2014 Summer BOD: Stratford Hall

November 26, 2022

Jeanette Cadwallender held her first Board meeting and retreat with spouses on July 11-13, 2014, at Stratford Hall. Attendees enjoyed cocktails at Cheek House on Friday night, followed by casual dinner in the dining room.

The Board met Saturday at the Council House and Jeanette welcomed guest Katherine Whitney of management consulting firm Warren Whitney, who presented Shared Leadership and Communications. The discussion focused on the role of Garden club of Virginia Board members, committee chairmen and executive director.

Jeanette presented recent requests from organizations for Board consideration. The Board agreed to join the “Virginia No Child Left Inside Coalition” to encourage the governor to enact a commission on Environmental Literacy; and to be a social media partner with no expenditure for the Cultural Landscape Foundation‘s “What’s Out There Weekend Richmond” tours on October 25-26, 2014.

Executive Director Lynn McCashin reported that Board and committee chairmen job descriptions had been updated and revised to provide a consistent structure. Staff liaison Bebe Luck, former Personnel Chairman Catherine Whitham and management consultant Katherine Whitney helped evaluate the positions.

Treasurer Betsy Worthington provided financial updates and Development Committee Chairman Jean Gilpin summarized the accomplishments of the committee in past years that focused on creating a strong Annual Fund, communication and sponsorships for GCV events — citing the Conservation Forum, the Symposium, and most recently, Historic Garden Week as examples. She added GCV would likely need to invest in software and professional resources in moving forward.

Centennial Committee Chairman Anne Cross discussed the partnership with Virginia State Parks; a proposed exhibit at the Virginia Historical Society and related programs; publications; merchandise; gifts to GCV clubs; the Annual Meeting and special celebrations.

Corresponding Secretary Linda Consolvo suggested that an hoc committee be created to discuss how the website may better meet the needs of the membership. She also stressed the importance of member clubs keeping their websites up-to-date, and Directors at Large were asked to remind their clubs to do so. She stressed the importance of graphic standards for printed materials produced by committees, especially for events open to the public.

The Board meeting was adjourned following committee reports. Spouses returned from touring historic sites in the area and joined Board members for cocktails in the East Garden, followed by a lovely dinner in the duPont Library.