To the Community,
My name is Stephanie Hakulin, and I serve as Vice President of the Board. On behalf of the board, this is our first official communication regarding the recent concerns that have been raised. We want to acknowledge your frustrations and reaffirm that we stand with you during this time.
We hear your concerns and recognize the importance of clear communication.
While we respect due process in handling grievances, we must clarify that based on our understanding of the bylaws. The Governance Chair does not have the authority to suspend Board members from their duties. Any such action would fall outside the scope of our governing documents and established procedures.
The Board has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the organization and its members. The bylaws clearly state that the Board must continue to fulfill its responsibilities. In alignment with that duty, we will move forward with our participation in the NTLC Conference and resume normal Board operations.
As provided in § 4.9.1 of the bylaws, regular meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by at least five (5) Board members. Accordingly, we are officially calling an in-person Board meeting on October 29. Further details, including the exact time and location, will be announced shortly. Please note: this meeting will be held in person.
We will also share the relevant bylaw sections that support this position in the text below this message.
We appreciate your patience and ongoing support. The Board remains committed to integrity and serving the best interests of our community.
In Solidarity,
Stephanie Hakulin, Vice President
Nicholas LaLanne, Region I Board
Kevin Ryan, Region II Board
DeAnna Swope, Region III Board
Laura Kim, Region IV Board
Jojo Lopez, Region IV Board
Tyese Wright, Affiliate Board
Dawnmarie Caggaino, Affiliate Board
Text accompanied with above message:
Here we offer clarity regarding the authority of the Governance Chair and the procedures for Board operations, in response to concerns raised within the community.
After a thorough review of the NAD Bylaws, we affirm the following key points:
The Governance Chair does not have the authority to suspend Board operations
• The bylaws do not grant the Governance Chair the power to suspend Board meetings, interfere with Board responsibilities, or halt ongoing Board work.
• The Governance Chair’s role supports governance practices but does not carry executive power to override or block the actions of the full Board.
The Board has a fiduciary duty to continue its work.
(Reference: § 4.10 — General Duties)
“The Board of Directors shall have general control of the affairs of the Association…”
• As Board members, we are obligated to fulfill our duties and continue operations in the best interest of the NAD and the community.
• Suspending Board activity would violate our fiduciary responsibility and the bylaws.
A Board meeting properly requested by five (5) Board members cannot be denied or canceled
(Reference: § 4.9.1 — Regular Meetings)
“Regular meetings… may be called by the President or at least five (5) Board members.”
• The bylaws explicitly state that five or more Board members have the authority to call a meeting.
• Neither the President nor the Governance Chair has the authority to deny, cancel, or override a meeting that meets this condition.
• Therefore, the upcoming in-person Board meeting called for October 29 remains valid and compliant with NAD bylaws.