredible. I worked for about three years in San Diego making connections and staying involved in many different levels. I quickly learned that all those relationship connected to bigger platforms and larger agendas, which is where I excelled.

Some of my goal/objectives I hope to achieve once elected as Development Co-Chair:

Learn as much as I can about development, specifically within the Los Angeles Arts landscape.

Re-inspire donors with a clear mission and clear results

Re-inspire members of how necessary and unique EAL/LA is to their past, present, and future

Create new sustainable avenues of funding to ensure a great future

Always reflect the member’s voices in my decisions on the Leadership Council

I have worked on a Board of Directors and know what it takes to lead from behind or rally the team towards positive change. I understand the dynamics of a council and how to always stand for “the people’s“ voice. Above all I believe in our generation. We will be the next leaders of many great and established cultural assets, and I will work hard to make sure EAL/LA plays a major role in providing ready and able leaders regionally and nationally.

Candidate for Development Co-Chair:

Maria Paredes


Donor Relations Associate for the Guild / Center Theatre Group

EAL/LA is an invaluable resource for the thriving arts ecology of Greater Los Angeles. It is my goal to sustain the individuals and systems that support creative expression, and it is with this aim that I seek to serve as the Development Co-Chair.

Through five years of arts administration experience I have developed a unique skill set to steward arts organizations and their assets. With effective management, I assisted the Idyllwild Arts Academy to research suitable funding sources, the Dia Art Foundation to sustain member relationships, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts to advance its summer programming. Currently, as the Donor Relations Associate for the Guild at Center Theatre Group, I manage charitable membership programs and $1-999 gift fundraising appeals. These efforts resulted in approximately 156 memberships and more than $33,000 in revenue within the span of nine months.

As the Development Co-Chair, I will further ground my skills in the discipline of fundraising while developing meaningful relationships with colleagues that share my passion for contributing to the Emerging Arts Leaders community in Greater Los Angeles.

I think it is absolutely crucial that funders know the value EAL/LA programs create for its members, alumni, and the arts ecosystem. It is my goal to develop the depth of relationships with current funders and seek for diverse funding sources. These can include but are not limited to corporate gifts, foundation and government funding, membership program donations, and earned revenue. Another goal is to subsidize administrative and programmatic related costs by developing partnerships with other likeminded organizations and EAL/LA alumni. If given the opportunity to serve as the Development Co-Chair, I greatly look forward to setting challenging but achievable benchmarks for the aforementioned goals with the EAL/LA Leadership Council.

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Candidate for Marketing & Membership Co-Chair:


Aurea Adao


Assistant Special Events & Promotions Coordinator / Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO)

Hi. My name is Aurea. I am interested the Marketing & Membership Co-Chair position because I believe that I am at the cusp of realizing my purpose in Los Angeles and I can definitely characterize myself as ‘emerging’ in something (at the very least, in my own thoughts). I’m not an active member of Emerging Arts Leaders/LA but I have had you on my radar for quite some time.

I am first and foremost a driving-averse, public art-loving, suburban Angeleno lovingly referred to by my friends as “the bargainista”. To say I love going on long walks would be an understatement, because I work for Metro (the Los Angeles County Transportation Authority) and commute to work/play daily via the Gold Line. My transportation choices are not coincidental to my current place of employment but simply because I detest driving in Los Angeles, for fear that I will have to use its congested freeways (always anticipating an expensive and complex parallel parking situation), all for the sake of a fancy cup of tea.

I am not a bus driver, nor am I an engineer. I actually work in Metro’s communications department working with various departments on producing press events and securing what my boss affectionately calls “the Groupon of public transit”: Metro Destination Discounts. Specifically focused on these two social areas of public transit, I manage a myriad of projects that involve social media, web site development, public relations, marketing, writing/editing copy, and special event management.

