Nancy Goldsmith - Iowa City, IA
1. Please describe the skills you possess which would make you an asset as a board member, in dealing with the challenges facing KCBS, and give an example of how those skills would serve the KCBS board of Directors and its membership.
I have always been highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to complete projects and assignments on time and effectively. As a member of a University grant development team for over 30 years (a single mother for longer) and a community volunteer, I have honed my organizational and administrative skills. I can handle multiple projects simultaneously and always meet deadlines. Another asset is my ability to see all sides of situation; I try to achieve resolutions that are a win-win for everyone.
One of my strongest assets is the ability to problem-solve – to look at a specific situation from all angles, step back and figure out what the best way forward might be. I am not afraid to “not know the answer,” but usually am able to figure out where to look for the information needed. I would appreciate the opportunity to use my skills for the benefit of the KCBS membership.
2. If you are a Cook, Judge, Organizer, Rep or Backyard Cook, please identify the major KCBS issues concerning one of the areas in which you are involved. Describe the major issue, your strategies to correct or improve the issue and what you see as the biggest challenge to the success of your plan.
Cooks and judges are both equally important constituencies and we need to find a way to bring both groups together and enable them to understand the challenges each face. I also feel that greater transparency by the BOD is needed. While I understand that some board business needs to take place in closed session, in reading the minutes it seems as though this is happening more frequently which might give the impression that certain matters are being hidden. More direct to membership communication from the BOD might help remove this appearance; for example, send complete minutes via email as well as the current posting on the website and printing in the Bullsheet – it would be more timely and potentially easier to access.
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.
My short- and long-term goals are to be a conscientious board member, working with others to move the mission of KCBS forward. Personally, I think it is foolhardy to have specific goals or a rigid plan to carry them out before actually joining a board. Rather than coming in with preconceived notions, my position is 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.
4. If elected please explain "your level of commitment, time and energy" for committee projects and monthly reports, board meetings and attendance, as well as representing KCBS to the public and being responsive to our members. Board members typically volunteer 4-6 hours a month to Board meeting; Committee Chairs typically volunteer 2-4 hours a month and general Board Work a minimum of 6-8 hours a month.
Since I am retired, I have plenty of time to devote to board activities and 4-6 hours per week related to KCBS activities would easily be possible. Of course, as with all organizations, some weeks require more time than others and I have that time and flexibility. While I have other, local volunteer responsibilities, my calendar is open enough to handle any and all KCBS BOD requirements or I would not be running.
5. Please describe your previous participation in KCBS activities and years of experience.
I joined KCBS in 2010, started judging in 2011, table captaining in 2012, earned Master status in 2013 and judged my 100th contest on 6/1/19. In 2013, former BOD member Dave Compton asked me to join the Philanthropy Committee (as I had skills and experience in the area of scholarship application review) and I am still an active member. I led that committee’s effort to organize the application review process to be standardized and transparent so that students were reviewed fairly and consistently.
6. Please explain why you want to be a member of the KCBS Board of Directors.
Being a KCBS BOD member is a way to give back to the organization as partial repayment for the fun I’ve had and the wonderful friendships I’ve made. It would also allow me to be part of moving the organization into the future.
I am not running with the idea that I will join the board and immediately fix all problems. Rather, I would sit, listen and learn before making suggestions. I am not focused on one specific viewpoint/idea but open to many and willing to listen to all. And, frankly, I feel the board needs more female representation – I’m not sure what percentage of KCBS members are women, but we need more seats at the table.