Working Committees
Like many non-profits, much of the board work happens at the committee level. Learn more about how the Foundation operates by reading its committee structure below.
Executive Committee — Chair, NCBGF President Anne Harris
According to the By-laws, the Executive Committee includes all officers, up to four at-large Board members, the immediate past president, and the Director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG). The Executive Committee meets monthly and carries on all business of the Board with the exception of amendments to the By-laws. The Executive Committee is responsible for defining and executing the strategic plan of the NCBGF.
Ad Hoc Membership Committee — Co-Chairs, Sims Preston and Max Leach
The ad hoc Membership Committee was formed in 2020 to support the efforts of the NCBG and the NCBGF in expanding and ensuring the continued success of the membership program. The ad hoc committee has four areas of focus: (1) ensuring that the membership program remains aligned with the overall mission of the NCBG and the NCBGF, (2) setting annual performance goals for membership growth, (3) supporting efforts to market the membership program, and (4) enhancing the key components of the membership program, including membership offerings, fees, and other member experiences.
Audit Committee — Chair, Terry Ball
The Audit Committee oversees the annual independent financial audit process including engaging the North Carolina CPA firm and reviewing the annual audit report. It is also responsible for reviewing the annual information return (IRS Form 990).
Conservation Committee — Co-Chairs, Bo Howes and Janis McFarland
The Conservation Committee works with the NCBG Conservation Department to oversee management of the conservation lands of the Foundation. Specific tasks involve: the evaluation of land prioritized for conservation by the Botanical Garden Foundation in terms of conservation value; making recommendations to the Executive Committee about these lands; ensuring that management plans, legal documents, and other requirements are in order; monitoring whether or not it is an appropriate time to pursue accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance and assisting the NCBG Conservation Department with that process; and maintain an insurance policy on conservation lands through the Land Trust Alliance.
Development Committee — Chair, James Joslin
Fundraising and advocacy for the Garden are part of the job description of all Directors of the Foundation. A smaller Development Committee serves to direct these efforts, working with NCBG Development to raise funds in support of the Garden. This committee specifically helps coordinate efforts to identify and help introduce to the Garden individuals, Foundations, and Businesses with the potential to help. The Development Committee oversees the annual Gala and investigates new fundraising projects, activities, and ideas for Garden income production.
Finance Committee — Chair, Nate Byrd
The NCBGF Treasurer will chair a finance committee and will work with the financial officer of the North Carolina Botanical Garden in the oversight of all income and expenditures of the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation and will be responsible for developing annual budgets of the Foundation. This committee evaluates the investments of the Foundation and recommends any changes to the Executive Committee. Reports of this committee are made to the Executive Committee and at full Board meetings.
Governance Committee — Co-Chairs, Judith Rizzo and Carol Tresolini
The Governance Committee (GC) ensures that the Foundation Board of Directors (Board) has an effective structure, clear roles, and processes. The GC is responsible for the annual review of Board member and officer terms, and Board officer recruitment. The GC coordinates the annual process to identify, recruit and recommend potential new and renewing Board members. It plans and oversees the orientation process for new Board members, including integration into the Board and committees. The GC conducts annual reviews of Board By-Laws, Policies and Procedures, and the Board Agreement that all new Board members sign, and it ensures the annual updating and distribution of the Board Handbook. The GC also analyzes Board learning needs and plans retreats or other activities to meet those needs.
