Board Nominations

Every year, PCO has open board seats to fill. As a growing organization, we look to you to consider nominating yourself or others you feel would lead our work with the integrity we strive to uphold. PCO’s Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms, overseeing the organization’s financial health, monitor and strengthen our programs and services, all while building a strategic plan to help us meet our goals. PCO values a diverse and inclusive board that supports the mission of PCO by having a balance of interests, backgrounds and perspectives. To support this diversity, the board is comprised of industry professionals, academia and consumers.

Board members shall hold office for a term of 3-years, with a limit of 3 consecutive or non-consecutive terms.

Our policies require that board shall consist of no fewer than 5 and no more than 9 board members. Board of Directors shall be elected by the existing board at its annual meeting or at any other time to fill a vacancy.

Board members cannot be certified clients, or have other conflicts of interest or financial interests that might jeopardize the integrity of the board's work.

Board applications will be submitted to the Nominating Committee for review. PCO will accept nominations via email or mail.

• All board members should be good communicators and be willing to contribute to the organization, chair committees and help in promoting PCO in the industry.
• All nominees must submit a board member application by the annual deadline set by the Nominating Committee.
• Board members should have computer/email literacy and regular access to emails; availability to participate in meetings; high level of personal integrity, including the ability to maintain confidentiality and work in a collegial manner.

• Lead the organization in strategic planning.
• Ensure adequate financial resources and provide financial oversight.
• Build a diverse and competent board.
• Select, support and evaluate the executive director.
• Enhance PCO's public standing.
• Serve on board committees to assist in the operation of the organization.

• Board terms begin on the first board meeting following the election.
• The board meets quarterly. Typically, 4 hour meetings take place at a chosen location and one is held along with the board retreat (1 1/2 days). Members may attend virtually with the exception of the retreat, which in-person participation in highly encouraged. (Travel expenses are reimbursed upon request.)
• PCO typically holds a strategic planning session in conjunction with its schedule meetings, which is attended by all board members and the staff leadership team.
• When unusual circumstances dictate a need for board discussion and/or decision making in between scheduled meetings, members will be expected to attend ad hoc phone/digital meetings.
• Additionally, PCO requests that board members serve as advocates for the organization as they engage in their work in the organic industry.