Seeking Trustee Self-Nominations – A New Process for 2023

Once again, as we have done for over 50 years, the Center is searching for volunteer leaders to join our board of trustees. However, this time around, factoring in emerging needs, we’re introducing a new nominations process that we hope will increase transparency, Sangha engagement, and board effectiveness.

In the past, Center members were invited to nominate fellow members to run for election to the board, but now we’re asking interested members to nominate themselves. Do you have leadership experience in some area of organizational functioning, such as human resources, operations, legal matters, financial planning, technology, marketing, fundraising, etc.? If so, you may be able to pick up the baton from one of several long-time, experienced board members whose terms will soon end.

Elected by the Center’s members to serve a three-year term, trustees are actively involved in organizational governance; attend bi-annual, weekend-long board meetings in Rochester (typically spring and fall, with travel expenses reimbursed); serve on at least one board committee; and participate in informal discussions and decisions that may occur in between meetings.

If you have the background, energy, and interest to be part of the team leading the Rochester Zen Center through ongoing challenges and change, we hope you’ll submit a self-nomination for review by the Nominations Committee: Judy Carpenter, Kathy Collina, Rebecca Gilbert, Barry Keesan, Sensei Donna Kowal, and Sensei John Pulleyn.

The Nominations Committee is accepting self-nomination applications now through April 23. Those interested in board service can complete the form below and email it to nominations@rzc.org. For questions or more information, contact Barry Keesan at barryk@rzc.org.

Click here to download the Trustee Self Nomination Form (Microsoft Word document)

Click here for PDF version of the Trustee Self Nomination Form