How to Keep Your Board Informed and Engaged? Q&A with Kelly Romeo of ALTA

Strong and effective relationships with our board depend on meaningful engagement opportunities and personal connections. ALTA board members generally serve for 2-5 years, which promotes engagement and expertise over time. Those destined for the ALTA presidency typically have at least seven years of continuous board service under their belts by the time they are installed as president. Many board members develop their knowledge and perspective on association business through committee participation. Committee service helps board members connect to the organization and their fellow members in a way that allows them to establish a large network of members and industry experts while gaining a broad sense of the issues our members face in running their businesses. Those early experiences also promote strong relationships with staff who serve as committee liaisons. This organic engagement is further expanded through three steering committees that, collectively, include the chairs of every committee and establish connectivity among the board members, future leaders, and staff.

Our CEO and staff leaders maintain strong personal and professional relationships with board members and communicate with them regularly. The result is that our board members are well-informed and confident when addressing the challenges and opportunities that are typical for a national trade association.

Our board gathers in Washington, D.C., every summer to set ALTA Strategic Priorities for the upcoming program year (which runs from October to October, in alignment with the term of office for our president and board). The board also engages in SWOT analyses and scenario planning when warranted. We believe it’s important for our leadership to take time to be planful and future focused.

ALTA takes advantage of opportunities to engage face-to-face with our board members. Two of our board meetings as well as the summer planning meeting are multi-day events providing opportunities to share meaningful experiences and get to know one another away from the formal board table. The board events also are designed to be attractive to spouses and guests who add to the group dynamic. This provides board members with an opportunity to see each other and spend time with the ALTA staff. In concert with ALTA’s other events and many state association meetings throughout the year, these gatherings enable board members to connect with members, build a network of colleagues, and create life-long friendships.