The member companies in the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group are each governed by a board of directors elected annually by its member nonprofits.
Nonprofit Members are Represented on the Board
From its beginnings, we have been an organization driven by grassroots nonprofits. Our members are all 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and most of their work is community-based. The boards have a healthy mix of representatives of nonprofit members and independent professionals. While our companies are managed by a group of seasoned executives, the board of directors plays an active role in governance and oversight, actively debating issues of policy to ensure the best possible decision-making on behalf of the members.
Nonprofit Members Elect the Board
The boards of directors are elected by the membership of ANI and NIAC, with each member having one vote. Approximately one-third of the board stands for election each year. There are two types of directors. A “member-related” director is a director who holds a position as an officer, director or employee with management responsibilities of an ANI or NIAC member. A “professional” director is a director who has substantial management or professional experience in one or more of the following areas: (i) law; (ii) accounting; (iii) banking; (iv) business; or (v) insurance. At all times at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the directors must be “member-related” and at least three (3) must be “professional” directors. Typically the slate for “member-related” directors is competitive, with more nominees than open director seats. The slate for “professional” directors is typically not competitive as it represents specific skill sets the board has determined are needed for the board at that time.
Nonprofit Members Nominate Board Candidates
Nominations are solicited from the entire ANI and NIAC membership in the fall via an electronic, faxed or mailed nomination form. All nominees are interviewed by one or more members of the Board Development Committee. The Committee meets to review the candidates and recommend a slate to the full board of directors at its December meeting. Nominees need not have insurance experience. However, they must, in the opinion of the Board Development Committee, have sufficiently broad experience to bring value to the boards. Every effort is made to produce a diverse slate, however, the Board Development Committee has limited control of this since nominations come directly from the membership. Once approved for the slate by the Committee, nominees are required to supply information to enable the company to conduct a background search that includes credit and criminal history, and confirms any higher education reported by the candidate. The background search information is provided electronically to the Board Development Committee chairperson by the background search service. Only issues that would potentially disqualify a candidate are then shared with the full Committee for consideration.
At its December board meeting, the slate of candidates who have qualified through the Committee and background check process, is discussed and approved as recommended or amended, and submitted to the membership for a vote. The ballot is sent to each member electronically, or by fax or mail, in early January. The election period closes in early February. Those who receive the largest number of votes in the open categories (i.e. “member-related” or “professional”) become directors immediately upon the close of the election. Terms are for three years.
In case a vacancy is created between elections, the board of directors may appoint a director to fill the unexpired term.