AMCA Hires New Executive Director

[shelbyinparadise]

Sorry in advance for the rambling for those who draw weary after the first paragraph. You are the recipient of an all day rain.

I have been watching the conversations with interest. Being a newcomer to AMCA, I have no preconceived notions, bias or agenda and will add perspective from a newby in the bleachers.
As a long time member of similar old car related forums and clubs as well as serving on a board of trustees including president, I have seen my share of member/management disagreements aired on the forum. The overwhelming majority of members reading do not have enough facts to make a sound judgment decision and often end up being mislead directly or by their own incorrect perception of the issue. Often there are factors going on in the background driving decisions of a Board and they can’t possibly be put into an easily comprehensible post on a forum for the average uninformed viewer. It simply isn’t a useful or constructive method conducive to progress, not to mention it can alienate potential new members that are visiting.

I find AMCA to be more transparent than many organizations of its type. Board meeting minutes, financial statements including descriptive notes so the novice can interpret them. Direct contact to the Board is easily accessible. Board positions have 3 year term limits and are voted in by membership. With a 3 year rotation it is unlikely a Board in a club this size could become elite autonomists as noted in another post.
In under two years as a member, AMCA has exceeded my expectations. 4 to 6 issues of the magazine and my already low dues rate didn't go up as well as awesome well run meets I attended in Jefferson and Oley and the expanding virtual library with free downloads. This type of continuous improvement is not typically a product of a self serving management. If it is, keep it coming!

As for the Executive Director position, if the elected Board of Directors say there is a need, for my measly $30/year dues I trust the volunteers fully. If it doesn’t work out as they planned I have full confidence they will make necessary adjustments.

You kept my interest from start to finish with all the emotional mis-statements of fact, the fact that you said you were new to the AMCA allows for me to cut you some slack. You are aware that the AMCA is goverened by a Closed Board of a private corporation? Board members must be AMCA members, but no AMCA members gets to vote on who is on the board. Anyone joining the board must be approved by majority of sitting board members. Only the Board chooses/votes its officers. The National Board is completely different from the chapters.

Chapters have officers and board members voted in by their members if that is the way their bylaws are set. I know of no one in our chapter that would allow the Chapter to be run in the manner of the national board without members input and vote. On a rainy day I would recommend you read the Policy and Procedures manual posted on AMCA website, then read the versions before latest changes made in March to see what changed. Also the Florida not for profit statutes are a good read, if you are truly interested in how the AMCA is required to be run.

Some of these differences today go back many years and have caused a cautious mistrust of those in power, regardless of their name or position.

You are right in saying this is a good club overall, which is why it is still alive today. Shelby AMCA#7618, Membership Director, Cherokee Chapter.

[Skirted]

Sorry in advance for the rambling for those who draw weary after the first paragraph. You are the recipient of an all day rain.

I have been watching the conversations with interest. Being a newcomer to AMCA, I have no preconceived notions, bias or agenda and will add perspective from a newby in the bleachers.
As a long time member of similar old car related forums and clubs as well as serving on a board of trustees including president, I have seen my share of member/management disagreements aired on the forum. The overwhelming majority of members reading do not have enough facts to make a sound judgment decision and often end up being mislead directly or by their own incorrect perception of the issue. Often there are factors going on in the background driving decisions of a Board and they can’t possibly be put into an easily comprehensible post on a forum for the average uninformed viewer. It simply isn’t a useful or constructive method conducive to progress, not to mention it can alienate potential new members that are visiting.

I find AMCA to be more transparent than many organizations of its type. Board meeting minutes, financial statements including descriptive notes so the novice can interpret them. Direct contact to the Board is easily accessible. Board positions have 3 year term limits and are voted in by membership. With a 3 year rotation it is unlikely a Board in a club this size could become elite autonomists as noted in another post.
In under two years as a member, AMCA has exceeded my expectations. 4 to 6 issues of the magazine and my already low dues rate didn't go up as well as awesome well run meets I attended in Jefferson and Oley and the expanding virtual library with free downloads. This type of continuous improvement is not typically a product of a self serving management. If it is, keep it coming!

