Illinois State University presented "ISU's Tips For a Strong Executive Board" for their Chapter Development Session at the PRSSA 2012 National Conference in San Francisco. This is an online version of the presentation.

2. Presentation Title (View > Master > Slide Master to edit)
Chapter Development Session
Building a Strong Executive Board
Illinois State University
PRSSA National Conference, San Francisco, Calif.
Department Name (View > Master > Slide Master to edit)

3. Introduction
• Who we are
• Why we changed from the election process
• What we do
• Why it works
• How you can start
• What you do can do NOW

4. Who We Are
• Kaitie Ries- President, 2011-12 VP
• Lisa Crocco- Vice President
• Kyle Slamans- National Liaison
• Kelsey Carey- Treasurer
• Bruce Kennedy- Secretary
• Kim Nowlan- Historian
• Dr. Pete Smudde, APR, Faculty Adviser
• 104 dues-paying member Chapter of varying majors

5. Why We Moved Away from the Election Process
Worried it
was a Wrong
popularity reasons
contest
Didn’t want to run
against a friend

6. What We Do
• Application (one PDF file)
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two optional letters of recommendations from members
• Candidate must list top three preferred positions
• Restrictions (current e-board members)
• Cannot see applications
• Cannot be part of the selection process
• Locked out of the email account for fairness

7. What We Do
• Interview
• Non-running e-board members & Faculty Adviser in the
room
• Types of questions
• Position-specific
• Behavioral questions
• General leadership & management issues
• Candidate is asking if they’d be willing to take a
different position if offered

8. What We Do
• Selection
• Group discussion process
• Weigh positions and credentials
• Determine if candidate is better suited for a different
position
• Notify all interview candidates on whether or not
they received a position

9. What We Do
• Contract
• Required for accountability
• Basic expectations:
• Must attend all meetings, National
Conference, Regional Conference, networking
dinners, tours, socials, philanthropic events, etc.
• Must obtain excused absence from the
president if there’s a conflict

10. What We Do
• Excused absences
• Serious illness
• Event planned before a PRSSA event was scheduled
• Family emergency
• Uncontrollable circumstances (car trouble, etc)
• Unexcused absences
• Homework/test the next day
• Work
• Party/concert/social event
• Other club/organization event

11. What We Do
• Training
• Meet with predecessor
• Receive a USB drive
• Discuss responsibilities
• Predecessor gives advice based on their term
• Combined e-board meeting
• Update the strategic plan to inform incoming e-board of goals
• E-board shadows
• Members can attend an e-board meeting to learn about the commitment
• Mentor-mentee program

12. What We Do
• Performance Management
• Evaluations
• All e-board positions and president
• President discusses with Faculty Adviser
– Confidential to other e-board members
• Discuss strengths and areas of improvement
• E-board members evaluate the president

13. 360-degree feedback
• All leadership positions are evaluated on their
work
• E-board advisers evaluate directors
• Directors evaluate committee chairs
• Directors and committee chairs evaluate e-
E-board
board advisers Adviser
Director
Committee
Chair

14. What We Do
• Meetings
• Frequent meetings for clear communication
and planning
Weekly Monthly
• Weekly
President Treasurer
• President and Adviser & Adviser & Adviser
• Executive Board
• Chapter
Weekly Weekly
• Monthly
E-board Chapter
• Treasurer and Adviser

15. What We Do
• Surveys (we use SurveyMonkey.com)
• Executive board
• E-board only, president only sees it
• 10 questions, multiple choice
• One open-ended at the end
• President evaluates and finds solutions
• All Chapter members
• Members also survey the Chapter’s performance
• Both current and incoming e-boards review the data

16. What We Do
• Documentation
• E-board handbook & flash drive is central (none prior to fall 2010)
• Includes core documents to running the Chapter
• National documents, University documents, E-board
documents
• Required use for all e-board members
• Available for all Chapter members/other Chapters
• Archive all past emails to use as a reference

17. Why It Works
• Better for members
• Eliminates the “If e-board doesn’t come to
events, why should I?” attitude
• Better for e-board candidates
• Good practice for submitting a resume and
interviewing
• Better for accountability
• Allows us to rely on each other and work well

18. Our Next Steps
• Continuous improvement is key
• Better, enhanced training results in better leaders
• Leadership workshop
• Learn about types of leaders and followers
• Analyzed ways the Chapter and e-board could improve
• E-board retreats
• Examples: pizza party, game night, team-
building activity at the Rec, go to dinner, etc

19. What You Can Do NOW
1. Incorporate surveys
2. Conduct evaluations
3. Invest in USB drives
4. Have an e-board team building activity
5. Enforce a 24-hour response rate
6. Meet with e-board and Faculty Adviser

20. Contact information
Email: prssa@ilstu.edu
Facebook: PRSSA- Illinois State University
Twitter: @ILSTUPRSSA
Website: communication.illinois state.edu/prssa