Nancy Goldsmith

1. Why do you want to be a member of the KCBS Board of Directors. 
   In January 2020, I was elected to fill an unexpired one-year term.  Since my first BOD meeting in February, I have worked alongside my fellow members to keep KCBS financially stable and poised to move into the future.  There is still more effort that is required in many areas to ensure that future is not only financially sound but also that new opportunities for our members to enjoy and thrive in the sport they love can be created. The learning curve when joining any board can be relatively steep but I feel comfortable with my position and ability to share my ideas/opinions.  I would appreciate the opportunity to continue working on projects for the benefit of the KCBS membership. Board membership is a way to repay the organization for the fun and friends KCBS has given me.  Lastly, I believe that having women on the BOD is important. 
    
2. Identify the major issues (Cook, Judge, Organizer, Rep or Backyard Cook) in which you are involved.
   In addition to maintaining financial viability, the most important issue before the BOD this past year was devising ways to meet the safety demands resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, trying to keep our members safe while providing guidelines for those contests that were able to move forward.  As a CBJ, being able to judge while also following appropriate health guidelines was extremely important to me.  This will continue to be a focus until we are all safe.
   
   This year, I have been a member of the Finance and CBJ committees as well as chair of the Philanthropy Committee.  In addition, I was able to help the Rules Committee finalize their reviews and worked on the development of our COVID-19 guidelines.  
    
3. Identify your major short-term goal and the major long-term goal, if elected to the Board of KCBS and your plan to implement change or improvement in order to carry out each of these goals.
   Primary short- and long-term goals are to be a conscientious board member, working with others to move the mission of KCBS forward.  Rather than having preconceived notions, my position was and remains that one joins any board with an open mind, willing to listen to all ideas, concerns and suggestions and then work with others to find the best solutions/plans.  As a BOD member, my continuing goal is to support the organization as it moves into a successful future, expanding opportunities for our members to pursue the sport they love whether as a cook or CBJ – two equally important and mutually supportive roles.  Without a strong and viable organization, all other goals are unrealistic.
   
   That said, I do have specific goals related to Philanthropy.  There needs to be continuous improvement in both the process and procedures used to submit and review scholarship applications.  I would like to see the establishment of an endowment fund, so awards are made from interest earned without depleting principal.  We need to encourage our membership to view the KCBS Foundation as a worthwhile recipient of their donations and estate bequests.
    
4. The KCBS Board of Directors is a working board that spends 10-20 hours and possibly more per month in furthering the mission of KCBS depending on your role as a member of the board. If elected, please explain “ Your level of Commitment, Time and Energy “ in your role as a director.
   For the past 11 months, my commitment to KCBS and the work of the board has taken precedence over other activities.  As a retiree, I have sufficient time and energy to do whatever is required to get the work done and move the organization forward.  Other commitments are scheduled around my KCBS responsibilities
    
5. List how you have participated in KCBS and for how long?
   Since 2010, I have been a KCBS member, as both a Certified Judge and Table Captain.  Over the years, I have worked with contest organizers handling judge registration (behind the scenes ), helped at a CBJ class, and – on contest days – made myself available to assist in any way needed.  But being a CBJ/CTC is my passion – attested to by 100+ contests and counting – so I will continue to work to maintain judging as a positive experience for all involved.
    
6. What skills do you possess that might help the KCBS Board of Directors in its mission, ice, Accounting, Legal, Marketing, etc.? How do you see using these skills as a KCBS Board of Director member?
   As a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, I have been able to use those skills as a current BOD member working to address the curve ball thrown at us by COVID-19.  A problem-solver, I always look for a solution that is a win-win for all involved.  My editorial skills have proven useful over the past year as rules were revised and guidelines produced.  In addition, after years in grant writing and management, I know how to research a topic to get the answers needed as well as handle limited budgets. 
   
   While not defined as a skill, I firmly believe that a judge’s perspective is a necessary component of a well-balanced KCBS Board.  Even if a cook has obtained CBJ certification, they tend to view issues mainly in terms of how it will impact them as a cook, not fully realizing the possible impact on judges.  In many situations, both viewpoints need to be considered and I want to continue to be a “voice” for judges.