New Branch and Committee Leadership Orientation

Interested in volunteering in a Branch or committee LEADERSHIP role in The Mountaineers?

Come meet with the staff members responsible for coordinating and implementing the different components of our programming (conservation, leadership development, education, development, executive management, etc.).

SMall session/One on One Meetings with Staff

From 4-7 PM there will be (limited) small group or one-on-one sessions with each staff person (you can email the LDM, Chris Williams to reserve time with someone), followed by an orientation to Mountaineers policies and practices that can help you promote the mission in an efficient and enjoyable way in your role as a committee, branch, or board leader! Let us know what you're planning for your committee in the upcoming year and learn how staff may be able to support you.

Orientation Program

From 7 to 8:30, all volunteers (or prospective volunteers) are invited to attend an informal presentation to hear high-level overviews of the following issues, which will help them run their respective programs within the larger Mountaineers community: 

• Governance and summit processes

• Org.-wide policies and practices (committee manual, website resources, etc.)

• Financial practices

1. Expense reimbursement/invoice approval process
2. Financial statement – timeline review
3. Budget – timeline review
4. Location of organization financial policy/procedures.

• Complaint handling and dispute resolution

• Web/technology issues (specific to these roles)

• Recognition practices/volunteer benefits

• Succession planning

• Recruiting for things like courses, branch leadership, events, administrative help, etc. 

• Marketing and positioning of The Mountaineers within the greater PNW outdoor communities. 

If you would like to meet with staff one on one from 4-7

Read our job descriptions here email the LDM, Chris Williams to set aside some time! If you can't make it before the presentations, feel free to contact the staff-person you think could help you directly (emails are provided below). 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – Leann Arend (Leanna@mountaineers.org)

The COO manages accounting, finance, insurance, payroll and human resources functions. She also manages member services and building operations for the program centers (in Seattle and Tacoma) and outdoor centers and supervises the Membership and Marketing Manager staff position. Works in partnership with the ED and President on operationalizing the strategic plan and implementing new processes and approaches to achieve it.  

MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING MANAGER – Kristina Ciari (Staff liaison to the Olympia Branch) (Kristinac@mountaineers.org)

This position takes a lead in shaping, creating and implementing the organization’s membership and marketing initiatives, with a particular focus on online and social media marketing. In addition to supervising the Member Services Department, the oversees and implements membership recruitment and retention campaigns and programs as well as providing marketing support for volunteer-driven events and activities. This role also involves moderation of social media and website updates.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ⁄ BOOKSTORE MANAGER – Jeff Bowman (Staff liaison to Stevens Lodge) (Jeffb@mountaineers.org)

This role provides coordination, support, and direction for all technology-related ventures for The Mountaineers. He guides and implements development efforts for mountaineers.org in addition to managing the bookstore in the Seattle Program Center. 

CONSERVATION AND RECREATION MANAGER – Katherine Hollis (Staff liaison to the Bellingham Branch) (Katherineh@mountaineers.org)

 This individual is tasked with setting the strategic agenda for The Mountaineers’ Conservation and Responsible Recreation program. This includes establishing The Mountaineers as the leader in conservation & recreation work in Pacific Northwest; maintaining and nurturing relationships with land managers and the greater conservation & recreation community as well as engaging members in conservation advocacy work.  

CONTROLLER – Jeff Potter (Staff liaison to Global Adventures) (Jeffp@mountaineers.org)

The Controller is responsible for the production of accurate and timely financial reports for The Mountaineers. He supervises the Accounting Assistant and works across departments to build and maintain systems to ensure strong controls and accurate reporting. Additionally, he is responsible for human resources activities such as benefits, payroll and personnel policies.  

VOLUNTEER AND MEMBER SUPPORT COORDINATOR – Tess Wendel (Staff Liaison to the Bellingham Branch and Baker Lodge) (Tessw@mountaineers.org)

This position connects members and non-members to the resources they need to participate in Mountaineers activities. This includes entering and amending membership data, planning “Meet The Mountaineers” and other member outreach events, as well as general troubleshooting for volunteer leaders and members. This generally involves providing customer service to members, potential members and guests by providing accurate answers to website navigation, membership, organizational, and program related questions. 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Chris Williams (Chrisw@mountaineers.org)

This position is responsible for developing and maintaining sustainable systems that promote a healthy volunteer culture in a volunteer-driven organization with volunteer-delivered programs. Facilitate and promote “pathways to leadership” for course graduates and general members, serve as a point of contact for those seeking volunteer opportunities, market and promote volunteer opportunities and needs for branches and committees, develop and implement volunteer recognition and support systems. Also responsible for facilitating strategic initiatives with volunteers, which may include coordinating curriculum task-forces, managing annual activity summits or other regular forums for developing best practices, curating and producing manuals and other useful documents.

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