Board of Directors Meeting
Military Writers Society of America
Minutes
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 @ 12:00 PM EST
The Military Writers Society of America Board of Directors convened on June 5, 12:02 pm EST via Zoom with the following members in attendance: President Valerie Ormond, Past President Bob Doerr, Treasurer Hugh Simpson, Secretary Ruth W. Crocker, Founder Rev. Bill McDonald, Directors-at-Large, John Cathcart, Kathleen Rodgers, Jim Tritten, and Dane Zeller. The board reviewed minutes from the previous March meeting, with the only change being the approval of the Writer of the Year award for a board member or officer by exception. Valerie Ormond and Hugh Simpson led the motion to approve the previous meeting minutes.
Treasurer's Report
Hugh Simpson presented the treasurer's report. The treasurer's report was reviewed and approved by the board of directors. The Operations Account, had a balance of $40,451.84, Awards Account $8,687.11, and Program Account $13,000.46.
Conference Updates
Bob Doerr provided a conference update and discussed the need to reach 20 attendees for a special Midway tour. The group also deliberated on conference payments and the possibility of a Friday lunch to ensure they spend the required $12,000 at the hotel to avoid additional costs.
Scholarship Discussion
The board voted to cancel the scholarship in the future, which was deemed to require too much volunteer time with little payoff. Valerie Ormond thanked Rob Lofthouse for his work on the program and said he had some ideas for a scholarship program to benefit MWSA members that he might introduce when he joins the board.
MWSA Elections, Board Positions, and Updates
The MWSA discussed upcoming elections, confirming that all positions on the board were filled, with Annette Langlois Grunseth and Rob Lofthouse agreeing to run, if elected.
Bob Doerr said he would follow up with Jim Tritten to see if he would agree to the role of secretary. Jim was traveling in an area with poor communication but was able to confirm that he would run for secretary. Valerie also asked Bob Doerr to remain on the board as the past president, as Jim Greenwald would not be involved. Bob agreed.
Writer's Education and Dispatches
Valerie Ormond outlined the schedule for the next writer's education series and said she would provide a reminder to members on Monday. Dane Zeller reported on the progress of Dispatches and welcomed new editorial team member Miranda Armstadt. Valerie suggested to introduce a member spotlight feature in future issues, and she volunteered to start with Annette Grunseth. They also addressed the submission process for the 'Dispatches' with Valerie Ormond ensuring that members knew how to submit via email. Following the meeting, Valerie was tasked with conducting a test to verify whether an automatic submission went to the correct email address.
MWSA Awards Program
John Cathcart discussed the Awards Program which was closed as of June 1st with a total of 102 books submitted this year, of which 25% were reviewed by the top three reviewers.
Write Your Story (WYS) San Diego
The board discussed the logistics planning for an upcoming WYS event in San Diego. Dane has a clear vision for the event and a tentative agenda. Valerie Ormond offered to take over logistical responsibilities such as securing a location and providing publicity to allow Dane to focus on Dispatches. She will ask Jack London and Bob Doerr to assist.
MWSA Budget Approval and Membership Review
The MWSA discussed and approved the 2024 budget, with John Cathcart leading the detailed presentation of the new spreadsheet. The board agreed to an overspend on the conference due to current income, and planned to balance future conference costs with member fees. The high audio-visual expenses were noted to come from operating funds in this year, but should ideally be from conference planning in the future. Membership numbers and trends were positively reviewed by Valerie, who suggested discussing membership at every board meeting.
Bylaws Review
The bylaws review is still ongoing, which included administrative changes made by John and Valerie. Valerie will review again to see if any changes are beyond administrative, and if they are not, will send them out for board review and approval. It was agreed that the bylaws will undergo a legal review in 2025 when MWSA can budget for that expense.
Valerie Ormond adjourned the meeting at 1:10 pm. Next meeting in San Diego on Thursday, September 26 at 4:30pm Pacific Time.
Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
Military Writers Society of America
Wed., June 5, 2024 – 12:00 PM EST
Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2245629439?pwd=Sk92UXVZNzBpK1Z3NWd1TWtPcUM3UT09&omn=89524552479
Call to Order Valerie Ormond
Roll Call Ruth Crocker
Minutes from the March Meeting Ruth Crocker
Treasurer’s Report Hugh Simpson
New Business
Conference Update Bob Doerr
Scholarship Discussion Valerie Ormond
Upcoming Elections Bob Doerr
Next Writer’s Education Series Jim Tritten
Dispatches Update Dane Zeller
Awards Status John Cathcart
Write Your Story San Diego Planning Dane Zeller
2024 Budget Discussion and Vote Hugh Simpson and Finance Committee
Old Business
Membership John Cathcart
Bylaws Review Valerie Ormond/John Cathcart
Miscellaneous Directors
Adjourn Valerie Ormond
Next Meeting: Thurs., Sep. 26, 2024, 4:00 PM PST (1 PM EST) in the Harborside Room, Wyndham San Diego Bayside – Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2245629439?pwd=Sk92UXVZNzBpK1Z3NWd1TWtPcUM3UT09&omn=85830703987