Governance reform: Where do we go from here?

Abstract

The proposal to bring reform of the Society's governance structure to a vote of Active Members was narrowly defeated in the Council meeting during the SEG International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting. The magnitude of the proposed changes has resulted in some misunderstanding of the overall purpose of the initiative. In addition, many members are undoubtedly interested in the forward-moving plan. I will attempt here to provide clarity, starting with these points: • The effort to bring governance reform to a vote included three years of study and development by the SEG Constitution and Bylaws Strategic Governance Review Committee, led initially by me and more recently by Joe Reilly. The committee engaged Council members and other Society leaders throughout this time before bringing forward a proposal for new Bylaws to replace the current SEG Constitution and Bylaws. The SEG Executive Committee endorsed the proposal before submitting it to the Council. • A majority of Council members attending the meeting voted in favor of sending the proposal to a vote of Active Members. However, a two-thirds majority was required, and the measure fell two votes short of that threshold. There were 39 votes in favor and 22 opposed. Council representatives from Texas, Colorado, and Louisiana led opposition to the proposal. Only 61 of the 103 Council members were present, not counting then-President Steve Hill, who could have voted only if his vote affected the outcome. • SEG Council affirmation would not have meant enactment of the proposal. Rather, it would have provided all SEG Active Members a vote on the matter. It will take a majority vote by the Active Members to enact any changes. • Effort to reform the Society's governance structure will continue, as the need for reform is recognized even by many who opposed the proposal presented this year.