Travis Vermeer
The Foothills Branch is seeking a new Branch Chair-Elect to begin the next 3-year leadership cycle by October 2026. This is a meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunity for someone who’s excited about supporting our broader Mountaineers community, strengthening volunteer connections, and helping the branch continue to grow and thrive.
Goal of Position
The Chair leads and coordinates the branch’s efforts to serve its membership and uphold The Mountaineers’ mission. This includes supporting high-quality courses, activities, and volunteer experiences that foster exploration, conservation, and community.
The Chair supports Branch Council members (officers and committee chairs), facilitates meetings, helps ensure communication across committees, and represents the branch in organization-wide leadership.
Activities and Responsibilities
- Ensure the Branch Charter is current and followed.
- Collaborate with the Branch Council to define a local strategy aligned with The Mountaineers’ mission.
- Organize and lead Branch Council meetings.
- Support and mentor activity committee chairs and branch officers.
- Promote strong communication across committees, other branches, and Mountaineers staff.
- Represent the branch at monthly Branch Leadership Committee (BLC) meetings.
- Assist the Branch Director in representing the branch at the Board of Directors level.
- Help resolve volunteer and member issues appropriately and in line with organization-wide policies.
- Encourage and coordinate volunteer recognition across the branch.
- Support succession planning for key roles (Chair-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, committee chairs).
- Collaborate with the Treasurer to support responsible financial practices.
- Help organize branch-wide events, such as the annual banquet or volunteer appreciation gatherings.
Length of Service
This is a three-year leadership cycle, with an optional 4th year:
- Year 1 – Chair-Elect: A learning year to shadow the Chair, understand branch operations, and prepare for the role.
- Years 2 and 3 – Branch Chair
- Optional Year 4 – Past Chair: Acts as a mentor to the Chair and supports leadership continuity.
Time Commitment
- Attend and facilitate bi-monthly Branch Council meetings (6 per year).
- Attend monthly BLC meetings (held virtually).
- Participate in key branch events (e.g., annual banquet).
- Respond to branch-related communications in a timely manner (~2–5 hours/month).
Suggested Experience
- Passion for The Mountaineers’ mission and values.
- Prior involvement in branch activity committees and/or leadership roles.
- Strong communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
- Leadership or volunteer coordination experience is helpful.
- Ability to listen well, work across personalities, and help resolve issues constructively.
Support
- How-to eLearning course: Branch/Committee Chair Training eLearning Series
- Works closely with the Chair-Elect, Past Chair, Branch Director, and Branch Council.
- Supported by Vice President of Branches and Mountaineers staff in leadership development, member services, finance, communications, and more.
Volunteer Benefits
- Branded swag item (e.g., jacket) from Black Diamond or another partner after 1 year of service
- Access to Black Diamond pro deals (typically 40–50% off), with more partners added regularly
- Each fall, your choice of:
- 30% off a course, or
- One free adult membership
- A one-time-use 50% discount code to Mountaineers Books (renewed annually)
- Recognition through branch and org-wide volunteer appreciation efforts
- Opportunities to grow as a leader, gain strategic experience, and shape your branch’s future
How to Apply
Any member with a sincere interest and time to commit is encouraged to apply!
To express interest in becoming the next Foothills Branch Chair-Elect, please contact the current Foothills Branch Chair, Travis Vermeer, at travisvermeer@gmail.com.
Selection will initially occur via a Foothills Branch Council vote, followed by a branch-wide election during the annual organization-wide election process in September.
