Board Nominations

Every year, PCO has five open board seats to fill. As a member-based 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 Advisory Board 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 and represents the membership by having a balance of interests, backgrounds and perspectives. To support this diversity, the board is comprised of both certified and non-certified operations, industry professionals, academia and consumers.

Board Terms & Elections

Advisory board members serve a 3-year term, with a limit of 2 consecutive terms.

Our policies require that no more than half the board members can be PCO-certified (or related in a way that violates the conflict of interest provision in the NOP regulations). That allows us to have a maximum of 7 certified producers on the board, plus a minimum of 8 others who are independent.

Nominations can be made by PCO certified operations, advocate/business members and PCO advisory board members. PCO will accept nominations via mail, email or phone.

Nomination will be submitted to the Governance Committee for review. Board members are selected by the membership via ballot.

Qualifications

Managing board members must become voting members of PCO.
Certified board members must be in good standing with their certification.
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 Governance 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.

Areas of Responsibility

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.

Meetings and Events

Board terms begin on the first board meeting following the election.
The board meets quarterly. Typically, 4 hour meetings take place at the PCO office and one is held along with the board retreat (1 1/2 days). Members may attend by phone or web connection with the exception of the retreat, which requires in-person participation. (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.
PCO hosts an annual membership meeting, typically in fall or winter, and all board members are encouraged to attend in-person or by using web options that are available. Additionally, PCO requests that board members serve as advocates for the organization as they engage in their work in the organic industry.

Nomination Form

Board Nominations