TWGGA Board of Directors Nominations and Elections 2024

Serving on the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) Board is an exciting and meaningful way to grow as a leader within the Texas wine industry. The TWGGA Board is the governing body with voting power over corporate and financial decisions. The Board consists of 18 members—five officers and three members-at-large and 10 regional directors—as outlined below:

To be considered for an open position on the TWGGA Board of Directors, individuals must demonstrate a breadth and depth of experience and commitment to the wine industry in Texas. This is accomplished through a thorough application process. Candidates may be considered for more than one open position as indicated on the application. The following criteria for Board service apply:

• Any winery or vineyard member in good standing shall be eligible for nomination, election, and service on the Board, with the exception of the President-Elect position. Any individual member in good standing who has served a minimum of one year on the Board or the Executive Committee shall be eligible for nomination and election as President-Elect and service in the three-year Presidential term.
• No two offices on the Board may be held by the same person, except in the event of appointment due to office vacancy.
• No full term may be repeated consecutively by the same person.
• Verification at time of service, primary professional role will be executed in Texas.

9 POSITIONS ARE OPEN FOR 2024: 

• President-Elect (1)
• Director-at-Large (2)
• Region 1 Director (2)
• Region 3 Director (2)
• Region 5 Director (2)

The TWGGA Bylaws and Policy & Procedures Manual outline a slate-based nomination/election process. The purpose is to ensure that highly qualified, dedicated TWGGA members serve on the Board.

1. Shall be chaired by the Immediate Past President and consist of a minimum of three (3) members, including an additional Past President from the last nine years and representation from three distinct regions. The Nominating Committee shall review all formal candidate for Board service and shall nominate a minimum of one candidate for election for each open position and notify the membership of its choices not less than 60 days prior to the end of the fiscal year. No member of the Nominating Committee can be nominated for election to the Executive Board.
2. The Call for Nominations opens, and TWGGA members may nominate individuals or themselves by completing the online application.
3. Nominated individuals will receive the Application for TWGGA Board Service form. Nominees must complete the application by the published deadline to be considered.
4. The Nominating Committee will meet to review all eligible candidate applications and select a slate of officers with a minimum of one candidate per position.
5. This slate will be announced no fewer than 60 days prior to the end of the TWGGA fiscal year (November 1).
6. Following announcement of the slate, 15 days shall be allowed for candidates to self-declare with the written support of 1% of the current Association membership. (Any qualified member may self-declare within the 15-day period with the support of 1% of the current Association voting membership through written petition and shall be placed on a ballot. The ballot shall list those nominees recommended by the Nominating Committee and those recommended by petition. In order to self-declare, a member must submit a letter to the TWGGA Nominating Committee Chair that is received by the specified deadline. This letter must be accompanied by a completed electronic Self-Declared Candidate Application and letters of endorsement from 1% of the current, active TWGGA members.)
7. At the end of the 15-day period, the Nominating Committee will either announce a slate elected by acclamation or conduct an online election for contested positions. The candidate who receives the plurality of votes in the online election shall be declared elected.

What is the purpose of the TWGGA Board?

The Board is the Association’s governing body. As such, the Board sets policy and makes decisions on behalf of the membership by providing general oversight regarding the affairs of the Association, its committees, advisory councils, affiliates and publications; determining its policies or changes therein; actively pursuing Association goals and objectives; and monitoring financial affairs. The Board adopts rules and regulations for the conduct of the Association. The Officers and At-Large Board Members are voting members of the Board.

Who is the ideal TWGGA Board candidate?

The TWGGA Board should include individuals that reflect the diversity of its winery and vineyard membership. This includes consideration of geographic areas, experience and background, and areas of expertise.

What is the role of the volunteer TWGGA Board member?

Board members are the link between the organization and the membership. They are responsible for strategic thinking, planning and evaluating on behalf of the association. While association staff and committee volunteers typically execute TWGGA programs, TWGGA Board members are responsible for setting vision, establishing broad policies and organizational goals, and providing long-term strategic direction for the association.

Is there a membership requirement for serving on the TWGGA Board?

Board members must hold and maintain an active membership in the association for the length of service.

How often does the TWGGA Board meet/what is the time commitment required?

Board meetings are called as necessary to conduct the business of the organization and may take place via conference call, face-to-face meeting or various electronic means. At least two face-to-face board meetings are held each year, and the president may call special meetings as needed. Meetings are typically one-or two-day commitments and usually held during a weekday.

What is the personal financial commitment?

TWGGA may reimburse expenses incurred for the official conduct of TWGGA business related to scheduled and called meetings of the TWGGA Board and selected/approved committee volunteer work.

What do Board members get in return for their service?

Previous TWGGA Board members have attested to the tremendous value of service, reporting significant professional and personal benefits, including the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from industry leaders; the chance to share their own knowledge, expertise and training with others; professional recognition that elevates their stature within the wine-making community at large; valuable work experience that opens the door to new career opportunities; and relationships with new friends and life-long mentors.