Governance Revisited

In March, a ballot went out to voting members to make changes to our governance structure. While the changes did not receive the two-thirds vote required for passage (falling short by less than 90 votes), a majority of those who voted did agree with the proposed changes.

Following the vote, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives approached me. He wanted the council to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. The ASHI Board of Directors formed a task force composed of four directors and four council representatives who worked diligently to come up with a compromise that could be supported by all.

The art of compromise does not come easily to home inspectors by nature, but the task force rose to the challenge. While there always are items about which we can disagree, sometimes we must put aside minor points in order to create a group product that can be supported.

Some ask the question, “Why are we focusing on governance, shouldn’t we be concentrating on things that are more important?” To that, I would say that we are not neglecting those things that are more important. Yet, making sure we have the governance structure to efficiently make decisions, to get the most qualified leadership and to move the society forward is equally important with our other leadership responsibilities and activities.

Not only are we finishing up our strategic planning, soon we are advancing two ancillary standards, swimming pool and predrywall, to the membership for a vote. Also, a chapter task force is working on ways to strengthen our chapter structure and help ailing chapters to be successful. Things are definitely happening at ASHI, but it takes time for the results to work their way down to the membership level.

Soon, you will be receiving the new revised Bylaws for vote. These changes will allow board members to come from the membership at large rather than only from the Council of Representatives. Members also will vote directly for ASHI’s officers. All in all, members will have more input into leadership than under the current structure. The Speaker of the Council will be a voting board member, giving the council direct input on the board.

As president, I would encourage you to vote for the changes to the Bylaws. This is an important piece of the puzzle, which will allow ASHI to be more effective in creating value for its membership.

(Note: ASHI Certified Inspectors and Retired Members are voting members.)