The Board of Directors is responsible for developing policies, establishing priorities, allocating resources, monitoring finances and supervising the Executive Director. Our Board consists of five to thirteen voting members, who each serve three-year terms and sit on at least two standing committees. Board members bring diverse skills and experiences from a variety of professional backgrounds The Board is composed of community members, campus faculty/staff and parents with children currently enrolled at CPECC.
The full Board convenes every other month, with Committees meeting regularly to advance business between Board meetings. Per our By-Laws, regular Board meetings are closed, but Committee meetings are open to interested parties.
Board roles and responsibilities
- Executive Committee
- President: Prepares agendas for and presides over Board of Directors meetings and Executive Committee meetings; serving as Chief Executive Officer of the corporation
- Vice President: Serves as acting president in the event that the President cannot fulfill responsibilities
- Secretary: Records, distributes and maintains minutes for Board meetings
- Treasurer: Oversees and monitors the school's funds, and advises the Board on financial matters
- Committees*
- Board Development - Focus on recruitment of Board members, coordinating orientation and development/training; monitoring participation, attendance and compliance with policies and procedures.
- Audit and Finance - Focus on overseeing audits and fiscal affairs; budget development for approval by the Board; proposing policies governing the finances of the Corporation and assuring institutional funds follow applicable statutes, regulations and contractual obligations.
- Fundraising and Public Relations - Focus on planning, implementing and evaluating fundraising programs; providing leadership and direction regarding gifts to the Corporation.
- Personnel - Focus on human resource policies, practices and procedures including standards for compensation and benefits; responsible for assisting in evaluation of the Executive Director.
*Board members are expected to serve on two Committees. You do not need to be a Board member to serve on committees. If you are interested in contributing to one of these committees, please send an inquiry to cpsbod@binghamton.edu.
Application and nomination process
We are always looking for committed, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic individuals to join the Board. Experience in areas including finance, legal, marketing, education, or non-profit management are helpful but not required. Depending on open seats, we will consider applications on a rolling basis. Each Board seat is a three-year term, though Board members may serve for less than three years if they are filling a vacated seat. This helps us rotate one third of our membership each year.
If you are interested in joining the CPECC Board of Directors, we suggest that you:
- Review the Board Service Commitment Pledge for a sense of what the position entails;
- Reach out to the current President (cpsbod@binghamton.edu) to discuss possible openings, current Board needs, and opportunities to get involved; and,
- Submit a brief application including a resume/CV for consideration.
The President will present all applications to the Board as they come in. Board appointments are determined at our annual meeting each December, with terms starting in the next calendar year. New Board members will receive onboarding training for non-profit board members through New York State and other agencies.
CPECC Board Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect with the Board?
You can reach us directly at cpsbod@binghamton.edu . A member of the board will respond to all inquiries and comments.
If I have a concern, should I contact the Board?
We encourage all families and staff to communicate directly with the Executive Director
about any concerns. Our bi-monthly board meetings serve as a formalized platform for
assuring regular communication with the Executive Director regarding program needs
and goals. Board members also meet with the Executive Director monthly or more often
for various committees and tasks to help the center run smoothly. If a parent or staff
person does not feel that a situation has been resolved after speaking with the Executive
Director, there are grievance procedures in the Family Handbook and Employee Handbook
that outline how concerned parties and Executive Director can work with the Board
collaboratively to resolve the issue.
Can I attend Board meetings?
The New York State Office of Employee Relations, who provides guidance and support
to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director strongly recommends closed meetings
for seated Board Members and the Executive Director only. Closed Board meetings are
standard in non-profit center-based care settings.
How can I provide input or feedback to the Board about needs or growth opportunities?
We appreciate feedback from parents and community members about ways CPECC can grow
or improve. Surveys are circulated regularly to families and staff to gather input,
constructive feedback, and new ideas. Regular communication with the Executive Director
or volunteering to serve on one of the Board Committees is a great way to stay informed
and make a difference.
Are there other ways to get involved besides joining the Board?
Yes! We welcome volunteer involvement at a number of CPECC activities and events like
the Summer Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, and the Spring Gala. We always welcome
new talent on all the Board committees. You do not have to be a Board member to serve
on a committee!
Current Board of Directors
- Elyse Gibb, President
- Lisa Overwater, Vice President and Chair of Personnel Committee
- Carolyn Mathews, Secretary
- Lisa Gallagher, Treasurer
- Andrea Falcone, Member and Chair of Finance and Audit Committee
- Cindy Cowden, Member and Chair of Board Development Committee
- Ashley Krisanek, Member
- Alison Kran, Member and Chair of Fundraising and Public Relations Committee
- Monika Fridrich, Member
- Courtney Baileys, Member
- Erika Hernandez-Acton, Member