Committee Structure

SAFSF has both standing and ad hoc committees. Standing committees are charged with fulfilling duties on an ongoing basis while ad hoc committees, also called task forces, are appointed as needed. Ad hoc committees are time-limited and are created to oversee specific projects such as strategic planning, a fundraising campaign, or to recruit a new executive director.

In accordance with SAFSF bylaws, a committee consisting of at least two Board members may take action on behalf of the organization.

Each committee will determine the optimal number of committee members needed in order to carry out its work.  No committee is to exceed ten (10) total members.

Standing Committees:

  • Executive Committee – comprised of the four officers of the Board plus the Executive Director
  • Finance and Audit Committee – open to currently serving members of the Board of Directors
  • Nominating Committee – open to current SAFSF members
  • Membership Committee – open to current SAFSF members
  • Policy Committee – open to current SAFSF members and nonmember funders

Current Ad Hoc Committees:

  • Executive Director Transition Team (through 2023-24 hiring and transition to new ED)
    • Andrew McElwaine, The Heinz Endowments
    • Mark Muller, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation
    • Esperanza Pallana, Food and Farm Communications Fund
    • Leslie Hatfield, GRACE Communications Foundation
    • Mike Roberts, First Nations Development Institute

COMMITTEE CHAIR – all standing committees

All standing committees must be chaired by an active member of the Board of Directors.  The one exception is the Policy committee for which a co-chair model may prove more advantageous. If such a model is adopted, at least one co-chair must be actively serving on the Board of Directors.

The committee chair is responsible for managing the business of the committee, including but not limited to the following:

  • Evaluate the work and objectives of the committee and report on same to the Board of Directors during regular board meetings.
  • Act as the committee’s lead spokesperson to SAFSF’s broader membership.
  • Be impartial and support an equal and fair consideration of all items and opposing views.
  • Facilitate and lead committee meetings.
  • Work with staff lead to co-develop meeting agendas and promote attendance at committee meetings.
  • Periodically review and update the committee purpose and charge.
  • Facilitate the resolution of any disputes between committee members.

The role of committee chair is open to any director currently on the SAFSF Board of Directors. Committee chairs will be appointed by the chair of the board in consultation with the Executive Committee and Executive Director.

Committee chairs serve a minimum one (1) year term. It is preferable that a chair serve for two (2) consecutive years to allow for continuity and consistency. A chair may not serve for more than three (3) consecutive years. Terms begin annually on June 1.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS – all committees

All committee members are expected to take an active role in the business of the committee and to work with chair and staff to ensure the work of the committee is accomplished. If the chair is unable to perform their duties a temporary chair will be assigned by the board chair.

All directors must serve on at least one (1) committee. Committee assignments are discussed at the February Board meeting; final assignments will be decided during the May Board meeting for the upcoming term beginning June 1 each year. For those committees with non-director members, outreach and recruitment for new members is at the discretion of the committee chair.

Committee members (directors and non-directors) are asked to serve a minimum one (1) year term. However, it is preferable to have members serve for two (2) consecutive years to allow for continuity and consistency. A member may not serve on the same committee for more than three (3) consecutive years. Terms begin annually on January 1.