Board of Directors

As representatives of the membership, officers and directors must maintain the highest ethical standards possible for the continuous improvement of our organization. It is the duty of Board members to represent all Product Stewardship Society members. Board members do not specifically represent any one segment of our organization, such as a special interest group, nor do they represent their employers.

• Product Stewardship Society Board of Directors Roster

Suggested Avenues to a Board Leadership Role

The Board is always looking for volunteers who have a passion for the Product Stewardship Society and an innate desire to see it grow and prosper. The following are recommendations for aspiring new leaders to pursue:

• Join and actively participate in one of the Society’s Committees, task forces, or other volunteer groups. Assume a leadership role and establish a name for yourself.
• Speak at PSX and/or other key events. Serving as a subject matter expert helps elevate your presence in the product stewardship community.
• Network with Society Board members. Gain a better understanding of what it’s like to serve on the Board by discussing your interests with a current or recent Director.
• Demonstrate leadership in your job. Examples include serving as moderator and/or speaker at Product Stewardship Society and other allied professional events, publishing, conducting cutting-edge research, teaching, mentoring young professionals.
• If you are a practicing product steward, strongly consider obtaining your Certified Professional Product Steward (CPPS) credential.

Performance Expected of Members of the Board of Directors

• As representatives of the membership, officers and directors must maintain the highest ethical standards possible for the continuous improvement of the Product Stewardship Society. It is the duty of Board members to represent all Society members. Board members do not specifically represent any one segment of the Society, such as a special interest group, nor do they represent their employers.
• A primary obligation of a Board member is to participate in all Board meetings and activities. The Board generally meets two times per year and, in some cases, for New Board Orientation. “In-Between” Board conference calls are scheduled as needed.
• Directors and some officers are assigned Board liaison roles to committees, task forces, and other such volunteer groups. For your liaison assignments, you are expected to attend as many of their meetings as you can, including during PSX, and participate in their calls throughout the year. In this capacity, you’ll be asked to provide a Board update as well as report back to the Board as necessary on their progress vis-à-vis specific project goals.
• All electronic ballots require 100% approval to pass, pursuant to AIHA’s state of incorporation law (Illinois). Hence, you are expected to respond to each ballot in a timely manner, usually within seven (7) days.
• As a new organization, The Product Stewardship Society is not able to provide reimbursement for expenses incurred for participation in in-person Board meetings. The Society will provide reimbursement for expenses incurred for other pre-approved Board activities. There is a procedure for pre-approval of any travel. However, if your employer can cover any of your travel expenses, it is greatly appreciated. Board members are provided with a complimentary registration to PSX in recognition of their Board service.
• Personal involvement as a member of a committee or volunteer group is commendable; however, during Board service, it is necessary that members divest themselves of committee membership to ensure that they can accomplish their Board assignments and activities to the most complete extent possible.
• All Directors must sign a Conflict of Interest form annually. Concurrent participation on a ‘competing’ association board (for example, SCHC) is not permitted.
• Finally, if you are elected as a director -- depending on your overall performance-- you could be invited to run as an officer in the future. Think about your leadership interests and whether you have the time and interest in dedicating yourself to serving the Society.

Board of Directors Candidate Attributes

The Product Stewardship Society is a relatively young organization. The Board of Directors plays a critical role in the growth of the Society and is the “face” of the organization. The Board establishes the organization’s strategic direction and goals and monitors progress toward reaching those goals. Desired attributes include:

• A demonstrated record of distinguished service and the potential for further contributions.
• Demonstrated performance at the highest level in scientific, industrial, public sector, and/or educational communities
• A commitment to devote the time necessary to effectively perform Board duties
• Demonstrated expertise in product stewardship.
• Prior Board or other leadership service in which an individual has been recognized as having advanced our strategic initiatives in some capacity, such as:
  1. Service as chair for a committee or volunteer group within the last five years.
  2. Sustained active involvement in committees or volunteer groups or other Society activities.
  3. Participation in PSX or other Society programs.
  4. Participation at a high level in another leadership role in an allied association.
• Collaboration/professionalism: Demonstrated ability to work well with Board members, volunteers, staff, etc., to achieve results.
• Finally, for officer positions, although NOT required, service as an at-large Director (or previously in another officer role) can provide the critical foundation needed to have a successful and impactful term.