The GMC Board of Directors meets quarterly, and minutes from their meetings will be posted here. To learn more about GMC’s Board, go here.
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GMC Board Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2024
Green Mountain Club Board Meeting
September 14, 2024
Present: Nancy McClellan, Don Taylor, Anne Houser, Dave Hathaway, Nancy Thomas, Andy Hood, Kip Potter, Dave Hartman, Robert Paquin, Tom Kahl, Becca Washburn, Bruce Peacock, Jeff Wehrwein, Michele Kupersmith, Mike Peckar, Ryan Robbins, Alexis Peters, Owen Rachampbell, Bill Lyons, Jake Chinitz, Charlene Bell (Montpelier Section), Hubey Folsom (Brattleboro Section) Cathi Brooks
Staff present: Mike DeBonis, Alicia DiCocco, Chloe Miller, Jason Buss, Mollie Flanigan, Nigel Bates
Meeting called to order at 9am by Nancy M. with welcome, icebreaker exercise and review of agenda.
Secretary: Anne H presented minutes from the June board meeting for approval. David H moved to approve, Nancy T 2nd. All in favor, motion passed.
Treasurer Report: Nancy T remarked on the many challenges this past year. Damaging summer storms once again affected trails and access roads adversely. Inflation and rising expenses required the club to make some difficult choices. FY ‘25 budget was revised accordingly. The Groll bequest funds will help the club avoid LOC borrowing costs. Staff positions/salaries are reduced. First fiscal quarter showed improvement in lowering deficit. Second quarter increase in contributions from larger donors and Long Trail Day proceeds are planned. Health Insurance premiums continue to rise affecting expenses. In order to respond to financial pressures, a new five year stability plan was developed. Increasing contributions annually and capping expenses will assure a more stable financial future. Nancy thanked Mike and his staff for their work.
President Report: Nancy M reported on all of the improvements made this year to shelters, trails, and privies. Field staff were productive this summer.
Large multi-year projects were completed, including construction of Bromley Tower and restoration of the Burrows Trail. Staffing changes required some difficult decisions in order to cut costs. Governance Committee is hard at work. Meeting regularly to update structure and function at the club. Long Trail Day is approaching and everyone is encouraged to participate and/or donate.
ED Report: Mike D is happy to report that in a challenging year, the club has showed resiliency. Lots of great work has been done out in the field and at the new HQ building site. Alicia and Jason have taken on additional responsibilities with the reduction in staff. The new LT Guide is due in Spring ‘25 and will bring renewed interest/income. Now that field season is winding down focus will be on annual giving, nominating committee, and completion of the new visitor center.
Budget and Financials: Jason shared a revised ‘25 budget with changes to improve the club’s financial position. Increase in expenses will be held to 3-5% annually. Reduced personnel eliminating two full time positions, reduced borrowing costs. Less growth budgeted, but contributions increasing 5-10% annually. Five year outlook: will plan to grow surplus with increased income and limiting expenses. Jason asked for a motion to approve the revised FY ‘25 budget. Jeff W made motion, Owen 2nd. No further discussion. All in favor.
Health care costs are skyrocketing and current BSBVT Gold Plan is no longer affordable. Small group nonprofit sector has very few options to pursue. The club will have to choose to reduce benefits or have employees supplement the premium.
Governance Review: Don T commented on his work to update club governance as specified in the strategic plan. Governance committee was formed and has been meeting regularly. Main topics to address are: Board size and composition, Slate of committees and their function, Club sections and by-laws
Long term plan to hire a consultant to assist in the process.
Land Conservation Update: Mollie Flanigan has had a busy summer overseeing 60 plus corridor monitors and 31,000 acres of land. She has added 7 regular volunteers this year and plans to bring on 5-8 more each year. Mollie has facilitated property transfers of two trail adjacent tracts of land to the state of VT with conservation easement. Mollie is working on a GMC strategic conservation plan to be reviewed at the next board meeting.
Field Programs Update: Keegan reports on a productive season with several big projects completed. Good morale in the field crew. Shelters, bridges, trails, privies were improved or replaced. He has submitted for recovery funding to repair more inundated trails and bridges.
Declaration of Inclusion: Nancy M is hoping the club will adopt a version of this statement of inclusivity. Break out groups were to discuss the declaration and ideas for inclusion messaging at the new VC.
Nancy M would like the board to approve a revised list of committees. Mike will send out the proposed list before Dec meeting.
Long Trail Day has had generous donor matches. Nancy encouraged everyone to support this important annual fundraising event.
The next meeting is Dec 14 on ZOOM. The March meeting will be in person.
Motion to adjourn at 11:30 made by Anne H, 2nd by Andy H. All in favor.
