May 25, 2010
The annual EFA business meeting, election, and party will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at the EFA office, 71 West 23rd Street, fourth-floor conference room, New York City. Socializing will start at 5:45 p.m., and the business meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. sharp. The party, to feature a delicious buffet, will begin after the business meeting, at about 7:15 p.m. Please reply to EFA's office manager, Judi Greenstein, by e-mail (office AT the-efa PERIOD org) if you plan to attend. It'll help us put together that delicious spread! But if you don't have a chance to RSVP, don't worry. Just come, and everyone will be glad to see you!
About the Election
The terms of various members of the current Board of Governors of the EFA end in June. According to the bylaws, elections are to be held at the June annual meeting for one co-executive director, to be elected to a two-year term; one treasurer, to be elected to a two-year term; one secretary, to be elected to a two-year term; and, per current board decision, up to seven members at large (MALs), to be elected to one-year terms. Nominations for all the posts were requested from the full membership; all those nominated appear on the ballot. (Incidentally, it's not too early to begin thinking about next year! To run for the EFA board, you nominate yourself; the number of candidates reflects the number of people who volunteer to run. If you couldn't throw your hat into the ring this year, consider doing so next year.
You may vote by mail or in person. If by mail, please mark your choices on the enclosed postage-paid ballot, and mail it to the EFA office postmarked no later than Saturday, June 5. Ballots postmarked after June 5 will not be counted. If you wish to vote in person, please mark your choices on the ballot, seal it in an unmarked envelope, and bring it with you to the meeting.
Candidates for the co-executive director and treasurer positions must have been members for twelve (12) months as of the annual meeting, or at least since June 16, 2009.
More information about the board and board position descriptions, as well as a brief history of the organization and its bylaws, are available in the About section under the menu option "About the Board."
The Candidates
JP Partland, Co-executive (2010–2012)
The moment you think you know everything is when your mind closes off and your downward slide begins. When I joined the EFA, I was a struggling freelancer trying to get a better handle both on the business of freelancing and my business. Though I think I'm in a more comfortable position these days, I'm still trying to learn more and stay sharp on the things I think I know. The EFA was a resource that helped then, and I hope that I've improved the organization to be a more valuable resource to our members and one that's more responsive to the membership. I think we can be better still. With your help and your vote, I will work toward furthering these goals.
——, Treasurer (2010–2012)
No declaration of candidacy. Write-ins and volunteers are welcome.
The treasurer is responsible for proposing and managing the EFA annual budget; handling tax obligations, payables and receivables; assuring affordable and accurate bookkeeping and accounting; and managing funding in emergencies. A useful but not essential skill is familiarity with QuickBooks (QB) for on- and off-site access to the EFA's datafiles (i.e., individuals with different hardware, each with a copy of QB, can access QB based on a hard-wired host computer set up to share). The treasurer reports to the board in person or remotely via teleconference eleven times a year.
Cindy Corliss, Secretary (2010–2012)
I have been a freelance editor/writer since 2004 and joined the EFA in 2008 (wish I'd done so earlier). Since becoming a member, I have learned so much from those willing to share their knowledge via avenues like the Discussion List. In June 2009, I volunteered (with some trepidation) to fill in as interim secretary. In the course of learning the role, I discovered aspects that could be developed to improve membership value. I'm especially interested in opening communication between EFA members and the Board and would like to hear your ideas and concerns, which I could then convey at meetings. I'd also like to explore electronic voting, as a means of convenience for members and increasing voter participation. Convinced that an organization is kept vibrant through its willingness to listen, ability to adapt and the effort of its members, I'd like to contribute toward keeping the EFA strong by serving as secretary.
Scott Bogue, North Carolina, Member at Large
I believe in networking, mentoring and giving back. This belief has led to my eight-year membership in the EFA, my active participation in the Directory, the e-mail list, and the Freelancer, and since 2007, my serving as a member-at-large and as the NC Chapter Coordinator. As an MAL, I will continue to direct my energies to helping the Board to promote, protect and improve the EFA and the value it brings to its members. High on my list are helping to expand the effectiveness and scope of the JobList and encouraging the formation of chapters. I have been a freelance technical editor and writer of books, training materials, marketing materials and related publications since 1996, after more than 23 years as a full-time employee in manufacturing. Raised in New Jersey, I have called North Carolina home since 1979. My wife Trish and I live just outside Greensboro.
Maria M. Boyer, Pennsylvania, Member at Large
I began my professional career in 1984 as a graphic assistant in the publications department of a local continuing education office. In those days, all cutting and pasting were done manually. As technology evolved, so did my skill set, thanks to career opportunities that allowed me to learn about public relations, marketing, advertising, news and feature writing, and print and magazine production. Just before the birth of my first child, I began writing on the side for a little extra money; I quickly saw the benefit of working for myself. Thirteen years later, I focus on freelance copyediting/proofreading and am proud to say that each year is more productive than the last. I am a graduate of a small liberal arts college, and for fun I write a cook-blog. A newbie to EFA, I can't imagine why I didn't join years ago and wish to help promote our members' endeavors.