While my current job allows me to develop strategic take-public-transit partnerships with awesome local events, restaurants, and retail throughout Los Angeles, it is with a heavy heart that I admit that arts groups have yet to actively jump on the bandwagon (at least not in the obvious way that some of our other partners have). While we have had some arts organizations approach the program, my long-term goal would be to actively engage Los Angeles’ arts organizations in promoting patrons to attend galleries, happenings, and performances without their vehicles. If we already take public transit to eat and shop, why can’t we take it for cultural experiences? Seriously though. Just wondering.

I think this mentorship program would be a fascinating experience for my professional goals in arts marketing. I’m particularly interested in the idea of an EAL/LA membership benefits program and I’d like to extend my experience with coordinating a transit-oriented membership benefits program. I’d also like to see where our alliance as arts administrators and artists can be leveraged as a way to create more partnerships within the city and beyond through creative marketing approaches.

I think I’d be a great fit for this position (and a delightful person to meet), not only because I’ve managed to immerse myself in the marketing/public relations field (despite my specific educational background in art and urban planning) but also because I too have a specific agenda to engage more arts and cultural groups to participate in a membership program. Turns out, we have something in common!

Candidate for Marketing & Membership Co-Chair:

Sarah Bedo


Development Intern / Center Theatre Group

Why are you interested in this position?

Within the last year, I have developed a skill set that revolves around social media and marketing. During Spring 2012, I was a campus social media ambassador for Superdry, a clothing company out of the UK. I managed events, posts and all of the marketing to USC’s campus via social media. Through this, I realized that I enjoyed working with marketing tools to communicate with others. I am currently working on various social media projects for The Fringe at CTG, a young professional donor group offered at CTG.

How would you be a good fit?

I feel that my passion, drive, and experience will help me excel in this position. I love theatre, and I love using any means I can to share theatre with those who love it, and even those who haven’t been exposed to it yet. I feel that my experience in both the performance and non-performance side of theatre provides me with a very well rounded background, and a unique ability to understand the needs of the performer and the business.

How would this position effect your professional & personal development?

I am on a constant personal development journey. I do not believe that will ever end. I think that EAL/LA would provide me with a wonderful space to develop in both realms by fostering a place for positive career-shaping relationships to grow and flourish. Also, having experience in EAL/LA would be showcasing exactly what I want to market myself as: an emerging arts leader in Los Angeles. Young professionals in the theatre need a guiding light and an anchor community where we can create, learn, grow and share together, and I think that EAL/LA would be a great place to do that.

What are some specific goals and/or objectives you hope to achieve in this position?

As with any position I take on, I hope to get people excited about what it is I am working on. Since my experience in the past year has really been about promotion using social media, I would want to raise the number of members, as well as the number of page views of the website. Currently, EAL/LA’s Facebook page has 572 likes. I would want to use that number and have it grow by reaching out to important members, and other media engagement opportunities. I would love to find ways to get members excited about EAL/LA, and realize some incentive-based contests, and other promotion materials to garner interest not only about the group, but also specific events for the group.

Another goal I would love to see realized is creating connections between colleges and the EAL/LA. As a current student at USC, I see how little my peers know about organizations in Los Angeles. I want to create a bond between distinguished Los Angeles colleges and provide their students with the information needed to join EAL/LA, as well as eventually have EAL/LA be marketed to students as a guiding light and a great home for their careers to grow.

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Candidate for At Large Member:


Stephanie Moore


Administrative Coordinator / Burbank Arts For All Foundation

As a current EAL/LA member, I have attended or helped plan multiple events in part because I believe in the importance of peer learning and mentorship. Throughout my career, as both a student and arts administrator, I have been fortunate to have not only an informal mentor, but also a strong cohort of emerging arts leaders with which to discuss issues and ideas. EAL/LA has become part of my cohort and as the At Large Member (ALM) I would continue to collaborate with new and current members to strengthen existing networks and forge new relationships.

My personal belief in the power of informal mentoring and continued professional development complements EAL/LA’s mission. Throughout my work on the Programming and Development Committees I have seen the dedication of committee chairs provide EAL/LA members with amazing opportunities to grow and succeed. I am skilled as a collaborator and understand that no project can be completed well without the assistance of other innovative thinkers and doers. As a board or staff member I always look to gain new skills and in turn try to offer others the same chance for growth. I know that my ability to work collaboratively as well as facilitate and lead will be important to this position.

