Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is committed to serving the highest good of our spiritual community.

Trustees are elected by the congregation annually. The Board is committed to comprehensive, timely and open communication with the congregation. To contact any or all of the Board members, please e-mail admin@centreforspirit.com, phone (780) 469-1909, or send mail to Centre for Spiritual Living Edmonton 7621-101 Ave. Edmonton, Alberta T6A 0J6 .

Officers
President – Norm McLeod
Vice President - John Dickson
Trustee - Sue Edwards
Trustee - Ron LaJeunesse
Trustee - Frances Hodgson
Trustee - Lesley Paull

Adjunct Member

Non-voting Members
Patrick Cameron, Spiritual Director
Dolores Williams - Secretary

Meet the 2011/2012 Board Members

Norm McLeod - President

Norm and his wife Catherine have been coming to the Centre for Spiritual Living since 1999. Norm has over 35 years of government experience, including responsibility for the design and implementation of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities community governance structure in Alberta and as the first CEO of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Provincial Board. On his retirement in 2001, Alberta Seniors and Community Development established an annual leadership award in Norm’s honour. He is currently on the board of the Canadian Association for Community Living and co-chairs a National Task Force on Deinstitutionalization.

Frances Hodgson – Treasurer

Fran has a CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation, but accounting is what she does – not who she is. Accounting work gave her the flexibility needed to raise her family. Fran enjoys working with people in the non-profit world who are passionate about a cause. She was Director of Finance for CKUA Radio before moving to Financial Services in the Alberta Government. Fran has attended the Centre for about five years and enjoys taking courses as a way to encourage and support her daily practice

Sue Edwards – Chair, SEVA / Volunteer Committee

Sue is a mom to two fabulous young men and a grandmother to three beautiful grandsons. She is a Registered Dietician, and has worked in this field for over 30 years. Sue was delighted to find the Centre in 2007 and has been involved in SEVA (volunteer work) from day one. Sue is also a Practitioner Intern

Serving on the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Spiritual Living

The following questions and answers are taken from a dialogue on leadership with Centre for Spiritual Living members on January 16, 2011. The dialogue was facilitated by Board of Trustees’ Chair Norm McLeod.

What do Board of Trustee members do?

The Board of Trustees assists the Executive Director (Rev. Patrick Cameron) manage the affairs of the Centre. Board members are fully informed on organizational issues, and participate in policy, finance, program, personnel and advocacy discussions and decisions.

How are Board of Trustee members selected?

To ensure effective succession planning, there are two new Board positions open each year. In January and February, the Centre advertises vacancies and calls for expressions of interest. Interested applicants complete a form and are interviewed by a Nominating Committee. In addition, the Committee may approach individuals to determine interest in a Board position. The Nominating Committee selects the two candidates and makes a recommendation to the Board at the March Annual General Meeting. The Nominating Committee includes at least two Centre members, one Board member and the Executive Director.

Who is eligible to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees?

A nominee must have attended the Centre for at least one year, completed at least four units of Science of Mind classes, be enrolled in the Intentional Giving Program, be willing and able to contribute 15 – 20 hours per month and be willing to serve a three-year term. No one can serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.

Will there be a call for nominations at the Annual General Meeting?

No, there is no call for nominations at the AGM. In 2005, the Centre revised this practice, in consultation with the Volunteer Management Program of Grant MacEwan University. This ensures nominees have adequate time to learn about the responsibilities of being on the Board. It also gives the Nominating Committee adequate time to recruit and select the most appropriate candidates.

Are there other ways to participate in the leadership of the Centre?

Yes! Members are welcome to serve on a range of committees that provide expertise and leadership in key areas, such as Membership, Sacred Service and Communications. This is an excellent way to learn more about the business of the Centre. There may also be Adjunct Board of Trustee members who participate in meetings but do not have a formal vote on the Board. This is also an excellent way to learn more about the workings of the Board before making a commitment to a three-year term.