Board Officers & Members

Officers

Walt Cooney
President

1st Term

Man in glasses
First VP

1st Term

2nd VP

1st Term

Treasurer

9th Term

Secretary

2nd Term

Richard Berry
Past President

1st Term

Executive Director

Directors

Class of 2026

Director

1st Term

Jean Perkins
Director

1st Term

Peter Craig
Director

1st Term

Class of 2027

Director

2nd Term

Director

1st Term

Director

2nd Term

Class of 2028

Director

1st Term

Rick Diz
Director

1st Term

Director

1st Term

Board Committees

Executive Committee

  • President is Chair
  • Officers are members
  • Tom Maccarone (At Large)

 

Acts as a sounding board for the ED and steering committee for the full Board; Ensures confidential handling of personnel matters; Handles emergency items between board meetings; ED Performance Plan development and assessment; Develop and document organization governance plan; Maintain and update Board “Policy and Procedures Manual.”

Governance Committee

  • President is chair
  • Officers are members.

 

Supports the Board of Directors by developing, reviewing, and recommending organizational policies and procedures; periodically reviewing and recommending updates to the Bylaws; and advising the Board on best practices in nonprofit governance.

Finance Committee

  • Bob Stephens (Chair)
  • Liz Prochnow
  • Rick Diz
 

Creates our annual budget for Board approval; Oversee budget and all AAVSO finances; Assess and present organization financial status information to Board and members.

Investment Committee

  • Sarah Austrin-Willis (Chair)
  • Bob Stephens
  • Dick Post
  • Diogo Teixeira
  • Gordon Myers

 

Oversees the management of the AAVSO endowment and Recommend AAVSO’s endowment investment manager.

Strategic Planning Committee

  • Brian Kloppenborg (Chair)
  • Walt Cooney
  • Mark Munkacy
  • Diogo Teixeira
  • Arne Henden

 

Creates AAVSO’s long-term strategic plan, educates the Board and Staff about its objectives, and monitors its implementation.

Nominating Committee

  • Bill Dillon (Chair)
  • Gordon Myers
  • Bob Buchheim

 

A bylaw-defined committee composed of non-Board members who identify and recommend AAVSO members to run for election to the Board. The committee is appointed by the Board President annually.

Operating Committees

Marketing Committee

  • Brian Kloppenborg (Chair)
  • Richard Berry
  • Kalee Tock
  • Kundegunda Belle
  • Peter Bealo
  • Bruce McMath
  • Mark Hardaker

 

Develops the marketing plan and marketing material for AAVSO. Determines what works. As appropriate, brings in consultants to perform specific work (e.g., writers, media consultants etc). Coordinates and actively work with the fundraising committee and Staff.

Science Meetings Organizing Committee

  • Matt Craig (chair)
  • Kathy Spirer
  • Tom Maccarone
  • Peter Bealo
  • Kalee Tock
  • Peter Craig

 

Responsible for planning and delivering the scientific program of the AAVSO’s Annual Meeting. They work in close coordination with the staff to recruit speakers and ensure the program reflects the broader interests  and priorities of the AAVSO.

Education and Public Outreach Committee

  • Brian Kloppenborg (chair)
  • Dipankar Maitra
  • Molly Wakeling
  • Matt Craig
  • Mark Hardaker
  • Teja Begari
  • Kalee Tock
  • Richard Berry
  • Jean Perkins

 

Reviews and improves AAVSO’s educational resources, and conducts outreach to astronomy clubs and other organizations.

Development Commitee

  • Brian Kloppenborg (chair)
  • Bruce McMath
  • Dipankar Maitra
  • Jean Perkins

 

Supports the AAVSO’s fundraising and philanthropic efforts by advising on development strategy and assisting with specific fundraising activities.

For historical information on past AAVSO Officers, Council Members, Committee Chairs, and Section Leaders please email the Executive Director.

Governing Documents

See this page for our bylaws, policies established by our Board of Directors, terms of service, and operational guidelines that direct the organization’s structure, decision making, and day-to-day practices.