My career goals focus on building strong communities via collaborative learning, cultural mapping, and helping artists and arts administrators find the resources necessary to continue or complete their work. These goals parallel the description of the ALM’s duties, including connecting members to the unique events and opportunities EAL/LA offers as well as creating a welcoming environment for open dialogue at each of these events. Engaging members in a dialogue about their current work, career goals and professional development needs will allow me, as the ALM, to partner with other Leadership Council members to realize programs for all EAL/LA members. Also, as a new emerging leader in the LA arts scene I am looking to build a network of arts professionals as informal mentors. As a Leadership Council member I will have the opportunity to learn more about the structure and processes of an emerging arts leader’s network, further my career goals and be a part of this creative learning community.

Candidate for At Large Member:

Laura Sardisco


Drama Instructor/ Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc.

I am interested in the position of At-Large Member because it is something that takes me outside of my normal comfort zone. See my EAL/LA blog post, HYPERLINK “http://ealla.org/networking-for-introverts/” Networking for Introverts and you’ll understand. Networking is always a challenge, especially when new to an organization. It can be daunting to find a friendly face within a crowd of unknown people. Fortunately, when I first joined EAL/LA there were several people who made me feel welcome and it’s time for me to pay it forward. As a result, EAL has presented me with many opportunities to expand my administrative skills; the hardest part was to know where to start.

My goal is to foster new member understanding of how EAL/LA offers opportunities to develop skills which directly translate into professional growth. I would also like to encourage members to participate in committees that the may feel intimidated to join. I’ve directly experienced how serving on a committee, and ultimately learning a new set of skills, has directly led to new opportunities with my organization.

This position will effect my professional development by increasing my management skills. As At-Large Member I will get to be the members’ representative to the Leadership Council to advocate for their needs as well as be responsible for a specific deliverable, promoting active membership. I will also grow my people management skills by ensuring that everyone is well informed and that everyone has a charge according to their unique skills.

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Also on the ballot:

Ronnie Wise has been serving as Interim Programming Co-Chair since February 2012.  Because of his contributions and experience in this role, the Leadership Council moves to install Ronnie as the permanent Programming Co-Chair for the 2012-2014 term.

Are you looking for a way to get more involved? You’re invited to apply for a position on the EAL/LA Leadership Council!

Election timeline:

July 18, 2012  - Deadline for applicants
July 19, 2012 - Election opens on ealla.org
August 1, 2012 – Election closes
August 4, 2012 - Co-Chair terms announced

Application Packet Checklist

EAL/LA Leadership Council Application 2012 [click to download]
Curriculum Vitae and/or Resume
Personal Statement

Please e-mail all Application materials to info@ealla.org  by July 18, 2012 at 5 p.m.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by current LC members. Once applicants are approved, candidates personal statement will be posted on ealla.org.

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About the Leadership Council

EAL/LA creates an atmosphere that is conducive to information sharing and generational leadership succession. We’re emerging arts leaders so the idea is that we expect our own leaders to eventually “emerge”.

In order to do so, we’ve created a Leadership Council (LC) that is chaired by our more seasoned members. The Chairs will aid in orienting new leaders over the course of a one-year period. During this period, the Chairs preserve institutional knowledge and ensure the sustainability of EAL/LA by working closely with and developing the Co-Chairs. As the Chairs “emerge” or transition from the network, the Co-Chairs progress into the Chairs role and a new group of Co-Chairs is elected from the networks general membership.

Responsibilities:

The Co-Chairs are expected to meet monthly with the LC and with partnered Chair on an as needed basis. Each Chair/Co-Chair committee is expected to provide a short update to the LC to document the committee’s progress.

