PROCESS & QUALIFICATIONS OF NOMINEES FOR THE CENTRAL PA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CETRAL PA CHAMBER SEEKING BOARD DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

The Central PA Chamber of Commerce is seeking board director nominees to help shape the future of the organization.

Have you ever considered serving on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors—or know someone who would be a great fit?

Who is eligible to be nominated to be part of the Board election? Anyone who is affiliated with a member in good standing with the Central PA Chamber.

The Central PA Chamber is seeking nominations for its upcoming Board Director election. You may nominate another qualified Chamber member or nominate yourself.

Serving on the Board is both an honor and a responsibility. Directors provide leadership, strategic guidance and governance while helping advance the Chamber’s vision of “Helping Our Region Grow.”

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

The Central PA Chamber’s Board Member Election Policy establishes the following process:

• September 1 – September 15: Nominations must be submitted to the Nominating Coordinator by email: jbeaver@centralpachamber.com.
• September 16: Nominating Committee will begin contacting nominees.
• September 30: Individuals accepting a nomination must complete a questionnaire and provide a 75–100-word biography no later than September 30.
  • Bio and questionnaire addressing:
    • How they would contribute at the Board level.
    • Their current and/or past Central PA Chamber involvement.
    • Their current and/or past relatable volunteer experience.

First Week of October: The Nominating Committee reviews all submitted questionnaires and bios to determine the most appropriate candidates and selects candidates for the ballot. Consideration is given to membership categories, geographical representation, experience, involvement and the value each candidate can bring to the Board and Chamber membership.

October Board Meeting: The ballot of candidates is prepared and approved by the Board of Directors.

November: The slate of candidates is published in It’s Your Business. On November 14, one ballot is emailed to each member business’ primary voting contact. Ballots are accepted through the close of business November 21.

December: The Nominating Committee verifies the returned ballots, and voting tallies are presented to the Board for certification. Newly elected Directors are then contacted regarding their January Board 2027 meeting participation and introduction.

Who Should You Nominate?

Think about the leaders within your company and throughout our business community. Who brings valuable experience? Who understands the needs of local businesses? Who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving others? Who could bring a fresh perspective to the Chamber?

Perhaps that person is you.

Strong organizations need strong leaders, and your nomination can help shape the future leadership of the Central PA Chamber.

Here’s what some current and past board directors have said…

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Central PA Chamber to help the organization drive its mission to the benefit of all Chamber members.”

“I have enjoyed serving two years on the board immensely – it has given me a greater vision for the business landscape. I can count many examples of introductions to new members that have turned into referrals, business opportunities, and friendships!”

“Being a board director is an opportunity to have your voice heard. I appreciate that all board members’ thoughts and opinions are welcomed, and when needed, change can and does occur.”

“I chose to serve because I believe strong businesses are the foundation of a strong community. Serving on the Central PA Chamber Board allows me to build relationships, share my experience, learn from other local leaders, and help create opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed. When we invest our time and talents into supporting one another, we help our entire community thrive.”

Nominations are due by September 15.

To learn more about the process or have questions, contact the Nominating Committee Chair, Ron Mackley: RonMack1955@gmail.com. Nominations may be submitted to the Nominating Coordinator, Jessica Beaver: jbeaver@centralpachamber.com.

The Board Member Election Policy was revised and approved by the Central PA Chamber Board of Directors on November 13, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

We have identified the following to be qualities desirable in prospective leaders — in addition to the requirement to govern in accordance with key governing documents (bylaws, articles of incorporation and policies .)

• Strategic Thinking – Focusing on the big picture; avoiding micromanagement and staff areas of responsibility.

• Visionary – Looking to and anticipating the future: embracing change and studying history to learn what has worked well and why. Able to think beyond the current year and term of office.

• Communications – Has good oral and written communication skills — and is a very good listener. Able to crisply communicate ideas in leadership discussions and willing to listen and communicate with stakeholders.

• Integrity – Supporting an environment of accountability for commitments, honesty and transparency or openness. Agrees to identify potential conflicts of interest.

• Commitment – Feels a strong commitment to the organization, its membership and stakeholders. Willing to act with determination regarding responsibilities of leadership (board or committee work.)

• Time – Has adequate time to participate in meetings, to review organizational documents, attend orientation and special meetings that may be called.

• Involved and Engaged – Willing and able to allocate time to understand and deliberate elements such as the strategic plan, budget and governing documents. Determined to achieve the mission and goals.

• Team Playing – Understands importance of collaboration and deliberation; realizing that no one person’s agenda is more important than the agenda of the organization and board of directors.

• Contributions and Expertise – Able to contribute to the organization by drawing on personal experience, expertise and skillsets.

• Personable – Being approachable and in touch. Willing to accept new ideas, communication styles and use of technologies.

• Enthusiasm – Having a strong desire to serve in a leadership roles and to help the membership.

• Responsive – Realizing the importance to timely communications in advancing projects and programs.

*Directors will be required to sign a confidentiality statement.

E-mail jbeaver@centralpachamber.com or fax 570-742-2008 to make a nomination!