April 2023 ABA Board Meeting Minutes

April 12, 2023 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET

In Attendance Members (Remote)

Danny Caine
Diane Capriola
Jenny Cohen
Cynthia Compton
Jake Cumsky-Whitlock
Joy Dallanegra-Sanger (ABA COO)
Ray Daniels (ABA CCO)
Jeff Deutsch
Kelly Estep
Allison Hill (ABA CEO)
Christine Onorati
Raquel Roque
PK Sindwani (ABA CFO)
Angela María Spring
Tegan Tigani

2:05 pm ET: Call to Order 

The meeting began with opening remarks from the Board president, personal check-ins in the chat, and Disclosures of Dualities of Interest in the chat. (There were no new disclosures.)

The Board President made opening remarks and the CEO reminded everyone that the ABA’s Ends Policies prioritize “a commitment to antiracism, equity, access, and representation” and that we want to prioritize that commitment as a Board and in this meeting.

2:05 pm – 2:15 pm ET: Vendor Review Committee Update

After reporting on their review of the general counsel (per the vendor review calendar) and their subsequent search, the Vendor Review Committee recommended the hiring of Tenenbaum Law Group in Washington, DC. A motion was made by Cynthia, seconded by Tegan; all were in favor.

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm ET: Nominating Committee Update

The Nominating Committee discussed the status of the Board appointment for a Black bookstore owner or bookseller to fill a Board seat. The Board discussed asking for a personal statement and clarifying the Regional Board status of the final candidate for the appointment. The nominating committee's final recommendation and subsequent vote to follow via email once that information is obtained.

2:30 pm – 3:05 pm ET: Prep and Planning for Virtual Annual Meeting and Community Forum (formerly Town Hall)

The Board discussed changing the name and format to better reflect a community forum and discussed some of the logistical questions.

3:05 pm – 3:30 pm ET: Housekeeping

Governance Review: Motion from Jeff to change Board eligibility language to “three years relevant experience” instead of three years working at an ABA store. Seconded by Jake, all in favor.

Reviewed Children's Institute Board meeting and responsibilities, publisher meetings update, and Q2 Board Edition BTW deadline and proposed content.

3:34 pm ET: Meeting Adjourned.