Co-Chair Descriptions

Executive Co-Chair

Development Co-Chair

The Co-Chair helps the Development Chair in creating strategies for resource development and implementing fundraising activities for EAL/LA during his or her term. The Chair and Co-Chair will work with Executive Chair/Co-Chair and Leadership Council to identify priority funding areas and coordinate with the Development work group/committee to seek funding for these areas. The Development Chair and Co-Chair will maintain the relationship with current funder while also seeking support from other sources. They will research and apply for grants and other sources of revenue, and implement action items to make progress toward the fulfillment of Strategic Planning goal #3- resource development. The Development Chair and Co-Chair may also work with Membership Chairs to coordinate a paid membership program if one should be started.

The Development Co-Chair should be ready to dive into fundraising activities for EAL/LA; a person who works well with a team and also takes initiative to research and brainstorm possible sources of revenue independently. Familiarity with fundraising practices is helpful. Most importantly, the Development Co-chair should be passionate about the goals, activities, and mission of EAL/LA.

This is a two-year term:  one year as Development Co-Chair (2012-2013), followed by one year as Development Chair (2013-2014).

Marketing & Membership Co-Chair

The Marketing & Membership Co-Chair will assist the Chair in writing, editing, and distributing all promotional based materials for EAL/LA including, but not limited to press releases, e-blasts, and ad copy. The Co-Chair will contribute towards building and maintaining a social media based promotions plan to increase membership presence on EAL/LA’s website through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as take the lead in maintaining content and communications on those sites. Additionally, the Co-Chair will oversee the creation and organization of press and listings contact sheets, as well as help manage all field related vendor relationships. The Marketing and Membership team will establish cohesive membership development plan and solidify membership communication strategies to ensure more effective distribution of information. The Co-Chair will assist in the creation of membership materials and will work closely with the Chair and the Programming Team for all Special Events and with the Development Team to identify funding partners to establish a membership benefits program.

The ideal candidate will have excellent writing and communications skills, as well as a willingness to learn negotiation skills. Additionally, the Co-Chair must prove detail-oriented and have an ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and ensure their timely execution. No previous marketing or development experience is required, but is preferred.

This is a two-year term:  one year as Marketing & Membership Co-Chair (2012-2013), followed by one year as Marketing & Membership Chair (2013-2014).

Image by: k bost

Congratulations to the new elects!

The people have voted, unanimously I may add. Our new Leadership Council Co-Chairs are:

Finance Co-Chair - Jen H. Gorman

Marketing & Membership Co-Chair - Gavin Williamson

Development Co-Chair - Melissa Flavia Constantino

Programming Co-Chair - Kelly Christ

Communications Co-Chair - K. Ryan Henisey

Terms begin July 1, get ready to rock n’ roll EAL/LA!

Strategic Planning News:

A big GIANT pat on the back to the many EAL/LA members who have so laboriously and lovingly completed the Strategic Planning Process which is now an official looking Document, downloadable here: EALLA_SPdoc. This document give a summary of the process, goals, and achievements of the months long process. A special thank you to Kristin Runnels, Tara Scroggins, Camille Schenkkan, Rosa Langley, Cynthia Pearson, Rebecca Nath for the final compilation.

2011 EAL/LA Leadership Council Co-Chair election time is here! If you are a registered member of ealla.org you will receive an email with a link to VOTE. Wanna know who’s running? Read more about the candidates below.

Candidate for Finance Co-Chair:
Jen H. Gorman
Civic Art Coordinator
Los Angeles County Arts Commission

My current position as Civic Art Coordinator at the Los Angeles County Arts Commission is fulfilling and demanding, requiring a superior level of performance from me. The abilities and skills that I have gained at the Arts Commission would serve EAL/LA well; they include ongoing maintenance of various Capital Project budgets, analysis and projections of internal program expenditures, preparation of fiscal reports, and management of vendor payments. Prior to this job, I was Development Associate for the LA Conservation Corps; a local non‐profit organization that I served with for five years.

I am particularly interested in the position of Finance Co‐Chair because there is much to learn in this field, especially for me, as my educational background was in Art History. This position is an opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of finance by learning how to navigate through all aspects of an organization’s budgetary workings.

