The vital work of NASCA is conceived and executed by operating committees comprised of volunteer state and corporate members and supported by association staff. These include both governance and standing committees that operate on a July 1-June 30 fiscal year.

Interested in volunteering? Complete our Volunteer Sign-up Form to let us know on which current committee you would like to serve. A call for volunteers is issued each program year, highlighting any changes or additions to the committee opportunities. Committee meeting materials and scheduling information are shared through NASCA Collaborate, our online community. 


 NASCA Governance Committee

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is the elected governance body of NASCA and is responsible for directing, through executive management, the general business of the association. 
Meeting Schedule: Monthly for one hour, plus onsite meets at NASCA events

President: 
Christi Branscom
State of Tennessee

Executive Committee Members
Staff Contact: 
DeLaine Bender, Interim Executive Director
[email protected]
859-514-9177

 

NASCA Standing Committees  

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee assists NASCA in recognizing best practices, success stories, and distinguished leadership among members. This group conducts a review of award submissions for the National Ray Walton Leadership Award, National Distinguished Deputy Award, Excellence through Collaboration Award, and four awards for Innovation in State Government. The committee determine award recipients after ensuring that applicants meet all criteria and are worthy of recognition. The committee also discusses program improvements for the following year. 

Award recipients are recognized through presentations at and by attribution on NASCA’s website.

Time Commitment: 6-8 hours
Meeting Schedule: May-July, as often as the committee chair determines

Chair:
Tara Smith
State of Washington

Staff Contact: 
Madison Wallace, Project Coordinator
[email protected]
859-402-9764

 

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee works to ensure the association has the appropriate structure and resources to achieve its goals. This group oversees and provides guidance on development of the annual budget for adoption by the Executive Committee, suggests draft policies and procedures related to financial matters, recommends investment policies, performs a periodic review of budget performance, and assists in creation of both state and corporate dues structures.
Meeting Schedule: As needed

Chair:
Scott Bollinger, NASCA Treasurer
State of South Dakota

Vice Chair:
Rebecca Holwerda
State of Indiana

Staff Contact: 
DeLaine Bender, Interim Executive Director
[email protected]
859-514-9177

 

Programs Committee

The Programs Committee plays a key role in helping shape NASCA's virtual and in-person programs including the Thought Leadership Series, Institute on Management and Leadership, and Annual Leadership Conference. This committee serves in an advisory capacity. The committee process focuses on a recommending a theme for each event, suggesting the structure, and discussing potential session speakers. This group also serves as a sounding board for presentation preparation to ensure a high level of executive education for members.
Meeting Schedule: As needed

Chair: 
Misty Ann Giles
State of Montana

Staff Contact: 
DeLaine Bender, Interim Executive Director
[email protected]
859-514-9177

 

Research Committee

The Research Committee works with NASCA staff to develop an annual plan for potential research initiatives informed by NASCA's Top Ten Core Strategies and Emerging Issues, identify key areas and topics for research projects, and ensure projects are executed to completion. This group determines the scope for each project, explore potential funding streams to support NASCA's efforts in research and policy, and assists in the development of dissemination plans to members and stakeholders.
Time Commitment: 4 hours, quarterly one-hour advisory calls
Meeting Schedule: As needed

Chair: 
Joe Damico
Commonwealth of Virginia

Staff Contact: 
Kathleen Kelley, Research Manager
859-402-9811