GMC Board Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2024
Present: Nancy McClellan (Pres), Don Taylor (VP), Nancy Thomas (Treas), Anne Houser (Sec), Jeff Wehrwein, Melissa Reichert, Michele Kupersmith, David Hartman, Dick Andrews, Cathy Brooks, Phyllis Rubenstein, Andrew Nuquist, Owen Rachampbell, Ruth Hare, Bob Paquin, Susan Tobin, Bill Lyons, David Hathaway, Collier Shutter, Mike Peckar, Greg Alber, Ilana Goll
Via Zoom: Andy Hood, Morris Earl, Alexis Peters, Ken White
Staff: Mike DeBonis, Alicia DiCocco, Jason Buss, Keegan Tierney, Mollie Flanigan
Meeting called to order at 12:00.
Nancy M asked for a motion to accept the Board minutes from March 16, 2024.David Hartman made the motion, David Hathaway 2nd, Motion passed (Dick Andrews abstained) with one correction: Club paid line of credit after borrowing from the Groll bequest.
Treasurer Nancy T reported financial challenges but overall a Productive year. Fiscal year 25 budget is focused on sustainability and less reliance on unrestricted funds. Increased line items include office tech costs and borrowing costs (from delay in fee for service collection). A staff position in the finance department will remain unfilled.
Nancy M thanked outgoing board members and welcomed new directors. Mike provided an update on the new building. It will be a realization of a major long term goal for the club to offer a better space to support staff operations and also to engage with the public.
Finance Report; For end of Fiscal Year 24, Jason reported that expenses outpaced revenue even while contributions are strong and planned giving is up. Budget restraint is needed and will require strong leadership. Wages must stay competitive while continuing to address increased costs for benefits. The club switched financial management systems (Financial Edge to Quickbooks) and updated financial reports will be forthcoming in the fall. Board approval requested for funding as listed below. Motion to transfer from the Groll bequest of $190,000 for VC construction and $160,000 to Working Capital Fund by Dave Hathaway. 2nd by Owen R. All in favor.
Nominating Committee; Don Taylor requested a motion to accept existing slate of officers: Nancy McClellan – President, Don Taylor – VP, Nancy Thomas –Treasurer, Anne Houser – Secretary. Dave Hathaway made the motion, Owen R seconded. All in favor.
Nancy T made a motion to adjourn @12:30. Dick Andrews seconded. All in favor.
GMC Board Meeting Minutes – March 16, 2024
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Caitlin Miller (Secretary), Nancy McClellan (President), Nike Meyers, Michele
Kupersmith, Don Taylor (Vice President), Jeff Wehrwein, Andy Hood, Bruce Peacock, Nancy
Thomas (Treasurer), Millie Mugica, Jake Chinitz, Mike Peckar, Dave Hathaway, Tom Kahl,
Susan Tobin, Owen Rachampbell, Anne Houser, Martha Stitelman, Bob Paquin, David Hartman,
Becca Washburn (VT FPR), Michael Howson, Alexis Peters, Cathi Brooks
Staff Present: Mike DeBonis (Executive Director), Jason Buss (CFO), Alicia DiCocco (Deputy
Director), Keegan Tierney (Director of Field Programs), Mollie Flanigan (Director of Land
Conservation), Lorne Currier (Volunteer Coordinator)
Nancy McClellan called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and thanked board members for their
service. Nancy started the meeting by having board members go to break-out rooms to do ice
breakers. The board came back from break-out rooms at 9:11 am.
Nancy introduced Caitlin to discuss the minutes from the December 2023 board meeting. Caitlin
called for a motion to approve the minutes. Owen moved to approve the minutes, Dave Hartman
seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Nancy M. then introduced Nancy Thomas to give the Treasurer’s Report, which was included in
the board meeting materials. Nancy T. thanked the staff for their hard work over the past fiscal
year and gave an overview of the Club’s finances. Important highlights include the good work of
the Club throughout the devastating floods in July of 2023, receipt of the Weissman Bequest,
and construction on the new Herrick Building.
Nancy M. gave her President’s Report and noted how exciting it is that ground has broken on
construction for the new Herrick Building. Nancy discussed work around the Club’s volunteer
code of conduct and let the board know that the Club is overdue for a review of its governance
policies and bylaws. Board members interested in serving on a committee to review the Club’s
governance should let Nancy know.
Nancy M. introduced Mike DeBonis for his Executive Director’s Report, which was included in
the board materials. Mike used his report to reflect on the past four years since COVID and the
Club’s response to changes brought on by the pandemic. There was a question about the
Club’s discussion with the Odanak Tribe.
Jason then led the board through a slide presentation about FY24. Projections show a year-end
operating surplus of $35,000 thanks to funds from the Weissman Bequest. Revenue sits at
about 90% of budget, with contributions being up. Expenses are also at almost 90% of the
budget. The Club is not borrowing any of its line of credit and the endowment was at $7.4 million
as of the end of February. There was discussion about increased workers compensation costs
and GMC merchandise.