As I advance in my career, being a part of EAL/LA will connect me to a larger community of Arts Administrators, non‐profit professionals and creative individuals also dedicated to the Arts. In addition, I would like to grow with EAL/LA in the longterm to eventually help serve a new community of young emerging leaders. This is an opportunity that I am truly excited about!

Candidate for Marketing & Membership Co-Chair:
Gavin Williamson
Administrative Assistant / Art Editor
Michael Benevento Gallery   /  Words Without Borders

Why are you interested in this Co-Chair position?
I’m interested in the Marketing and Membership Co-Chair position because I’m passionate about the arts and am interested in further directing and refining my professional skills through a community-based organization. I enjoy marketing and working with diverse groups to develop, distribute and promote the arts through social and print based media. I’d also like to increase my development skills and would value an opportunity to enhance my professional connections.

How would you be a good fit for this Co-Chair position?
I’d come to this position with a background in arts administration, prior arts-marketing experience, a M.A. in Writing, Criticism and Theory and a tenacious personality. I have a year of experience writing, editing and distributing press, marketing materials and copy for the arts, this is a significant component of my current job as an administrative assistant. I also have experience planning events, managing multiple projects with minimal supervision, and working with third-party vendors to meet deadlines and adhere to a budget. I’m competent with social media, have experience with hard-copy advertising and am always willing to learn something new.

How would this position effect your professional & personal development?
I’m still in the process of figuring out the part of the arts that fits me best. I’m hoping this position will place me among a group of like-minded peers while challenging my professional skill-set, ultimately making me a more resourceful and flexible member of the arts community. I hope this position will help me diversify and expand my network, increase my professional relevance, and perhaps allow for a transition from the commercial gallery world into an art institution.

What are some specific goals and/or objectives you hope to achieve as a Co-Chair?
I’d like to increase membership on social media platforms but I’d also like to look into ways in which EAL/LA can have an increased presence at local arts events. Moreover, I’d like to research which types of communication could best attract new membership from more local artists as well as administrative professionals.

Candidate for Development Co-Chair:
Melissa Flavia Constantino
Founder
Stop & Listen LA

It was a cool Tuesday night in February of 2010. I dragged my mother along with me to my favorite; Leo’s Taco Truck, located right on Eagle Rock Boulevard. I wasn’t quite sure what was to happen, but I came prepared with my guitar in hand, and quickly designed flyers for a “project” I had dreamt of. There, I was, alone with few passerby’s, singing songs for those who decided to stop for tacos. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, all I knew was that Art should be for the masses; for people who might not be exposed, and for people who may not have the means to afford it. It was for something higher than myself and the idea that maybe, Music CAN bring people together and CAN build stronger communities. At the end of the night, I knew I had fallen onto path for the right reasons. It was a passion rooted deep within me, manifested through simple interactions with people of the community. This is how I found myself in Arts Administration. Initially all I knew was music, and had no idea what career field I would be pursuing, but the process of turning what was first an experiment into a nonprofit organization has presented excitement, joy, and many challenges that I am happy and proud to take on.

I would love to be the Development Co-Chair, as I believe I have the passion, drive, and the strong work ethic to help fulfill the mission of EAL/LA. Development is the bread and butter to every organization. These days with the cuts in arts funding, it is crucial to develop individuals who want to continue the progress of sustaining arts programming. With few opportunities available for arts professionals, sometimes, it is necessary to create those opportunities in order to develop yourself. With Stop & Listen LA, I have allowed myself to do just that – which is why I feel I am a good fit for this position. I am constantly developing myself and am eager to learn more on the development side of administration. I love that EAL/LA is here to serve as a tool to success for so many of us who advocate and support the arts and I would be honored to serve on the council to learn and to allow others to grow right along side me. If I can impart any advice, opportunity, and or knowledge to anyone, I am the first to share it. As a Co-Chair, I wish to help the development committee achieve greater innovation in how we go about researching and fundraising to drive the mission and the programs that we have set to undertake. I want to grow as a leader in the arts field while helping to continue the process of growth for all others I may meet along the way as part of EAL/LA.

