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The
American Schools of Oriental Research |
PRESENT: Lawrence Geraty, President,
P.E. MacAllister, Chairman, Douglas Clark, (Ex Officio for CAMP), Edward Gilbert,
Larry Herr (Ex Officio for COP), Martha Joukowsky, Vice President, Ed Lugenbeal,
Treasurer, David McCreery, (Ex Officio for CAP), Eric Meyers, Austin Ritterspach,
Joe D. Seger, Jim Strange, Secretary, Nan Frederick, B.W. Ruffner,
STAFF: Rudy Dornemann, Executive Director, Holly Andrews, Billie Jean Collins,
Selma Omerefendic.
ABSENT: None
1. CTO 2:04 pm by Chairman MacAllister.
2. Gilbert moves, Strange seconds, Approval of the Minutes as distributed. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Chairman MacAllister had no report
4. President’s Report:
Larry Geraty reports that there was an ad hoc meeting by invitation on Wednesday,
Nov. 20th to brainstorm about ASOR’s future and its academic priorities. The
result was a recommendation that we gather ideas by time periods to do cross-border
projects that individual scholars or others may not be able to do. There are
many possibilities.
Because of an action taken at the September 2002 Executive Committee meeting to decline to distribute Biblical Archaeology Review CD’s for the Biblical Archaeology Society (due to their policies on advertising antiquities), we have received several letters from Hershel Shanks, President of BAS. Larry proposed that a session be implemented at the next Annual Meeting so that Shanks can make his case. Joukowsky has agreed to chair the session. Perhaps there could be a presentation by an Israeli who has written on Moshe Dayan.
Geraty reported on the Presidents, Chairs and Directors meeting. The attendees asked for lectures or a lecture by the Directors on their areas, which would increase the Directors’ contacts. The Lecture Committee is willing to work on this, though is concerned about funding. The Ford Foundation is interested in cross-national issues. There was some discussion of distributing information on fellowships from the three different centers.
There was discussion of contingency plans for disasters that require vacating our centers. Patricia Bikai has a contingency plan for ACOR. Are there things that ASOR can do in the aftermath of a disaster? HUC has a plan for evacuees from AIAR. There is a common waiver of liability available to the Institutes that may discourage suits.
The issue was raised of our response in case of war. We should take into account the antiquities market, especially regarding Iraq. It is the tendency of the Embassies overseas to give a very early warning to American entities.
5. Treasurer’s Report by Edward Lugenbeal
The news concerning ASOR’s investment portfolio for fiscal year 2002 is positive.
The total value of ASOR’s portfolio decreased by $19,935, dropping from $784,301
as of June 30, 2001 to $764,363 as of June 30, 2002. Realized and unrealized
investment losses during fiscal year 2002 totaled $32,653, but these losses
were offset by investment income of $26,357, resulting in an overall loss of
$6,296, less than 1% of portfolio value. In a 12 month period in which leading
market indices, such as the Dow Jones Index, lost approximately 25% of their
value, a 1% loss is (ironically) extremely good news! The decision by Ingrid
Wood and the finance committee to place 86% of the portfolio in cash was a very
wise decision. The 14% of the portfolio that remained invested in equities
and bonds tracked market performance quite closely, losing 24% of its value.
Lugenbeal noted that ASOR and the finance committee face a difficult and important
decision in determining when to “come out of the bunker” and reinvest ASOR’s
cash.
Lugenbeal reported that ASOR’s accounting system is now all on an accrual basis, an achievement that should provide more accurate information about where the organization stands financially. He noted, however, that ASOR’s budgeting and internal management tracking systems continue to be done on a cash basis, making comparison and reconciliation of internal management reports with the accrual-based financial statements difficult.
A management report comparing Budget vs. Actual was distributed. Attention was focused on Column H, line 174 of the report which showed a gain of $3,554 for fiscal year 2002. Lugenbeal then distributed draft copies of the audited financial statements for the year and reviewed the “Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets” (the income statement), noting that the draft audited statement showed a loss of $50,992 in unrestricted funds for the year and a total loss in assets for the year of $269,198 which constitutes a 23% decrease in the organization’s assets during fiscal year 2002. Lugenbeal observed that the audit was still in progress and although the total loss in assets was likely correct, the allocations between unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted in the audited statements would probably change. The final audited statements, he opined, would likely be close to management’s figure of a $3,554 gain in unrestricted assets for the year.