Jason then led the board through a slide presentation of the proposed FY25 budget. GMC’s
operating revenue has continued to grow over the past decade or so (with COVID as an
anomaly) and does so in FY25, too. Fee for service has been the biggest driver of increased
revenue. Expenses are proposed to increase slightly in FY25 as the Club continues to grow its
slate of work for the 2024 and 2025 field seasons. Salaries and wages continue to be the Club’s
largest expense. The draft FY25 has been recommended by both the Budget & Finance
Committee and the Executive Committee. Questions focused on the increased projected
revenue for membership and hiring for seasonal staff.
Nancy Thomas asked for a motion to approve of the FY25 budget. Anne Houser moved, Susan
Tobin seconded. The FY25 budget was approved unanimously.
Mike then gave an update on construction for the Herrick Building rebuild and new visitor center.
The original construction timeline was delayed due to flooding and contractor availability. The
original budget for the build was $1 million as part of the Long Trail Legacy Campaign. The build
budget was created in 2019 and costs have since increased, with the current estimated cost
between $1.3 and $1.5 million. Staff are working to get costs down. Inflation of labor and
materials are the main drivers behind the increased cost. The board is being asked to approve
$310,000 from the Weissman Bequest to be used for the additional costs of the build. The
recommendation is based on the high interest rates for mortgages, making that option a
potential larger expense for the Club.
Nancy M. moved to approve the request to use $310,000 of the Weissman Bequest for
construction costs. Owen seconded. There was discussion about the design change from a
stick frame to an insulated panel build, why the request is not for the potential $1.5 million and
where the additional ~$200,000 will come from, and the timeline in terms of completing the
building now (completion is expected in the fall). Nancy called the motion. The motion was
approved unanimously.
Nancy M. and Mike asked for questions from the board about the department updates, which
were included in the board materials. There was discussion about the communications plan for
the Long Trail Guide updates, the conditions of the trails given the early mud season and warm
winter, GMC messaging about the upcoming solar eclipse, and the status of Cooper Lodge.
Nancy M. called for a break at 10:17 am. Nancy reconvened the meeting at 10:30 am. Alicia
gave an overview of the development, communications and membership departments via a
slide presentation. The presentation gave the board updates on these departments as well as
their direction post pandemic and capital campaign. Discussion focused on messaging in
external places/ info sources and the Club’s connection with the North Country Scenic Trail and
other trail organizations.
Nancy M. then led the board through a discussion about the direction of the Club’s diversity,
equity, and inclusion work. Nancy solicited feedback and ideas from the board vis a vis what
actions they would like to see from the Club. The board went into break-out rooms to review the
DEI-related items in the strategic plan and discuss. The board went into break-out rooms at
10:50 am. The board returned from break-out rooms at 11:08 am. Notetakers should send their
notes to Nancy M. or Mike.
Nancy M. introduced Don to give an update from the Nominating Committee. Both Ram
Moennsad and Jeff Wehrwein have agreed to run for second terms. Melissa Reichart and Ryan
Robbins have both agreed to run for first terms as general directors. The election will run in the
upcoming Long Trail News and the new directors will begin at the June board meeting.
Nancy again invited interested board members to let her know if they are interested in serving
on a committee to review GMC’s governance.
Information on the VT Declaration of Inclusion was included in the board packet. Nancy was
approached about the GMC aligning with/signing the declaration. Several other nonprofits have
already signed on, along with many towns.
Nancy then reviewed the proposed future board meeting and Executive Committee meeting
dates that were included in the meeting packet. Nancy asked for a motion to approve the
proposed meeting dates. Don moved, Susan seconded. Jeff suggested doing an online poll in
the future to determine meeting dates. The dates were approved unanimously.
Dave Hathaway moved to adjourn, Martha seconded. The meeting adjourned at 11:28 am.
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Green Mountain Club Board Meeting Minutes – December 16, 2023
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Nancy McClellan (President), Michele Kupersmith, Andy Hood, Ram Moennsad, Kip
Potter, Owen Rachampbell, Caitlin Miller (Secretary), Dave Hathaway, Don Taylor, Bruce
Peacock, Susan Tobin, Steve Klein, Andrew Nuquist, Cathi Brooks, David Hartman, Becca
Washburn, Jake Chinitz, Jeff Wehrwein, Becca Washburn (VT FPR), Bob Paquin, Nancy
Thomas (Treasurer), Tom Kahl, Mariah Keagy, Martha Stitelman, Alexis Peters
Staff Present: Mike DeBonis (Executive Director), Alicia DiCocco (Deputy Director), Jason
Buss (Chief Financial Officer), Keegan Tierney (Director of Field Programs), Mollie Flanigan
(Director of Land Conservation), Lorne Currier (Volunteer & Education Coordinator), Nigel Bates
(Field Coordinator)
Nancy McClellan called the meeting to order at 9:01 am with a review of the agenda and a land
acknowledgment.