Candidate for Programming Co-Chair:
Kelly Christ
Human Resources and Operations Administrator
Los Angeles Opera

I would like to serve the Emerging Arts Leaders Los Angeles (EAL/LA) Chapter as the Programming Co-Chair because I have creative ideas as to how arts programming can continue to move forward in L.A. and how EAL/LA can foster the development of the young professionals who will elicit that growth.  I meet a lot of vibrant EAL/LA members and each brings unique ideas to the table. I’m delighted that EAL/LA has recently undergone a focused strategic planning process in order to examine some of these goals and ideas, so that we can more effectively implement them. Because of this new structure, the Programming Committee will be able to create more opportunities for members to learn the skills necessary to become effective arts leaders.  Further, by supporting members in their vision and realization of their own exciting new programming opportunities, the Programming Committee will enable those members to continue to further their careers.

I am well suited to serve as the Programming Co-Chair because I have many innovative ideas as well as the strong work ethic required to turn good ideas into successful events.  Further, I am supportive and understand that while the Programming Committee members should create effective programming, they should also be prepared to step back and help others develop inspirational programs.  In fact, my career goals include working as a programming specialist within an arts organization.  I am passionate about community service and assuming the Co-Chair position would enable me to serve the EAL/LA community while also providing me the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills in outreach efforts for arts organizations.

My specific goals include fostering opportunities for EAL/LA members to teach one another. We can learn a lot from more seasoned arts leaders, and we should continue to draw upon their experience by inviting them as speakers and panelists to our upcoming events. Yet we also have unique experiences and insights as to where we see the arts world heading.  We should structure this collaborative approach into our programming endeavors. For instance, we already have a Development Committee, and, as fundraising is the lifeblood of a non-profit organization, I believe that every EAL/LA member should have a basic understanding as to how non-profits bring in donors and grants.  We could have Grants 101 sessions that the Development Committee would put on for the rest of the membership.  I am personally quite interested in arts education and would like to help build an Arts Education Hub for anyone who believes the arts are an integral part of a holistic education.  Other members likely have ideas and knowledge bases that EAL/LA can take advantage of and we should use the Programming Committee to help cultivate interesting new outlets for this knowledge.

Candidate for Communications Co-Chair:
K. Ryan Henisey
Teacher
Eastside School District

Why are you interested in this Co-Chair position?
I have always had an interest in communications. From my time in high school as editor of the school newspaper to my work with ETA distributing information through newsletters and the web, I have always found communication to be a niche in which I fit well.

How would you be a good fit for this Co-Chair position?
Previous experience with methods of communication in an organizational setting like ETA would make me a strong candidate for this position. I work well with other members of a team.

How would this position effect your professional & personal development?
It would give me greater experience professionally with organizational communications. Personally, it would feed my artistic side, allowing me a chance to work alongside like-minded individuals in a field that I admire.

What are some specific goals and/or objectives you hope to achieve as a Co-Chair?
I would like to effectively distribute information about events, and art advocacy. I would like to see EAL/LA develop its online presence throughout the year. I feel that I would work well with the current chair in accomplishing these goals.

Are you looking for a way to get more involved with EAL/LA? You’re invited to apply for a Co-Chair position on the EAL/LA Leadership Council!

Election timeline:

May 4, 2011 - Info session
May 8, 2011 - Deadline for applicants
May 9, 2011 - Applicants may give a statement @ General Meeting
May 12, 2011 - Election opens on ealla.org
May 30, 2011 - Close Election
Mid June 2011 - Notify Elects
July 1, 2011 - Co-Chair terms begin.

Application Packet Checklist

EAL/LA Leadership Council Application 2011[click to download]
Curriculum Vitae and/or Resume
Personal Statement

Please e-mail all Application materials to info@ealla.org  by April 30, 2011 at 5 p.m.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by current LC members. Once applicants are approved, profiles will be posted on ealla.org. Candidates will have the opportunity to make a statement to the membership at the May 11, 2011 General Meeting.

