Board of Directors

Meeting Report—February 2008

Kate Gottfred, President

Opening Remarks

President Kate Gottfred welcomed the continuing and new Board members and noted how exciting it was to be meeting in the new National Office. She indicated that 2008 will be a very busy year and thanked the BOD for its commitment to moving ASHA forward toward its desired future.

Executive Director Update Highlights

Executive Director Arlene Pietranton discussed the many "firsts" that have occurred and will occur in 2008 as a result of the profound change in the governance model [PDF] that had been in place for 38 years—the first meeting of the BOD, the first meeting of the Advisory Councils, and the first elections for designated audiology and speech-language pathology positions on the BOD where members of each profession vote only for officers from their profession. Because of these important changes, among others, Arlene indicated that how ASHA conducts its business will be different and that we need to continue to do the things that make a difference for ASHA members.

The following additional highlights were also noted:

• ASHA successfully competed for a contract from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to review the evidence and develop future directions for limiting loss to follow-up in universal newborn hearing screening programs. The ASHA National Center for Evidence-Based Practice (N-CEP) has completed two systematic reviews: one on the identification of risk factors for delayed or lost follow-up, and the other describing the evidence for the effectiveness of various approaches to limiting the problem. In addition to the systematic reviews, the final "deliverables" to CDC are a proposed plan to develop guidelines and the results of widespread peer review of the proposal. These are due in September of this year.
• Special Interest Division Perspectives will join ASHA Journals Online in March 2008. Divisions 1 (Language Learning and Education), 3 (Voice and Voice Disorders), 4 (Fluency and Fluency Disorders), 7 (Aural Rehabilitation and Its Instrumentation), 9 (Hearing and Hearing Disorders in Childhood), 11 (Administration and Supervision), and 13 (Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders [Dysphagia]) will be the first to go online with their March issues of Perspectives.
• Special Interest Division Numbers—At the end of 2007, there were 30,088 Division affiliates compared to 25,949 at the end of 2006.
• ASHA's New Director of School Services Deborah Adamczyk will be joining the National Office staff in March. Deborah hails from Pennsylvania and has extensive supervisory experience in the schools. Deborah has spent her career in school settings, serving as a speech-language pathologist, an administrator, and a state consultant. She has served on the Legislative Council and as a site visitor for the CAA. Deborah has a passion for school-based speech-language services and looks forward to developing and providing access to relevant and evidenced-based information and professional development opportunities for our school-based members. She is also looking forward to expanding her advocacy for school based members across a variety of venues. We're excited to have a new director coming on board to work with and lead our talented and knowledgeable School Services Team.

Legal Considerations for Members of Nonprofit Boards

As part of its continuing education related to the roles and responsibilities of board members of nonprofit associations in making informed decisions and providing due diligence in completing its activities, the BOD received and discussed information related to its duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of fidelity and purpose. This information is reviewed and discussed at the first Board meeting each year and is presented by ASHA's legal counsel. The intent of these duties is to ensure that members of the Board are managing the Association and making decisions that are in the best interest of the Association while ensuring that they have no conflict of interest.

The Board also received and discussed information related to antitrust laws to help ASHA better understand and identify the types of conduct that could raise antitrust issues. Compliance with antitrust laws is important for ensuring that the Association and its members do not face litigation. Activities that are unlawful for an association include exchange of price information, advertising bans, restraints on production, customer or market allocations, group boycotts, and group buying.

Board of Directors Communications Plan

The Board reviewed and discussed a communications plan that provides guidance for Board members in seeking and responding to members and constituency groups who bring forth issues to be considered by the Board related to professional issues, Association-wide issues, and issues related to ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence. Administrative issues (e.g., change of address requests, certification questions) will be handled using existing National Office operational procedures for responding to such requests.

As a result of the new ASHA governance structure, members may submit resolutions and provide information/contact the Board online.

The communications plan also included information on responding to issues identified by the Advisory Councils. The Board intends to respond to all issues submitted for Board consideration from the Advisory Councils, members, and other entities by indicating what action has been taken and why. The Board approved the communications plan.

Mega Issues

The Board discussed possible "Mega Issues" that could affect the Association and the professions. The intent is to identify issues that will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion by the BOD, Advisory Councils, and other entities to inform future planning. The Board identified a number of audiology and speech-language pathology issues related to education, diversity, research, and the economy. The Board will continue discussion to identify those issues that are most important to discuss with the Advisory Councils and other entities.

2008 Advisory Council Meetings

The Chair of the Audiology Advisory Council and the Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council discussed the plans that were being made related to the March 29-30, 2008, meetings of the Advisory Councils. Plans include opportunities to discuss critical issues identified by the members, discuss issues identified by Council members, provide recommendations for development of the 2008 ASHA budget, and discuss ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence.

2005–2007 Strategic Plan Review and Progress

ASHA's Strategic Plan: 2005-2007 ended on December 31, 2007. The next iteration of the strategic plan has been developed as ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence. The Board received a report on the progress made during the fourth quarter of 2007 indicating that 98% of 87 strategies included in the Strategic Plan work plans were completed. The progress reports for the Strategic Plan can be accessed on the ASHA Web site. The Board also received a report on some of the major accomplishments of the strategic plan for the years 2005–2007.

ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence

As ASHA began to implement its Strategic Pathway to Excellence and have staff align their work with the Pathway, it was noted that for all of the National Office units to be able to support the Pathway there would be some refinements needed in the wording for some of the Strategic Objectives and the associated commentary. The Board received a report indicating the proposed changes in some of the Strategic Objectives and the associated commentary. The Board approved the recommended changes.

