Aren’t acronyms just so UMCRM? In this case, the “BDC,” or Board Development Committee, is UMCRM’s system for nominations to the Board of Directors. The biggest difference from a traditional “nominations committee” is that the BDC is an independent body from the Board, made up of Association members who keep their fingers on the pulse of the Board’s initiatives and functioning, alert to the needs and vision of the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association.

The BDC consists of 6-8 members who are gifted with a deep understanding of systems thinking and who are committed to the mission of The United Methodist Church. These folks are recruited for their lasting connection to our Association, as evidenced by the respect they have in our community. Because of the important nature of their work, each member is tasked with assertive participation.

The BDC identifies strong Board candidates and an officer slate to be lifted for the Board’s approval. As Jody Oates, of Kaleidoscope Inc. and former UMCRM Board member, has described it,

“A Board Development Committee will work independently of the Board of Directors to recommend candidates for the Board. With intentional training, review, assessment, and outreach, the Board Development Committee helps assure a fair and equitable process so that the UMCRM Board has the best leaders to serve.”

The BDC Process
  1. When a board vacancy is anticipated, the BDC performs a gap analysis using several methods: interviews with Board members, reviewing strategic initiatives, and assessing current gifts/needed gifts.

  2. The BDC then issues a call for nominees, publicized to UMCRM members.

  3. Nominations are considered. The BDC recruits additional nominees as needed.

  4. Nominees are interviewed by BDC members.

  5. A slate of Board Directors and/or officers is brought to the current Board for approval.

  6. Approved nominees are invited to serve on the Board.

The work of the Board Development Committee has been a fruitful and effective system for the UMCRM Association since the BDC’s inception in 2021. Thank you for your interest in our Association’s governance. We pray that our membership feels seen and served through this process.

We extend deep gratitude to all who have served on the BDC. 

 
The current, 2025 committee:
      • Chair (senior member): David Berkey, class of 2027, 2nd term
      • Mike Huber, class of 2026, 2nd term
      • Arthur Spriggs, class of 2026, 1st term
      • Apryl Miller, class of 2027, 2nd term
      • Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads, class of 2028, 2nd term
      • Sam Richardson, class of 2028, 1st term