As for the Executive Director position, if the elected Board of Directors say there is a need, for my measly $30/year dues I trust the volunteers fully. If it doesn’t work out as they planned I have full confidence they will make necessary adjustments.

[D.A.Bagin]

I really have to hand it to Richard and anyone else that puts themselves out there in a position that exposes themselves to the amount of criticism they endure. It isn't easy to leave yourself exposed to that, and remain civil in conversations with the opposing opinion. I understand some of this as I experience this in my day job, and it isn't easy to suck it all up and remain in control of your actions. That is what separates the men from the boys. I think Richard does an excellent job at this. I and others may not agree with the outcome, but that is the way things work out sometimes. As with any negotiation process you start low on one end, high on the other, and somewhere in the middle they may meet. I usually judge it by, if neither party is totally happy but able to continue on, it was a good negotiation. If the job of President of the A.M.C.A. was so easy, there would be a line of 50 people to take it over. Where is the line???

[frichie68]

Politics belong in government. Unfortunately, they suck there as well.

[shelbyinparadise]

Spag's been stealing from himself, from his day-job, his livelihood, investing of himself into the club's demands, and coming up short (in his own eyes) because the club wants and needs more. Want more members? Want more Web site? More virtual library? Want d-port and Eustis back? ... We all want more of something, and I think it's more than one man in a full-time job is going to fulfill. Spag's given it a lot, imo, more than past prez's. I think the board made the right call on the need.
Too bad it didn't work out the first time. I'll be patient.

I agree with what you say about the demands on the Board to cure a lot of ills, my question is if the "outsider" executive director the right way to go to solve the clubs problem? Are we expecting too much from one more powerful person?Richard himself told me he became president for the reason no one else wanted to step up and I have no proof he was not being honest in his statement. How a manager shares the task load is often key to success. Temperament, thick skin, ability to accept criticism and flexibility in implementation of solutions while listening and playing well with others are desirable traits in a leader. Most great leaders delegate, give praise and recognition to those that try to make things better for their efforts, and have an open mind to power sharing. The President and Board will be remembered for the overall change for the better, or blamed for lack of improvement

Please do not read a lot of Richard Bashing into what I say, I have had many good productive conversations with Richard, but not all. Two can agree to disagree, 10,000 funneled down to chapter leaders and active individuals can build a consensus and solve problems.

It is my humble view that till this elite autonomist board, becomes willing to be more transparent in its meetings and to share leadership with the club members with advisory boards, committees, and work groups, there will always be a distrust of heavy handed from the top down government actions from private Board governing a volunteer club, the majority of which is in the club for freedom from conflict or government while immersed in the distraction of this hobby or sport.

Shelby Withrow, Membership Director, Cherokee Chapter.

[fillibuster]

Spag's been stealing from himself, from his day-job, his livelihood, investing of himself into the club's demands, and coming up short (in his own eyes) because the club wants and needs more. Want more members? Want more Web site? More virtual library? Want d-port and Eustis back? ... We all want more of something, and I think it's more than one man in a full-time job is going to fulfill. Spag's given it a lot, imo, more than past prez's. I think the board made the right call on the need.
Too bad it didn't work out the first time. I'll be patient.

[shelbyinparadise]

I was puzzled by this statement when I read it a few weeks ago but the July-August issue of The Antique Motorcycle provides at least partial clarification (the magazine might have been around for a while but I just got back from Europe to find it last night).

page 76. Minutes of the March 7, 2014 Semi-Annual Board Meeting:
"The Board welcomed the AMCA's first Executive Director, John 'J.J.' Cerilli ... We all wish him well in his new job."

page 18. "AMCA Seeks Executive Director"
"The AMCA Board and John have agreed that it is best for both parties to move in different directions and for John to pursue his other motorcycle interests."

I'm afraid that because of his very short tenure in this new position, unless Mr. Cerilli's departure was for a better job that came along unexpectedly the Board likely will find it difficult to interest qualified people in applyiing to take his place.

