Board Candidates

Thank you for your interest in joining the board of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. We are a collegial and positive group of individuals committed to upholding the values important to independent bookselling. 

Overview of the nomination process

In May through June, the nominating committee begins accepting nominations for members to join the board. The number of positions open is determined by the number of board members completing their second three-year term (each board member is entitled to serve two three-year terms) and are thus ending their years of service. Whether the board member terming out is a bookseller or industry member will be carried forward and we will solicit new candidates accordingly. Those who meet the eligibility criteria receive a link to fill out an extended background information form and provide references.

Board member candidates are reviewed for a number of diverse factors, including geography, demographics, type of bookstore, and cultural representation. We typically present 2-3 candidates internally for every available spot on the board. Every candidate we hear from offers valuable contributions, so if you are not selected during any given round, your application will be saved for the next opportunity.  The selected nominees are put forth to the membership for voting and the results are shared at our annual meeting. 

If you have questions about this process, please email either our executive director, Carrie Obry, or our nominating committee members, Riley Jay Davis and Emily Schroen. 

Details

• Our board of directors is a volunteer position. Board members are reimbursed for board-related expenses: travel and lodging for all of our meetings, which includes our annual spring and fall events
  
  
• We currently hold 3 in-person meetings annually, plus 2-4 virtual meetings as needed. Board members should be able to travel as follows for a period of 2-5 days at at time. Approximate travel times are as follows
  
  
  • Spring: April or May, all-day meeting held in-person in conjunction with our spring event
  • Fall: October, in-person meeting before and after Heartland Fall Forum
  • January: Planning meeting at the site of that year's trade show
    
    
• Our board members are eligible to serve 2 three-year terms
  
  
• Board members can serve in the following officer appointments for up to 2 two-year terms: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary
  
  
• Standing committees are as follows: Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Education Committee, Heartland Steering Committee. We expect board members to be able to fulfill their duties on the board while serving on 1 or 2 committees as appropriate

Eligibility Criteria

• Bookseller directors: Candidates must be the owner or employee of an independent bookstore with a storefront location operating according to sound business principles. Location-independent bookstores are welcome to serve

• Industry directors: Candidates must be actively employed by one of our book industry members, typically a publisher, wholesaler, or rep group

• Board candidates must have enough recent experience as an owner or employee of a member company in order to contribute substantively to furthering our mission

• Board candidates exhibit qualities of leadership and creativity, have a strong reputation for integrity and character, are willing to carry out various assignments, and are dedicated to the association’s mission and objectives
  
  
• Our board members operate a bookstore or company, work for a bookstore or company, or live in the portion of the Midwest MIBA represents: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula