Choosing our Leaders

The council’s Board Development Committee (BDC) equips the council with volunteer leaders and identifies strong nominees for council-level elected leadership positions. They also play a role in reviewing applications and making recommendations for the appointment of our Girl Board Members.

The council’s BDC is made up of nine members. Seven of the nine members are elected for a defined term length by the voting body at Annual Meeting. Two of the nine members come from the existing Board of Directors and are appointed to serve on the BDC.

Board Development Committee Members toggle arrow

Name	City	Term
Cassie Blausey, Chair	Louisville, KY	Term ending 2028
Justin Hall	Louisville, KY	Term ending 2027
Kim Seifers	Jeffersonville, IN	Term ending 2027
Clay Smalley, Jr.	Bowling Green, KY	Term ending 2028
Willie Steen	Louisville, KY	Term ending 2028
Markeeta Wilkerson	Hopkinsville, KY	Term ending 2028
Jan Yonts	Greenville, KY	Term ending 2027

Non-Voting Members
Maggie Elder, CEO	Louisville, KY
Terri Massey, Board Chair	La Grange, KY

How the BDC Works toggle arrow

The BDC is tasked to identify a pool of possible nominees for elected roles. The committee explores the talents and experiences of potential nominees, vets their backgrounds, and then presents a single full slate of nominees to the assembly of voting delegates (at each Annual Meeting). They also contribute to other projects that strengthen GSK, such as identifying potential Girl Board Members.

To identify nominees, the BDC members work in partnerships with Area Chairs and Vice Chairs, as well as other community relationships. The selection of a single slate of nominees comes only after an overall assessment that considers each nominees’ skills, their potential Girl Scout involvement, their proven commitment to service, and their overall complement to the needs of the current or future Board of Directors.

The role of the BDC is to think carefully about what Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana needs to thrive in both the current season and in the years ahead. The committee works closely with the Board of Directors and the CEO to assess the evolving needs for the Board, the diversity of mindsets, ability to face challenges, and the overall mix of skills represented.

After the BDC finalizes a complete slate of nominees for election, the Board Chair is notified, and the selected slate of nominees is published to delegates with the Annual Meeting Workbook (at least 30 days prior to the meeting).

The BDC is Described in our Council Bylaws toggle arrow

Our council Bylaws fully describe the function and responsibilities of the Board Development Committee, under ARTICLE IV - BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

Here is an excerpt:
“Section 4. Responsibilities. The committee shall work closely with the board of directors and the chief executive officer to assess the needs of the board and shall consider the input from the chief executive officer and board chair regarding potential candidates. The committee shall present to the delegate assembly at the annual council meeting a single slate of nominations for (a) when appropriate, officers of the council, (b) other members of the board of directors, (c) members of the board development committee, and (d) when appropriate, nominations for delegates and alternates to the National Council of GSUSA. After selection of the slate is complete, as a courtesy, the committee shall provide the board chair with the slate. The slate shall be provided in writing to the delegate assembly at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

In addition, in partnership with the board of directors, the committee shall work to develop: a) board development and orientation and related materials, b) methods for identifying needed skills and talents for the board of directors and committees, c) methods or board succession planning, and d) board annual self-assessment materials.”

Identifying Potential Nominees for Leadership toggle arrow

The BDC is always sourcing a broad pool of potential nominees who may be willing, equipped, and able to serve in elected Board positions, based on established terms and vacancies.

Specific needs for Board positions may evolve over time, and the BDC might include opportunities based on the composition of the Board. The BDC considers a potential nominee’s attributes and skills and then creates and presents a slate of nominees for voting by the delegate assembly.

Use this form to make suggestions for a potential future nominee for leadership roles. You may also indicate your own willingness to be considered as a future nominee for a leadership role. Submission goes to the BDC.