Nancy introduced Caitlin for the secretary’s report. Caitlin asked for a motion to approve the
September board meeting minutes. Don moved, Nancy McClellan seconded. The minutes were
approved unanimously.
Nancy then introduced Alicia to take the board into break out sessions so board members can
get to know each other.
The board returned from break-out rooms and Nancy McClellan introduced Nancy Thomas for
the treasurer’s report. Nancy thanked the staff for completing another busy and challenging field
season. The Club was anticipating a deficit at the close of FY24, but the recent initial payout of
a $900,000 bequest from the estate of Joan Wissman has helped significantly. 10% of the
bequest will go into the operating budget to assist with planned giving, current work, and cash
reserves. The Club will continue to face a tight budget environment into FY25. The board will
vote on the FY25 budget at the March meeting. Dave asked about restrictions on the bequest,
of which there are none.
Nancy McClellan gave her president’s report. Nancy reflected on the past year and the Club’s
successes, including the work on the Burrows Trail, response to the July flooding, the opening
of Jean Haigh Camp at Wheeler Pond, and the success of Long Trail Day. Nancy welcomed
Don, Anne Hauser, and Dave to the Executive Committee and welcomed interest in the
Secretary role, which will open in June. Nancy also expressed interest in doing a governance
review during her tenure as president and invited interested board members to reach out to her.
She also encouraged board members to make an end of year gift.
Nancy introduced Mike for the executive director’s report. Mike emphasized the transformative
impact the Wissman bequest will have on the Club and encouraged the board to think about
how the bequest can best be used by the Club, especially given that the Club is also expecting
another sizable bequest to come in by the end of FY24. The Club has several upcoming
expenses, such as the Herrick Building rebuild, for which the board may consider allocating
money from those bequests.
Mike also noted the current controversy around the Vermont state-recognized Abenaki tribes. The federally-recognized tribe in Canada, the Odanak, have
asked conservation organizations in Vermont to stop collaborating with the state-recognized
tribes and have contacted the Club. The Club does not have formal agreements with the
state-recognized tribes. The board should reflect on and think about how this will impact land
access as part of the Club’s long-term land conservation goals. Discussion focused on Mike’s
conversation with Odanak leaders; the status of the proposed lift connecting Stowe Mountain
and Smugglers Notch resorts, the proposal for which has been withdrawn; an update on the
code of conduct; and the process for relocating the Killington pipeline out of the trail corridor.
Nancy Thomas then introduced Jason to review the Club’s financials with the board via a
slideshow presentation. Revenue currently totals $1.3 million. Contributions are up though
memberships are down, and we will know at the end of the calendar year as end of year giving
wraps up. Revenue is projected to come in just under budget. Expenses are at $1.8 million.
Personnel expenses represent the bulk, with challenges related to rising cost of living and
inflation. The Club has fully paid off its line of credit as of yesterday. The endowment sits at $6.2
million as of the end of November. Discussion focused on how the interest charges for the line
of credit impacts the budget and how the portion of the Wissman bequest for the operating
budget ($90,000) will be used in the immediate.
Jason then led the board through a slideshow of the FY25 budget process. High level issues
that will be part of the FY25 budget discussions include: continuing to grow contributions, ideas
to address declining membership, field program support, how to address rising personnel costs,
major projects (Burrows Trail, Bromley Tower, Herrick rebuild) and the Club’s capacity to fund
the strategic plan. Discussion included that no staffing changes were currently planned for FY25
and the challenges around field staff hiring.
Jason noted that the endowment reports were included in the board packet. Nancy and Jason
commented that they are happy with the new endowment manager, Morgan Stanley, even if the
overall market has been volatile.
Nancy and Mike invited questions for staff. The board discussed the decline in membership and
that the end of year appeal is going well. Nancy called for a break at 10:26 am. The board came
back from break at 10:31 am and went into break-out groups to discuss an article shared in the
board packet about the experience of a hiker of color on the Colorado Trail. The group returned
from break-out rooms to share the small group discussions.
Nancy McClellan moved to accept Don Taylor as Vice President. Nancy Thomas seconded. Don
was voted in unanimously. Nancy McClellan also moved to accept Dave Hathaway and Anne
Hauser as new members of the Executive Committee. Seconded by Susan. They were voted
onto the committee unanimously.
There was no new business brought forth by directors. Nancy thanked all the directors for their
time and hoped everyone finds time over the holidays to spend time outside. The meeting
adjourned at 11:05 am.
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