I am sure that Texas/Mexico Chapter members recall the Assessment Task Force recommendations from 2007. The ATF recommended that the board shift from having regional representatives to functional liaisons. I spent the first year of my term on the ARLIS/NA board in a "hybrid role" of Northeast Regional Representative and Chapters Coordinator, while the other regional representatives continued their duties and took on their functional roles. As of the Denver Conference, we transitioned into our functional roles.
So what does the Chapters Coordinator do? The Chapters Coordinator Acts as liaison among the various chapters, and between the Executive Board and the chapters, in order to strengthen cooperation and communication. The Chapters Coordinator responds to the problems of individual chapters and aids in their solution. I see myself as the chapters' advocate on the board, and welcome your questions and concerns.
You likely already know about the revised guidelines for special funding requests. We'd like to make it easier for chapters to apply for (and get!) funding for their special projects. I hope that we'll see a request from you next year! You might also want to take a look at the Chapter Success Book. I have updated it to reflect the changes in the board structure and to make some procedures more clear.
I consider myself very fortunate to have the role of Chapters Coordinator. I have been an active member of three very different chapters, and consider the chapters to be the heart and soul of the Society. I'm currently a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter, which is centered in the Philadelphia area. I live outside of Philadelphia, where I work part-time for ARTstor while my husband and I raise my young son.
Again, I welcome your questions and comments. You can reach me via email at Cate Cooney.

-Submitted by Cate Cooney