Board Positions & Committee Descriptions

The roles and responsibilities of the Merchant Board of Director positions are essential tools for accomplishing the organizational goals of the Direct Response Forum. The Merchant Board is comprised of 12 merchant members.

The role and responsibilities of Executive Board positions are outlined below.

Executive Chair

Responsible for duties as listed in bylaws including supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation; preside at all meetings; sign, execute and acknowledge on behalf of the Corporation all documents. The Chair publicly represents the Board of Directors, the DRF and its Members; directs and manages the overall administration, structure and staffing of the organization; and has overall responsibility for developing and fulfilling the DRF constitution, mission and strategic goals. Also responsible for the identification and presentation of any board awards or recognitions (Eagle Award); directing the nomination committee for electing new board members and new executive board members; scheduling all board meetings; approving all meeting agendas and written communications from the DRF to sponsors, speakers, members etc.; and assigning board member responsibilities as required.

The Executive Committee supports the Executive Chair in fulfilling these duties. Most bylaws allow the Executive Committee to make emergency decisions and to take care of issues that arise between board meetings. The executive committee is composed of the appointed officers at the invitation of the Executive Chair. Under the direction of the Executive Chair, members of the Executive Committee also have responsibility for developing long term goals for the organization taking into consideration trends that may affect the organization, as well as the projected needs, objectives, and priorities of the membership. Its work should result in the creation of or amendments to the association's strategic plan, which normally covers a five year period and may also result in amendments to the DRF bylaws which must first be ratified by a majority merchant board vote.

DRF Eagle / Nominations and Elections / Awards Committee

Comprised of invited DRF Past Chairs and Eagle Award winners, members of this group act in an advisory capacity to the merchant board and have no voting rights. One of its key functions is to serve as the organization knowledge base and to provide continuity and support during periods of transition and organizational change and at times may be asked to represent the DRF and present written and verbal reports to the membership. This committee has responsibility for seeking candidates for open Board of Director positions, reviewing submissions and nominating individuals who are qualified and willing to serve on the board of directors. In its capacity as Awards Committee they implement programs to recognize members who contribute beyond the usual efforts (i.e. the Eagle Award).

Vice Chair

Responsible for duties as listed in bylaws including perform the duties of the Chairperson when required. Specifically responsible for leading and leveraging the capabilities of the DRF Advisory board members. This role also includes identification of key industry issues; new projects or initiatives; and monitoring the activities of the organization and its board to ensure an ethical code of conduct.

Secretary

Responsible for duties as listed in bylaws including (a) keep the minutes of the meetings (b) see that all notices are duly given (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation, maintain the DRF bylaws and operating rules, prepare board meeting agendas and packages, take and timely publish board meeting minutes, track and publish board listing additions, deletions and changes, track and publish master task list for board, monitor operating rules, treasury report and recent meeting minutes.

Bylaws The Secretary has responsibility for reviewing and maintaining the governing documents of the organization and for updating these with Board approved changes when necessary. If significant changes or updates are warranted, the Secretary may appoint a committee in drafting these.

Treasurer

Responsible for duties as listed in bylaws including (a) be responsible for all funds and securities of the Corporation; (b) receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such moneys in the name of the Corporation (c) keep the accounts of the Corporation (d) make such reports of the financial condition of the Corporation, create a budget for each operating year, and track actual to budget and report to board.

Education Chair and Committee

The Education Chair and Education committee are tasked with coordinating and facilitating the identification and creation of all conference educational content. This includes defining relevant topics for break out sessions and main stage presentations, securing speakers and panelists, collecting and publishing speaker bio’s and session outlines, and coordinating all these activities through assigned session facilitators. This group may additionally identify and develop opportunities for additional education channels such as on-line Webinars, pre/post conference and or regional topic specific workshops.

Publicity and Web Chair

Manages the communication network developed by the organization to keep members and prospects abreast of the organization’s activities. Responsible for all association communications and publicity materials promoting the DRF. Manages the coordination, distribution and posting of all membership emails and conference information. Responsible for web site content by reviewing and updating publications and acquiring meaningful articles or white papers for posting on the DRF website. Ensure that current information is posted to the website in a visually stimulating, timely, user-friendly, and easy navigable fashion.

Membership Chair

Responsible for membership development, services and benefits. This includes the acquisition and retention of merchant and non-merchant members; creating member services and benefits that establish a value exchange to justify Forum attendance. It should also target audiences for membership, successfully enrolling new members while retaining current members.
Ethics The Membership Chair is responsible for managing the image of the organization and ensuring that the actions of its members comply with the DRF’s code of ethics. Duties may involve handling complaints and enforcing a code of conduct. If warranted by circumstances, the Vice Chair may convene a committee to perform these functions and to develop effective communications or outreach programs to address any issues.

Newsletter Chair

Responsible for gathering pertinent articles for inclusion in the DRF Quarterly, the quarterly newsletter published by the DRF. Work with the merchant board, advisor board, and other industry experts to acquire stimulating and relevant industry articles.

Meeting Planner

Contracted on an annual basis, this paid professional coordinates all aspects of association meetings including: sourcing and securing venues, budget and expense reconciliation in coordination with the Treasurer, manage registration software, coordinate arrival and lodging for all presenters, board members and master of ceremonies and VIP’s at events, coordinate all meeting facilities and social events. This position reports to the Executive Chair.