Meeting Overview
Board of Directors Meeting
Ace Conference Center
November 18, 2015 – 5:30pm-7:00pm
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 and began at 5:39
pm.
Board Chair Report/Opening Remarks
Board Chair, Mary Stengel Austen called the meeting to order. She began by thanking all members
for attending the meeting at the ACE Conference Center. Mary thanked Natalye Paquin for her
leadership and support, since this Board meeting will be her last before heading to GSUSA. Mary
also recognized Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Acting CEO and COO, who was honored as one of the 2015
Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was reviewed and approved by unanimous consent.
Closed Session
A closed session was held to discuss the status of the CEO search.
Finance/Audit Committee Update
Debbie Hassan, Chair of the Finance/Audit Committee provided a brief update on the work of the
committee focusing on the investment of funds to cover the costs of the Outdoor Program Vision
(OPV). She presented a resolution regarding the conversion and use of the Land Building and
Equipment (LB&E) funds, which was passed by the Board.
Property Update
Marla Conley, Co-Chair of the Property Committee offered an update on both the investment and the
divestment of properties. For the investment of properties, GSEP is currently ahead of schedule and
on budget with the OPV Phase I improvements. Marla informed the Board the Property Committee is
making progress on the divestment of properties. A motion was passed to move forward with the
continued divestment of properties.
CEO Management Report
Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Acting CEO and COO, presented the Management Report. Kim highlighted
current membership statistics noting a slight adult membership growth and a decrease in girl
membership. This decrease is due to the decline in cookie membership vouchers, a funded troop
start date of November and the girl waiting list.
Kim also offered an update on the funded troop experience including program components, and the
Lenfest grant awarded to serve 750 girls from five Philadelphia middle schools. Kim also informed
the Board of GSEP’s commitment to becoming a Best Place to Work. GSEP will invest in staff
development over the course of the year.
Kim addressed the current status of the Strategic Learning process, and acknowledged the Board
participants, Ann Donley and Dianne Rotwitt. Lastly, Kim reported on GSEP’s bid to host the GS
National Council Session and Convention in 2020. She acknowledged the fine work of the
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Pennsylvania Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in hosting a committee of staff and volunteers from
GSUSA. Kim will pitch in person in NYC to the national executive team including Anna Maria Chávez
on December 7th.
Adjournment
Before the meeting was adjourned, Natalye Paquin addressed the members to offer her thanks and
appreciation for the work the Board of Directors has completed. The Board of Directors Meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 7:12 pm.
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