Chuck Brandstater, Massachusetts, Member at Large
I have been a freelance editor and translator (specializing in computer, business and legal areas) for 14 years, a member of the EFA for 10 and change, and a chapter coordinator for EFA Boston for almost 10 (an even decade as of this next fall). In addition to working to help the Boston-area chapter to grow year by year, I have frequently introduced contacts all over the country in order to help other chapters and potential chapters develop. As an EFA member at large, for some time I have enjoyed formally exercising the long-adopted role of advocate, before members and others, of the association's services, and have greatly appreciated the member votes that have continued to make such formal exercise possible.
Susannah Driver-Barstow, New York City, Member at Large
I am happy to answer the call for candidates for MALs because I have benefited from EFA in many ways and I would like the chance to help this organization stay strong and grow. Some issues I'd like to see EFA support: (1) retirement planning; (2) technology-its uses in our work and marketing and its implications for the future of our profession; (3) exploring ways to disseminate more of the rich variety of talks given in our chapters, adding to the write-ups that appear for some of them in our wonderful newsletter. I would be open also to hearing from members about your concerns and interests that could be addressed by the Board. I have been a freelance editor, copyeditor and proofreader since 1996. I live in New York City with my husband and daughter, and am currently learning about estate planning for us and for my parents.
Amy Fass, New York City, Member at Large
An EFA member since 1994 and a board member since 2000, I am a medical and science editor. I serve as the board's unofficial insurance liaison and coordinated the effort to find replacement health insurance when Cigna ended coverage through associations in New York State. I live in Manhattan.
Jeanne Hansen, Colorado, Member at Large
I have been an editorial freelancer for five years and spent an additional seven years as a corporate proposal manager. My corporate role included developmental editing, copyediting and production of large proposals. My freelance work has primarily been copyediting for book publishers and two magazines. I also have a BA in communications. I am interested in becoming an EFA Member at Large to more thoroughly educate myself about the organization and share that knowledge through a service role. During my STC membership, I developed a new member orientation program and found that the best way to serve others while expanding my own knowledge was to help new members understand the organization and their newly available resources. My goal is to attain a similar understanding of EFA. I am especially interested in finding out more about various markets in editorial freelancing through direct interactions with members. My ultimate goal is to help intermediate-level freelancers discover ways to grow their business.
Mary Kelly McColl, Idaho, Member at Large
I would bring to the Board 30 years of nonprofit experience in numerous roles including volunteer coordinator, executive director, fundraising consultant, staff writer/editor and board member. EFA is an indispensable resource for me as a freelancer living in the remote western U.S. In particular, I have relied on the Common Rates and definitions, the samples, and the Fair Practice Code. The online references are time and money savers. The job listing service is a professional lifesaver. I would like to help EFA expand its membership, regional presence and educational opportunities based on membership feedback. If elected, I will serve on any standing committee in need of my time and expertise. I visit New York three or four times a year and would enjoy attending an occasional board meeting in person.
Amy Robin Rose, PhD, Detroit, Member at Large
I am a freelance writer, editor and instructional designer living in Detroit. Since 1991, I have designed, developed and delivered training for corporate and non-profit clients. Before that, I earned a Ph.D. in classical studies and taught at the college level for eight years. I am concluding my first year as a Member at Large of the EFA Board. I have enjoyed learning more about the organization and working with my committed and hard-working fellow board members. During the past year I started a regular column, Biz Tips for Writers, for the EFA Freelancer, and I organized and hosted the tax teleconference with Julian Block. I will be glad to serve a second year as MAL, and I welcome your support. When I am not working, look for me at the Detroit Zoo, where I volunteer as a docent. Otherwise, I'll be outside gardening, hiking and enjoying the natural world.
Chrissy Scivicque, Georgia, Member at Large
Though my freelance career is just starting, I've been working as an editor for an online publication for about four years. I'm excited to be a part of the EFA community and I'd love to contribute in a bigger way. My skills are constantly developing; I believe in lifelong learning and I try my best to always recognize my own areas for improvement. Exploring this new world of freelance editing is both exciting and overwhelming. As a new member of EFA, I believe this association has the power to truly welcome, support and develop the skills of freelance editors-both novice and experienced-around the world. Together, we also have an opportunity to elevate the status of our profession and, ultimately, grow our businesses. I believe I will provide a unique perspective to the leadership of our group and I hope you'll consider voting for me as a Member at Large.
Erin Wilcox, Arizona, Member at Large
I am a freelance copyeditor, proofreader and developmental editor. I am the founding coordinator of EFA's Arizona chapter, and I have served two years as Member at Large on the EFA Board of Governors, during which time I initiated the organization's Twitter page, helped establish an EFA presence on Facebook, and contributed to the Freelancer. I look forward to promoting EFA through social media and continuing to manage our Twitter page. If reelected, I will support the Arizona chapter through my presence on the board and seek creative new opportunities to give back to the EFA.
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