SEMC COMMITTEES & MEMBERS

The SEMC Committee structure allows for a team approach to getting related work done, and helps foster better communication. Each Committee Chair is a member of the Executive Committee, and is responsible for the work flow of the coordinators who will be working with them. Each coordinator will be encouraged to help identify new leaders by drawing from the entire membership to get the work done.

Executive Committee

The Council, upon recommendation of the president at his/her first Council meeting, shall designate an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less than six directors, including the four director-officers, the immediate past president, and one director. When Council is not in session and except as prohibited by law, the executive committee shall have all powers vested in the Council by law. (Excerpted from the SEMC Bylaws, Article VI, Sections 1 & 2).

By-Laws Review Coordinator: Reviews bylaws and policies of SEMC every 2 years to see that they reflect intent and purposes of the organization. 

Strategic Planning/Evaluation Coordinators: Entire Executive Committee: Annually reviews and updates the goals, objectives and strategies contained in the SEMC Long Range Plan. Coordinates periodic Long Range Planning retreats, makes recommendations to Council to modify the Plan.

Members

Dr. Calinda Lee SEMC President	Ahmad Ward SEMC Vice President	Deb Van Horn SEMC Secretary
Scott Alvey SEMC Treasurer	Matthew Davis  SEMC Past President

Nominating/ Endowment Committee

Annually prepares a slate of candidates for SEMC's Council for the mid-year Council Meeting. The slate shall attempt to provide a broad and well balanced representation on Council, taking into account the various museum disciplines, all segments of the museum profession, geographic distribution, and all other elements that are important in the existence of any democratic body. (Additional information about the committee is contained in Article VII, Sections 1& 2 of the SEMC bylaws.)

Works with Financial Committee and SEMC Central Office to develop investment and growth strategies for endowment fund.

Nominations Coordinator: Is responsible for soliciting nominations from council and the full membership and providing those nominations to the executive director to become part of the potential council member data base. Assist Awards Coordinator with suggestions of potential award nominees.

Members

Nomination Committee Chair Matthew Davis SEMC Past President

Annual Meeting Committee

Local Arrangements Chair: Coordinates logistics for all events at the hotel(s), museums and any other venues for the annual meeting. Responsible for assigning sub-committees chairs who assist the SEMC Central Office with all aspects of the annual meeting. 

Program Committee Co-Chairs: With the SEMC Program Administrator, facilitates session proposal solicitation and review. Forms and manages committee to select sessions and determine program content and presenters, as well as special features to be built into the program, such as annual meeting seminars and workshops, and keynote speakers. 

Scholarship Chair: Administers the annual meeting scholarship program: prepares Call for Applications for publication in Inside SEMC and direct mailing, reviews applications, selects scholarship recipients, notifies applications, and makes presentation at Annual Business Meeting. Makes recommendations to Council for changes in scholarship funding or criteria.

Awards Chair: Administers the annual James R. Short, the Presidential Award, Museum Leadership, Distinguished Contributor, Outstanding Service to the Museum Profession and Emerging Museum Professional awards. He or she prepares Call for Nominations for publication on the SEMC website, solicit and review nominations, select honorees, notify nominators and honorees. He or she purchases the award and coordinator makes presentation at annual meeting. He or she makes recommendations to Council for new awards or changes in criteria as appropriate.

2026 Annual Meeting Chair  Ahmad Ward SEMC Vice President	2026 Program Committee Co-Chairs Heather Nowak, SEMC Administrator Sarah Graves	2026 Local Arrangements Co-Chairs Tina Smith
2026 Technology Competition Chair Scott Warren	2026 Publication Design Competition  Chair Christian Edwards	2026 Exhibition Competition Chair Chase Tomlin
2026 Scholarship Chair  Deborah Van Horn	2026 Awards Chair Michelle Schulte

Finance Committee

Committee recommends annual operating budget to Council, provides financial oversight for SEMC office and programs.

Grants Acquisition, Contracts and Charitable Giving Coordinator: Assists Executive Director and Treasurer with identifying gifts that fit the mission and purpose of SEMC. Assists Executive Director with preparing a proposal and submitting to the foundation or other entities. Assists Executive Director with identifying and applying for grants that fit the mission and purpose of SEMC. If award is granted, assist with Executive Director with contracts and other filling needs.

Members

Finance Committee Chair Scott Alvey SEMC Treasurer

Member Services Committee

Works closely with director and central office staff to direct a campaign to recruit new individual, institutional and corporate members. With Executive Director and Executive Committee, he or she designs and makes recommendations to Council for changes in membership categories and dues structure to be incorporated in the membership brochure.

Member Services Committee Chair Brigette Janea Jones