We want YOU to join the Leadership Council! L to R: Kristin Runnels, Tara Scroggins, Rosa Langley, Cynthia Pearson, Megan Powers, Krystal Boehlert, Rebecca Nath

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About the Leadership Council

EAL/LA creates an atmosphere that is conducive to information sharing and generational leadership succession. We’re emerging arts leaders so the idea is that we expect our own leaders to eventually “emerge”.

In order to do so, we’ve created a Leadership Council (LC) that is chaired by our more seasoned members. The Chairs will aid in orienting new leaders over the course of a one-year period. During this period, the Chairs preserve institutional knowledge and ensure the sustainability of EAL/LA by working closely with and developing the Co-Chairs. As the Chairs “emerge” or transition from the network, the Co-Chairs progress into the Chairs role and a new group of Co-Chairs is elected from the networks general membership.

Terms:

The Committee charged with the strategic planning process for the network elected its first officers to serve as Chairs in February 2011. In our first year, the Co-Chairs will be running for a 3 year term, with an option to leave their position after one year (if desired). If there is no opt-out, the person will continue to serve as co-chair for a second year and transition into the role of Chair during their third year. In the event of an opt-out, mid-term elections will be held. A candidate elected at this stage would serve a total of two years, one year as Co-Chair, one as Chair

Responsibilities:

The Co-Chairs are expected to meet monthly with the LC and with partnered Chair on an as needed basis. Each Chair/Co-Chair committee is expected to provide a short report quarterly to the LC to document and update on the committee’s progress.

Co-Chair Descriptions

Development Co-Chair

The Co-Chair helps the Development Chair in creating strategies for resource development and implementing fundraising activities for EAL/LA during his or her term.  The Chair and Co-Chair will work with Executive Chair/Co-Chair and Leadership Council to identify priority funding areas and coordinate with the Development work group/committee to seek funding for these areas.  The Development Chair and Co-Chair will maintain the relationship with current funder while also seeking support from other sources. They will research and apply for grants and other sources of revenue, and implement action items to make progress toward the fulfillment of Strategic Planning goal #3- resource development. The Development Chair and Co-Chair may also work with Membership Chairs to coordinate a paid membership program if one should  be started.

The Development Co-Chair should be ready to dive into fundraising activities for EAL/LA; a person who works well with a team and also takes initiative to research and brainstorm possible sources of revenue independently.  Familiarity with fundraising practices is helpful.  Most importantly, the Development Co-chair should be passionate about the goals, activities, and mission of EAL/LA.

Programming Co-Chair

Working collaboratively, Programming Chair and Co-Chair will be responsible for executing regular professional development programming for EAL/LA membership. This will include brainstorming and generating ideas, coordinating event logistics, and assisting with day-of responsibilities, as necessary. Chair and Co-Chair will provide assistance and guidance to members who seek to sponsor and organizeEAL/LA events. They will review program proposal submissions and determine which programs to recommend to Leadership Council for promotion and sponsorship. Chair and Co-Chair will communicate with planning committees to ensure programs are executed according to EAL/LA guidelines.

Programming Chair and Co-Chair will support committees for annual programs, including Creative Conversations and APAL. These programs will be managed through their respective committees, but the Programming Chair and Co-Chair will ensure the programs are being executed, are on schedule, and are in accordance with EAL/LA standards.

Additional responsibilities of the Programming Chair and Co-Chair will be to organize and attend regular meetings of Programming committee. In conjunction with the Strategic Planning process, Programming Chair and Co-Chair will develop EAL/LA Programming Priorities and Guidelines document. This will be reviewed by the Leadership Council and implemented with future EAL/LA programming.

The Programming Co-Chair is highly interested in the nuts and bolts of program development. The Co-Chair should be a highly motivated and accessible team-player. Familiarity with contemporary arts/non-profit management and professional development theories, events, speakers, and ideas is a plus, but can be substituted by an interest in these areas and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, the Co-Chair should be dedicated to ensuring EAL/LA provides high-quality, constructive, and inspirational programming to our members.

