CALL FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
January 24, 2023.
The United States Curling Association (USCA/Doing Business As USA Curling) has immediate openings for three Independent Directors on its Board.
USA Curling Independent Directors may serve for up to four two-year terms. Candidates with legal, financial, marketing, sports business, human resources, or fund raising expertise are preferred, and experience should be complemented by the additional qualities outlined below.
Independent Directors are a specific category of Director mandated by USA Curling bylaws and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) guidelines for National Governing Bodies (NGB). Independent voices on a Board is also considered a best practice by governance experts.
Independent Directors are individuals who have no material relationship with USA Curling (see summary below to determine eligibility) and can offer one or more of the following positive contributions:
• Fresh strategic perspectives and new ideas.
• Skills and knowledge currently not available within the NGB.
• Independent and objective views.
• Ability to tap into new funding sources.
• Freedom from curling-related political issues or ties to the NGB.
All Independent Directors should offer:
Vision and Leadership
• Guidance in areas of their personal expertise.
• Ability to help create and shape long-term strategy and policy to support USA Curling in its mission.
Character and Integrity
• No material conflicts of interest.
• Ability to pass a routine background check.
Candidates who would like to be considered for the open Independent Director positions should submit a resume and a cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications to the USA Curling Board Chair at chair@usacurling.org.
Eligibility for USA Curling Independent Directors under Bylaws
A Director shall not be considered independent if, within the preceding five (5) years:
a. the Director was employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with USA Curling, the World Curling Federation, or any sport family entity of curling;
b. an immediate family member of the Director was employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with USA Curling, the World Curling Federation, or any sport family entity of curling;
c. the Director was affiliated with or employed by the USA Curling outside auditor or outside counsel;
d. an immediate family member of the Director was affiliated with or employed by the USA Curling outside auditor or outside counsel as a partner, principal, or manager;
e. the Director was a member of the USA Curling Athletes’ Advisory Council;
f. the Director was a member of any constituent group with representation on the Board;
g. the Director receives any compensation from USA Curling, directly or indirectly;
h. the Director is an executive officer, controlling shareholder, or partner of a corporation or partnership or other business entity that does business with USA Curling;
i. the Director is a member of USA Curling in a membership category that participates in competitions; or
j. the Director is the parent or close family member of an athlete or member of USA Curling.
USA Curling does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, orientation, handicap or veteran status. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity.
In addition to Independent Directors on the Board, USA Curling is also seeking candidates for two Standing Committees—Ethics and Judicial. If you have interest in serving on these committees, please submit a cover letter and a resume to chair@usacurling.org.