According to Lugenbeal, some components of the $269,198 drop in assets in fiscal year 2002 were the $111,000 released from permanent restrictions by the donor and spent on operations, $55,000 in bad debt write-offs, $32,600 in realized and unrealized investment losses, and a $30,000 increase in management and general expenses over the previous year. ASOR earned $526,800 in operational income in Fiscal Year 2002, leaving $362,400 of expenses to be covered by external support -- income from contributions and grants. However, new grants and contributions in Fiscal Year 2002 totaled only $99,478, hence the 23% drop in net assets for the year.
Lugenbeal pointed out that the drop in net assets during Fiscal Year 2002 needs to be understood in the broader context of the entire Torch Campaign. In accrual based accounting pledges made prior to Fiscal Year 2002 were recognized as contribution income in the years the pledges were made. Some of these pledges were made with the expectation that the money would be paid and spent in later years. Therefore, a drop in net assets towards the end of the campaign after an increase in the beginning when most of the pledges were made is to be expected. However, Lugenbeal noted that in spite of the Torch Campaign, ASOR’s total assets at the end of Fiscal Year 2002 appeared to be slightly less than when the Torch Campaign began, from which it can be inferred that not all the losses in FY2002 were expected!
Lugenbeal noted that page 3 of the distributed draft audited statements showed a deficit of $172,000 in unrestricted assets. He stated that this figure was likely incorrect and as the audit developed this figure would probably change substantially and positively because the allocations between unrestricted, partially restricted and permanently restricted would be corrected. The final audited results, he concluded, might still show a deficit in unrestricted assets, but probably only a slight deficit. One reason that ASOR has been able to pay its bills in spite of the paucity of unrestricted funds, Lugenbeal speculated, could be the $80,000 in deferred income already received from the next three issues of NEA. Rudy Dorneman pointed out that we are ahead in the Annual Meeting budget and other areas, which helps maintain a positive cash flow.
A question was raised about the decrease of funds in the Permanently Restricted category. Lugenbeal explained that this was due to movement to other categories (a shift that was approved by the donor and ASOR’s board).
Larry Geraty wondered if, from a management point of view, Ed Lugenbeal had some recommendations. Ed responded that ASOR was in need of as many unrestricted pledges and contributions as possible and that from a system point of view the organization needed to complete the conversion to accrual-based accounting in Fiscal Year 2004 by transitioning to a fully accrual based budgeting system based directly upon the accounting reports. Ed stated that he was encouraged by what ASOR was getting out of its new, accrual-based accounting system and was looking forward to completing the transition to an accrual-based budgeting system.
Lugenbeal also reviewed the preliminary financial results for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2002 (July – September 2002). The preliminary Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets that was distributed showed a net loss of $21,925 for the quarter, but Lugenbeal was not sure that included the corporate dues. ASOR recognizes a quarter of the dues each quarter. Recognition of $25,000 in dues would bring the first quarter of FY2003 into the black.
BE IT RESOLVED that the budget report be received. Moved by Martha Joukowsky, seconded. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Torch Campaign and Development
Report by Austin Ritterspach
Last weekend we raised about $30,000 in actual money and commitments. We are
at a point of transition in the Campaign, changing our initiatives and strategies
to accomplish more. We need to direct people who are pledging and giving to
focus on unrestricted pledges and contributions to operations. We have been
talking to ASOR-related people solely, but we will now go beyond this to host
fund-raisers rather than cultivation events. We have about seven grant applications
outstanding which have asked for funds for endowment and operations. Austin
thinks we should identify some projects and specific programs of research activity
that might attract funds. Ed Gilbert thinks we need specific projects. He
suggests that we talk to Mary Ellen Lane of CAORC to see how we can work more
closely with them. Rudy Dornemann and Larry Geraty met with her three weeks
ago. Larry Geraty would like to see a list of projects in terms of our Mission.
Martha Joukowsky suggested that we approach Lane for advice and counsel. P.E.
MacAllister asked for a statement of what we expect in pledges this year. Holly
Andrews reported that we expect $81,000 this year.
7. CAP Report by
David McCreery
David distributed lists of ASOR Affiliated Projects for 2002-2003 and CAP Classes
2002-2006. He pointed out that we will receive some late submissions for CAP
affiliation. CAP has sought balance in gender of project directors, time periods
covered, Canadian/US projects, and specialties of CAP members. The “Statement
on Iraq” on the back is very important. Larry Geraty thinks it would be good
if there were a CAP trip to Jordan and Cyprus, but Larry Geraty’s appearance
in Israel would be valuable, since he is the new President.