Finance Co-Chair

The Finance Chair and Co-Chair manage the EAL/LA budget. In coordination with the Executive Chair/Co-Chair, the Finance Chair and Co-Chair will develop and implement systems for maintaining budget records, approving expenses and reimbursements, and keeping the members of the Leadership Council (LC) informed about financial issues. The Co-Chair will assist the Chair in monitoring the budget on an ongoing basis by reviewing monthly budget statements from Community Partners (CP) and tracking income and disbursements. The Finance Chair and Co-Chair will be responsible for ensuring that proposed expenditures are within budget and collect necessary information for the LC and CP to evaluate and authorize the expenditures. The Co-Chair will be involved in obtaining receipts and preparing forms to be submitted to CP for reimbursement. Should a paid membership structure be introduced, the Finance Co-Chair will work with the Membership and Development Chairs and Committees to receive and track membership dues. The Finance Co-Chair will, when appropriate, assist in Development activities by providing current budget information for funding solicitation and grant reporting purposes. The Finance Co-Chair will assess EAL/LA’s budget and will meet with the Finance Chair to discuss the state of EAL/LA’s finances on at least a monthly basis. The Finance Chair and Co-Chair will work with the LC to establish budgets for several fiscal years in advance and will support the overall financial goals of the organization. The Finance Co-Chair will likely work very closely with the CP liaison (the Executive Co-Chair) in performing all of his or her duties.

For this position, that old job description standard “detail-oriented” is a must. No formal―or even informal―accounting experience is required, but a familiarity with budget spreadsheets and monthly/annual financial statements is helpful, and those with phobia of numbers or handling money may rather apply for something else. The Finance Co-Chair should be responsible and responsive to requests for budget information from the Finance Chair and other LC members. Of course, the Finance Co-Chair should be committed to EAL/LA!

Communications Co-Chair

The Communication Co-Chair will assist the Chair in maintaining the website and other online accounts. This includes site moderation for spam, membership, content, and access issues. The Co-Chair will help generate blog content and solicit permission for cross-posting relevant blogs to be posted on ealla.org. Co-Chair will keep an editor’s eye on website specifically blogged content. The Communications team is responsible for checking EAL/LA voicemail and general email account, forwarding questions to appropriate people. The Communication team will assist the LC with other tech issues as they arise. The Communications team will assist the Marketing & Membership team in writing and distributing press releases and pushing out information and announcements through all channels. The Co-Chair will communicate to the Finance team any budgetary concerns or recurring costs. The Co-Chair will work with the Development team in identifying and implementing appropriate online revenue initiatives.

The ideal Co-Chair will be very web savvy and have be active online on a daily basis. The Co-Chair will be accessible to the LC and membership, keeping tabs on the various online accounts on a regular basis. The Co-Chair will meet with the Chair on a monthly basis aside from the LC monthly meetings. The Communications Co-Chair will have an interest in web technologies and content management. The Communications team will work on an archiving solution for audio, video, and image content for the group and will be looking to experiment with new tech tools to benefit the EAL/LA membership.

Marketing & Membership Co-Chair

The Marketing & Membership Co-Chair will assist the Chair in writing, editing, and distributing all promotional based materials for EAL/LA including, but not limited to press releases, e-blasts, and ad copy. The Co-Chair will contribute towards building and maintaining a social media based promotions plan to increase membership presence on EAL/LA’s website through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as take the lead in maintaining content and communications on those sites. Additionally, the Co-Chair will oversee the creation and organization of press and listings contact sheets, as well as help manage all field related vendor relationships. The Marketing and Membership team will establish cohesive membership development plan and solidify membership communication strategies to ensure more effective distribution of information. The Co-Chair will assist in the creation of membership materials and will work closely with the Chair and the Programming Team for all Special Events and with the Development Team to identify funding partners to establish a membership benefits program.

The ideal candidate will have excellent writing and communications skills, as well as a willingness to learn negotiation skills. Additionally, the co-chair must prove extremely detail oriented and have an ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and ensure their timely execution. No previous marketing or development experience is required, but is preferred.

About the Leadership Council [click to download]