First Samvera Steering Elections

In April 2018, Samvera Partners ratified the Recommendations for Governance put forward by the Samvera Governance Working Group.  

In accordance with those recommendations, the first elections will be managed by the Samvera Governance WG.  

For the 2018 Election (June 18 - July 9), three seats of the current Samvera Steering body will step down.  The election will be held to fill the three open seats.

Schedule

Based upon a recommendation from the Samvera Governance Working Group and approved by Samvera Steering, the schedule for elections will be as follows

• May 7 - May 25 - Take Nominations
• May 28 - June 1 - Clear Nominations - Get Bios and Statement of Purpose
• June 4 - Announce nominations
• June 18 - July 9 Vote is open
• Announce July 11

Candidates

For the Candidate information and Statement of purpose, visit this link.

Current Steering

At this time, we are calling for nominations for the first members to be elected to Samvera Steering.

Currently, Samvera Steering includes the following:  

• Chris Awre (University of Hull)

• Mark Bussey (Data Curation Experts)

• Tom Cramer (Stanford University)

• Jon Dunn (Indiana University)

• Mike Giarlo (Stanford University)

• Richard Green (Consultant to the University of Hull)

• Debra Hanken Kurtz (DuraSpace)

• Robin Ruggaber (University of Virginia)

• Bess Sadler (Data Curation Experts)

The Samvera Governance Working Group would like to express its sincere gratitude for the efforts of Steering.  Their work has enabled the Samvera Community to become one of the foremost communities and well respected technology stacks within the network of memory institutions.  

The following three members have volunteered to step down to enable transitioning of the Steering Group to an elected body:

• Tom Cramer - Stanford University
• Mark Bussey - Data Curation Experts
• Bess Sadler - Data Curation Experts

How to Nominate Someone

To nominate yourself or a colleague for a seat on Samvera Steering, please go to the following link:  

https://goo.gl/forms/Ym0VgckaG1cptFZX2

Nomination Information and Guidelines

We are seeking nominations to fill three seats on Samvera Steering.  This is a great opportunity to take an active role in supporting and leading the Samvera Community.  

• The term will last three years.  Those elected have the possibility of standing for re-election for a second consecutive three year term.  
• The term will begin August 1, 2018.
• Institutions may not have more than one representative per institution. No candidate may be from an institution already represented on Steering. If more than one candidate is nominated from an institution, the Election Committee will contact the nominees. The nominees will then need to decide which candidate will run.
• During the next three years’ elections: If a member of Steering who rotates off is the sole representative of their institution, they may run for a single, three year term.  
• If you would like to nominate a colleague or self-nominate for one of these positions, please fill out the 2018 Steering Nomination Form.  
• Those nominated will be contacted by the Samvera Governance Working Group to ensure that they wish to run.  Elections will be held beginning June 18, 2018 and end July 9, 2018.
• Prior to the start of the election, Nominees will be required to provide a Statement of Purpose for review by Partners.
• Nominees should be aware of time commitments (as outlined below) and have support of their institution

What Does Steering Do/ What Are the Commitments?

Steering will have a full plate as they resume work following the first election.  Special considerations for this election include:

• Overseeing the implementation of the Recommendations

• Establishing a Roadmap Council
• Hiring of Centralized Staff

• Reviewing the Samvera Community and Steering bylaws

• Working to implement a Contributions model in support of the resources requested in Recommendations

• Assessing Governance by end of 2019
• Managing future elections

Before nominating yourself or a colleague, please consider the commitments and tasks associated with Steering as described here.

Election Mechanics