8. CAMP Report by Douglas Clark
This year’s Annual Meeting has over 640 registered participants. There should
be no scheduling of meetings opposite the General Membership Meeting. Should
we re-think the membership meeting? CAMP is thinking of a Friday banquet. CAMP
has attempted to reduce conflicts in scheduling committees and paper sessions
with some success. Eric Meyers suggested that we move the Annual Meeting and
Spring Board meeting to the spring. This would be possible after the San Antonio
meeting. Doug will take this idea to CAMP discussion. Doug proposes that additional
public relations work is needed in ASOR for the Annual Meeting, public lectures,
press releases, etc. This year Jane Grutz, a PR professional, helped the ASOR
office. Rudy commented that we need a separate committee for publicity, and
perhaps this is a step in that direction. Doug will discuss a plan of action
further with the officers . It was also suggested that we get CAMP together
with Jane Grutz to make a recommendation to this Executive Committee.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee for Annual Meeting and Program together with a professional PR person be named as a Public Relations Steering Committee to make recommendations on this matter to the Executive Committee. Moved by Larry Herr, seconded by Nan Frederick. Discussion focused on what we get out of it. Answer: new memberships, sale of publications, etc. David McCreery asked if BJ Collins or someone in Publications may also serve. This was accepted as a friendly amendment. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. P.E. MacAllister and President ask for a report of developments by the next Executive Committee.
Gloria London leads the Outreach Education committee now, and has taken over planning the Teacher’s Workshop. The 2003 workshop will take place one week in advance of the Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
Martha Risser has set out as a goal of the Honors and Awards committee to reduce to writing what has been in the oral tradition.
BAR has cancelled the offer to provide mailing labels to our Lecture Series committee for advertising the lectures, but we may buy the mailing labels anyway.
The Directors’ Tour needs funding and has received discussion by CAMP. This could be incorporated with the Lecture Series and the PR program, though we will need more publicity.
Suzanne Richard has formal representation of ASOR in all eleven regions in North American regional groups. Doug will request $1,500 as an increase in budget for the Regional Groups to be used to offer student awards etc.
9. COP Report by
Larry Herr
Although we are behind with NEA, six or seven issues are almost ready.
By this time next year we may be caught up or close to caught up. Planned special
issues include those concentrating on Petra, houses, dance, and others, including
the archaeology of death. Ted Lewis has found an assistant who is handling requesting
photo permissions. COP voted to establish a new book series: small books for
the undergraduate textbook market. The titles will be such as “The Archaeology
of Jordan” or other areas and periods. They look for sales in the thousands
in the textbook market. This steering committee of scholar/teachers is established
to work by email: Ted Banning, Joanna Smith, Liz Bloch-Smith, Billie Jean Collins,
and doubtless others to follow.
Billie Jean Collins reports that the book list this year (distributed) contains six items, including two Annuals. The Book Sales Report (distributed) shows that we have made $21,000 the first quarter of this fiscal year. This bodes well for the bottom line for the year. We have gone to a second edition of Beth Nakhai’s book. This is for the first time in ASOR’s history. Chris is now full-time with the title of Membership Services Manager. Billie Jean asks what our options are with Academic Services when they do not respond. How will we get our data from them? It was decided that Rudy should call them first, then get a lawyer if necessary.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Executive Committee adopt the Committee on Publications’ Guidelines. Moved and Seconded. PASSED unanimously.
10. Personnel Committee by Nan Frederick
We have a Policies and Procedures Manual. The Executive Committee has
just approved the COP part of this manual. Please read the Manual before
taking actions. There will be revisions of the COP section to bring it into
line with the existing Policies and Procedures Manual. The Personnel
committee is designing a job description for Executive Director.
Larry Geraty reported that the Search committee for a new Executive Director will be formed of Larry Geraty (Chair), Joe Seger, Edward Gilbert, P.E. MacAllister, and Nan Frederick. He suggests that he add Jodi Magness and Deborah Brown to increase diversity of gender, geographical distribution, and age. Larry Geraty has not talked to the last two. This was received by consensus.
11. Executive Director’s
Report by Rudy Dornemann (distributed)
Rudy acknowledged the Boston office staff for their efforts in financial items,
Annual Meeting, and other matters.
12. Old Business:
Larry Geraty reported that he had told Hershel Shanks that he, Larry, would
bring up the matter of the vote of the last Executive Committee about distributing
the BAR CD-ROMs. The Executive Committee did not take action to revisit the
question. PE MacAllister reminded the Executive Committee that Hershel Shanks
will have a voice in a future program segment.
13. P.E. MacAllister has invited David Rosenstein to attend and observe the upcoming Board meeting, since he has been a consistent donor in the past. P.E. suggested that we should bring him onto to the Board in the spring, if he is so inclined.
14. Larry Geraty thanked the Executive Committee for their hard work, and especially the Treasurer for the clear explanation he gave the Board of our financial position. Nan Frederick thanked the Boston staff again.
15. Adjourned 5:49 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Strange, Secretary