Strategic Theme: The Member Experience

ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence includes four Strategic Themes (Pillars of Excellence): Two Professions, One Discipline; Scientifically Based Professional Practice, Advocacy, and The Member Experience. As part of the Board's agenda for 2008, one of the Pillars of Excellence will be discussed at each BOD meeting. During this meeting, the Board discussed The Member Experience. The Strategic Result for this Pillar is as follows: "The value of ASHA membership will be apparent and enhanced member satisfaction will be the rationale for member retention." The Board reviewed the Strategic Objectives and the associated Strategic Initiatives related to The Member Experience—Enhance Member Satisfaction; Increase Active Involvement of Members; Enhance Financial Stewardship; Improve External Communication; Improve Targeted Customization of Programs, Products, and Services; and Improve Technology and Infrastructure. The Board provided suggestions regarding factors to be considered to enhance the member experience. This information will be used by National Office staff as they initiate activities to enhance The Member Experience. The Board will continue discussion on this topic in the near future.

Committee on Budget

• The preliminary year-end financial report indicates that ASHA will have a positive bottom line for 2007.
• The Committee was provided with information on the process and timeline for developing the 2009 ASHA Budget.

National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH)

The Board approved a motion to sponsor a tour and reception at the new ASHA National Office commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and hearing (NBASLH). ASHA has had a long relationship with NBASLH and most recently has collaborated on a project to mentor students of color to become future professionals and future leaders in the discipline. ASHA's Strategic Pathway has as one of its Strategic Objectives to "Strengthen Strategic Relationships." The Board of Directors values ASHA's strong relationship with NBASLH and wants to maintain and strengthen that relationship. Participants attending the 2008 NBASLH Convention to be held in the Washington, DC area will be invited to the tour and reception.

Note: ASHA hopes to have opportunities for other groups of members who are meeting in the DC area to visit their new National Office.

2005-2007 Focused Initiatives Review and Progress

The four Focused Initiatives for 2005-2007 related to the PhD Shortage in Higher Education, Personnel Issues in Health and Education, Reimbursement in Health Care and Education, and Evidence-Based Practice ended on December 31, 2007. The Board received a report on the progress made during he fourth quarter of 2007 indicating that 90% of 82 strategies included in the Focused Initiatives work plans were completed. The Board also received reports on some of the major accomplishments of the Focused Initiatives for the years 2005-2007.

Academic Affairs

The Vice President for Academic Affairs Coordinating Committee has suggested ASHA consider initiating activities to provide members in the academic community with information about pedagogy in communication sciences and disorders. The activities would build on information from the previous ASHA summits on graduate education in speech-language pathology and audiology. The Board suggested the Coordinating Committee engage in further discussion on how the activities suggested by the Committee relate to ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence.

National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology (NAFDA)/National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)/ASHA Meeting

A meeting of representatives from NAFDA, NSSLHA, and ASHA has been scheduled. The intent of the meeting is to share information on each group's perspectives about student-related activities, discuss how the groups can work collaboratively on projects related to students, how the groups can mutually support each other, and how ASHA can support students in speech-language pathology and audiology who are in preparation for entering the professions.

ASHA Convention Support for State Associations

The Board discussed a report on "Benefits to State Associations That Host ASHA's Annual Convention." Because of the size of ASHA's Convention, only cities in seven states can host the Convention. As a result, the Convention is held in some states as often as every 5 years. Host state associations indicate that it can result in loss of revenue from the reduction in attendance at their own annual meeting when the Convention is held in their state. Representatives from the seven states met with ASHA staff to discuss the ASHA benefits offered to state associations that host the ASHA Convention. The Board approved a revised benefits package that will provide increased support for state associations that host the ASHA Convention.

Property Update Review

• The new National Office was completed on time and on budget. Construction of the building met all of the benchmarks in completing the building even though the final building permits were issued 3 months later than expected. Following the move in on November 30-December 2, 2007, the office was open for business by noon on December 3rd.
• The new National Office is the first 501(c) (6) organization in Maryland to have built a LEED certified building. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The LEED rating system is organized into five environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. LEED for New Construction offers many benefits, including environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance and health advantages. LEED certified projects cost less to operate and maintain, are energy- and water-efficient, and contribute to occupant health and productivity. LEED for New Construction ratings are awarded according to the following scale: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Currently, ASHA is LEED certified at the Silver level and is being reviewed for certification at the Gold level.
• The new National Office has space available for leasing to bring in additional nondues revenue. The leasing company is reviewing applications for use of the available space.
• A dedication ceremony for the new ASHA National Office will be held on March 27, 2008. The ceremony will include comments by ASHA leaders, state and local civic/government officials, and leaders in the association community, along with entertainment. It is anticipated that approximately 300-325 individuals will attend the dedication. The dedication has been planned to coincide with first meetings of the new ASHA Advisory Council.

ASHA Leadership Development Program

The Board reviewed the Leadership Development Program plan previously approved by the Board. The intent of the program is to establish a developmental path for individuals who have demonstrated leadership characteristics to encourage further development of their leadership skills and to apply these skills within ASHA. The 12-month program includes self-assessment activities related to leadership skills, participation in a Leadership Development Institute, development of a leadership goal and action plan, and coaching conference calls with the goal of participation in ASHA governance. Participants receive information related to communication styles, problem solving, decision making, coaching, project management, strategic planning, and governance. In 2007, 104 applications were received. Eighteen ASHA members participated in the Leadership Development Program. For 2008, 110 nominations have been submitted. Twenty of the nominees will be selected for the 2008 Leadership Development Program.