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Our Board

VCLA is a non-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. The board of directors sets the mission and policy for the organization.

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Suann Boates President
Rod Franklin Secretary
Mallory Ross Treasurer

Pat Murphy Director
Kathleen Novelia Director
Debbie Toney Director
Alex Scott Director

Board meetings are open to the public.  While anyone can come and take part in the discussions about literacy in their communities, only directors can vote and make motions.  Being a board member is an excellent way to meet other volunteers, become educated about the issues, and play a guiding role in the governance of the organization. 

The board of directors meets the second Tuesday of every month with the exception of July and August.  Meetings are held both online and in-person. Meeting locations usually alternate between 49 Cornwallis Street in Kentville and, typically, the Nova Scotia Community College campus in Middleton.

Board meetings are scheduled not to exceed two hours in duration. The president, in consultation with the Executive Director, prepares the agenda.  Any member may submit agenda items, normally a week in advance of the meeting, to the Executive Director. Minutes of the previous meeting are distributed to board members two weeks in advance of each board meeting.  Staff, committee and program reports will be circulated a week in advance of the meeting.  Acronyms will not be used in the minutes.

 All board members receive a copy of the VCLA Memorandum of Association and By-laws, as well as a written job description, at inauguration. 

The board has approved policies outlining its expectations in the following areas:

  • Responsibilities of the Executive Director
  • Financial management practices
  • Personnel management practices
  • Recruitment and management of volunteers
  • Conflict of interest for Board members and staff
  • Fundraising practices
  • Quality of services to users, clients, consumers, or the public
  • Safety of staff, volunteers, and clients

 The VCLA policy manual contains all approved organizational policies. The board receives regular financial reports and monitors the performance of the association in relation to its budget.