Branch and Board Elections Process
Organizational leadership
Board of Directors
The Mountaineers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headed by a Board of Directors that is made up of volunteers with an investment in the strategic oversight of every program we offer. There are at-large Directors as well as a representative of each branch who also serve on the board. If you have an interest in nominating someone (or yourself) for consideration as a Director, learn more about the process here:
The annual meeting, at which nominations can be taken from the floor, will be held on September 26th, 2016 this year!
Local Leadership
Branches
Each of our seven branches serves as the face of The Mountaineers in the communities they serve. Branches are the drivers and organizing entity of the courses and trips offered in an area and serve as a source of community for Mountaineers members who live in a specific part of Washington state. Each branch has its own unique policies and culture within the greater Mountaineers community and relies on the support and leadership of volunteers who are dedicated to growing those communities and programs where they live. From north to south, learn more about each branch here:
Bellingham
Our closest branch to Mt. Baker and Canada, our Bellingham Branch offers a way to connect and explore with people between the mountains and the sea. Under its policy manual, branch officers serve 2-year terms and are elected at the September Branch Committee meeting. Nominations may be made at any meeting. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Everett
Established in 1910 as the first "branch" of The Mountaineers outside of Seattle, the Everett Branch offers courses and activities to connect with premier recreation opportunities off Highway 2, the Mountain Loop Highway, and near Darrington. Under its operating manual, a Nominating Committee is formed in June each year and nominees for council are presented at the regular August meeting (at which nominations from the floor may be made). Elections then occur in September, with ballots being due by 5PM the day of the Branch's Annual Meeting in September. Terms last one year. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Seattle
Our Seattle Branch is the oldest and largest of The Mountaineers branches. Its leaders and committees schedule over a thousand activities a year and over a hundred courses and seminars. Seattle policies dictate that a Nominating Committee be formed each year by July 1. If no nominations are found, the Branch Chair may nominate individuals subject to approval of the council. Any member, however, may petition for a nomination with the support of ten other members submitted by August 1. Elections occur at the regularly scheduled September council meeting. Terms last 2 years. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Foothills
The newest Mountaineers branch founded in 2004, the Foothills (Eastside/Snoqualmie) Branch encompasses the eastside communities along the I-90 and I-405 corridors, from Bellevue to Ellensburg. As one of the smaller communities within The Mountaineers, it has no formal operating manual or policies dictating the processes for serving on Branch Council. Thus far, all involved members have been welcome and invited to attend and participate in whatever role they have wanted. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Kitsap
Founded in March 2003, the Kitsap Branch counts in its backyard the trails, waters, and mountains of both the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Under its policies, a nominating committee is formed in the second quarter of each year and nominees for council are presented at the regular September meeting, at which time two nominations from the floor may also be accepted. Elections are held at or before the October General Meeting of the membership. Officers have no limits on the length of their desired term. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Tacoma
The Tacoma Branch is the second oldest branch within The Mountaineers, and is a vibrant and active community. With easy access to Mount Rainier and the southern Cascades, Tacoma sits in a prized location to help get you outside. Under its "Redbook," the Branch Chair establishes a nominating committee of five people in February. That committee must present a list of nominees for each office to the membership by July 1st. Elections occur each September, with ballots being due September 30th. Position terms vary from 1-2 years. Learn more about the branch and who to contact here:
Olympia
Founded on September 5, 1963, the Olympia branch has offered activities and classes based locally in the South Sound for over 50 years. As a branch member, you can get out and explore with a community of adventurers from the South Sound and all over the Northwest.As a branch member, you can get out and explore with a community of adventurers from the South Sound and all over the Northwest. Olympia policies require the Branch Chair to appoint a nominating committee of not less than three members, typically in March of each year. Nominees are then (generally) presented at the May Branch Meeting, where nominations from the floor may be made. Elections then traditionally occur by ballots that are due in mid-June. All positions serve 1-year terms (except for trustee, who serves 2 years). Learn more about the branch and who to contact here: