Leading Through Change

An Important Look at ASA Governance Changes

Editor’s Note: ASA’s Board of Governors have recently taken actions to restructure. Updates on these changes have been reported in communications to members and addressed in an ASA Virtual Town Hall Meeting for members only on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00pm-6:00pm EDT featuring ASA International President, Richard Berkemeier and ASA CEO, Johnnie White. To learn more about the restructuring and other governance changes, we sat down with President Berkemeier to get his insight.

ASA: What were the motivating factors behind the restructuring?

Berkemeier: ASA’s Board of Governors (BoG) over the past four years has taken deliberate and continued steps to improve governance. The primary driver behind this effort is to better position ASA for long-term strategic success. Key actions taken to date have included: the implementation of a new governance model (Carver System); modernization of related policy documents; new BoG monitoring procedures; increased transparency and communication to members; and implementation of a new strategic plan focusing on three pillars: Education, Membership and Branding.

The new restructuring addition to this effort will include a phased restructuring of the BoG to reduce the number of discipline governors from two to one and the addition of a new ARM discipline governor, while the number of regional governors will be reduced from five to four. This action was taken per the recommendation of the Board Reduction Taskforce after a period of detailed study to improve governance efficiency. The process will take place over the next several years and conclude as each current term is completed.

ASA: What will be the vision forward for the BoG?

Berkemeier: As part of the vision forward, the BoG’s role will focus on addressing long-term strategic issues and initiatives, while the CEO position will work to address all operational activities through the support of staff and the numerous member volunteers involved in the Society’s Standing Committees. Regular and ongoing monitoring by the BoG of key areas will occur to ensure proper due diligence is being conducted.

ASA: What will be the impact of these changes?

Berkemeier: Benefits to the Society and members have already been visible, including the successful pivot to virtual and OnDemand educational offerings; comprehensive overhaul of the Society’s technology platform with new Association Management System (AMS), Learning Management System (LMS) and Financial Management System (FMS); new refreshed website with upgraded Find an Appraiser search tool and new online membership directory; new soon to be released ASAConnect member community platform; new membership programs for students and Ally members; new member marketing toolkit; new branding campaign to promote members; and better ease in taking advantage of ASA member marketing efforts.

ASA: How satisfied are you of the efforts taken?

Berkemeier: I am very satisfied and proud to have been a part of the work towards accomplishing these goals. I’ve been a long-time advocate for such, of which played an important role in my decision to becoming a volunteer leader and a large part of my campaign platform. I look forward with anticipation as the BoG moves to better position the Society for the future.

I hope future leaders of the Society will continue to look at reductions in the Board over the next 5 years. We have many critical issues coming up and rightsizing the Board will be important to implement changes going forward.

I am very pleased in the Discipline Committees and their leadership. I am very impressed how these committees have continued to grow and improve the status of their members. I look forward to seeing you all in New Orleans.