Not everyone knows that I try to use un-distorted facts as I find them, using their own words, then watch as they try to redefine. Once you get crosswise over politics in this club, Katie bar the door, Everyone that has got a phone call from an upset Richard, raise your hand.. If it is not your cat on fire it is easy to just sit back and armchair quarterback, how the cat became inflamed, who should do something about it, or it aint my job man. Look at Davenport and Eustis to see how many people were affected, and the damage keeps going.

Not everyone thought this executive director was a good idea, and after this should a serious review of the expectations and results had the desired effect? Is the Job description realistic for success? What is the Job of President and the board for if not to run the Club? Do they need more board members, input from Members, or chapters? The club is already paying for people to manage ads, Magazine, and get the chapters to do the rest for free, while they fly around attending events on our nickel.

I strongly am opposed to dictators not the country they control, once they redo the laws all control or meaningful input is lost. (for those that do not know that is a metaphor) Shelby

[BoschZEV]

7 Months and 20 days, The Board has now set the bar fairly low for the next Executive Director to surpass both in accomplishments and longevity, ...

I was puzzled by this statement when I read it a few weeks ago but the July-August issue of The Antique Motorcycle provides at least partial clarification (the magazine might have been around for a while but I just got back from Europe to find it last night).

page 76. Minutes of the March 7, 2014 Semi-Annual Board Meeting:
"The Board welcomed the AMCA's first Executive Director, John 'J.J.' Cerilli ... We all wish him well in his new job."

page 18. "AMCA Seeks Executive Director"
"The AMCA Board and John have agreed that it is best for both parties to move in different directions and for John to pursue his other motorcycle interests."

I'm afraid that because of his very short tenure in this new position, unless Mr. Cerilli's departure was for a better job that came along unexpectedly the Board likely will find it difficult to interest qualified people in applyiing to take his place.

[shelbyinparadise]

I have read the job description for the duties of the Executive Director. Unless the National Board is going to give a full time staff to this director position, the sheer number of tasks outlined is overwhelming plus travel. The atmosphere outside the board room, at the chapter level, is much different than the comfy lofty perch the non elected Board Rules from.

Do not get me wrong we have some good National Board members that try hard, But in my humble opinion, a council of Chapter Leaders working with the Board plus a Business Director (someone with Financial, Legal and Management skills) to do the oversight of strategic planning and implementation. Organizing Road Runs, Swap meets and special events should be done at the local level where the volunteers are putting in the work. P&P guidelines are clear on how. Unless the Board listens to the Chapters all the talk of future vision is a mirage.

7 Months and 20 days, The Board has now set the bar fairly low for the next Executive Director to surpass both in accomplishments and longevity, with no disrespect to JJ. Jay Carney, ex white house press secretary might be able to keep his personal thoughts to himself while reading the script given to him to by a unanimous, lock step National Board. Or maybe Susan Rice would be interested, She seems to keep a Straight Face while lying through her teeth about a video.

It will be very difficult to find someone with all the required skills and desire to undertake the job description as I read it, and still be subservient to a rigid Taskmaster who thinks common sense is a few worthless pennies. I say we should revisit the decision to hire an Executive Director and see if a different approach might build unity.

Had to get my $.02 in while it is still a free country

Shelby Withrow, Membership and Events Director of one of the Best Chapters in the AMCA and Proud of it.

[JJCerilli]

Don -

Nice talking to you this morning and thanks for your valuable insight and time. I enjoyed our discussion and I sincerely look forward to meeting you and other AMCA members in Fremont in February. Take care and have a great weekend!

Best regards,

JJ Cerilli

[motorpickle]

Sorry 'bout that.....this is Don Dz. 262-886-2072 Later.....Don

[JJCerilli]

motorpickle - ("Don")

Happy New Year! Is this Donnie Eatherly or Don Dzurick? Please advise and I will call you tomorrow.

Best regards,

JJ Cerilli

[motorpickle]

Can you give me a call? Number is in the mag. Later.....Don

[frichie68]

how much is he getting paid and what bennies ? ??Mike Terry amc 756

I doubt he's in it for the money, with his talents he could make more elsewhere.
Rich

[Lonnie]

Try this:

http://vintagemotorcyclesonline.com/