What's a Second Vice Chair, and what do they do?
The job description basically boils down to "other duties as assigned." This can make the position attractive because people think it doesn't involve much work. When I'm elected, you can be assured I will give it as much diligence as I've contributed as RVC4 -- and that added up to a half-time job and often more.
Officially, bylaws article VI.3 states: "The duties of the Second Vice-Chairman shall be to assist in the discharge of the Chairman's duties and to act as a substitute during the First Vice-Chairman's absence or inability to serve." Our Actions Still in Effect (ASIEs) add that the Second Vice-Chair ascends to the position of First Vice-Chair if the position is vacant, suggests projects and works on projects assigned by the Chair, and Serves on the ExComm -- the group that may conduct certain business between AMC meetings. While not officially part of the job, the Second Vice-Chair has typically been appointed as one of American Mensa's National Representatives to the International Board of Directors (IBD).
Why would Jon Gruebele be a terrific Second Vice Chair?
American Mensa's strategic plan, developed with Jon's leadership, states that we should get more members, keep existing members happy, and find money from somewhere besides dues. While those are laudable goals, we've lagged in realizing them.
Fortunately, Jon has extensive professional experience in project work. He's reviewed over 1,000 project charters, coached leaders through hundreds of projects, and managed his own. As a certified 6 Sigma Master Black Belt (process and product improvement expert), Jon excels at leading teams to identify root causes and implement cost effective solutions. This is exactly what we need in a Second Vice Chair.
Jon would also make an ideal National Representative to the International Board. He has served as Mensa International Strategy Chair. He's attended many international Mensa events including those in Germany, Slovakia, the Philippines, and Canada. He has lived in Switzerland twice and Germany twice for a total of seven years of his adult life. During his 35-year professional career, his responsibilities spanned the globe, with particular emphasis on Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Campaign Statement
Like others, I’m for affordable dues, transparency, communication, listening to our members, improving member value, member safety, updated technology, and growing the organization. What’s important in this election is who can best deliver on those goals.
The best predictor of future performance is past results. As Regional Vice Chair for the last seven years, I’ve worked tirelessly to stay engaged with every Local Group in the Region. I’ve represented their interests on the Board of Directors (AMC), voting for prudent budgets, introducing a motion to reign in overhead costs, and voting against a dues increase proposal that went too far.
I’ve worked to promote the Mensa brand. I’ve contributed to member value through RGs and events, trained leaders via Leadership Development Workshops, and both chaired and served on AMC committees.
The Second Vice Chair typically helps run task forces or projects and is often appointed as an International Board of Directors representative. I’ve coached and run hundreds of projects professionally. I’ve worked and lived overseas for much of my professional career. I’ve attended multiple international Mensa events and chaired a Mensa International committee.
I’ve proven I can do the job – and do it well. I’d appreciate your vote.
AMC Candidate Questionnaire
1. Why do you want a national leadership role in American Mensa? Limit your answer to 50 words or less.
We still have much to accomplish. Members need better value from our dues. Our brand needs to attract new members. We need to be relevant in the on-line world. I have the knowledge and experience to help deliver on these big challenges. Please help by voting for Jon Gruebele.
2. How many years have you been a member? Have you been a member continuously during that time? Yes or No. If no, you may explain if you wish. Limit your answer to 100 words or less.
30. Yes -- Life member.
3. Have you ever served in any Local Group offices? Yes or No. If yes, please list up to six offices and the dates served, in this format OFFICE, NAME OF LOCAL GROUP, BEGIN DATE–END DATE, NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED. (Example: YES. LocSec, ABC Mensa, 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 4.)
Yes:
4.a. Have you ever chaired an AMC-appointed committee? Yes or No. If yes, please list up to five committees and the dates served, in this format COMMITTEE, BEGIN DATE–END DATE, NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED. (Example: YES. Data Processing Committee, 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 4.)
Yes. Strategic Planning, 2018-Date, 6.
4.b. Have you ever served on an AMC-appointed committee (in a position other than chair)? Yes or No. If yes, please list up to five committees and the dates served, in this format COMMITTEE, BEGIN DATE–END DATE, NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED. (Example: YES. Data Processing Committee, 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 4.)
Yes:
5.a. Have you ever served as an elected officer of the AMC? Yes or No. If yes, please list up to three offices and the dates served, in this format OFFICE, BEGIN DATE–END DATE, NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED. (Example: YES. Treasurer, 2011–2013, 2.)
Yes. Regional Vice Chair 4 (RVC4), 2017-Date, 7.
5.b. Have you ever served as an appointed officer of the AMC? Yes or No. If yes, please list up to three offices and the dates served, in this format OFFICE, BEGIN DATE–END DATE, NUMBER OF YEARS SERVED. (Example: YES. Membership Officer, 2011–2013, 2.)
No.
6. Have you ever served Mensa in any other capacity at any level: local, regional, national, or international (including presenting leadership development workshops)? Yes or No. If yes, please list the six most recent including dates.
Yes. Chair of the International Strategic Planning Committee, 2018-2021, 3.
7. What business, professional, or other experience would you bring to the office you are seeking? Limit your answer to 100 words or less.
8. What would you plan to focus on to aid American Mensa in achieving its strategic plan? Limit your answer to 100 words or less.
Our goals are straightforward: get new members, keep existing members happy, and find money somewhere besides dues. I've worked all three, and will continue to do so. I've: - Advertised our brand by working Mensa booths at state fairs and local conventions - Supported Chicago's Rainbow SIG as they get the Mensa name in front of an estimated million people every year at the Pride Parade - Hosted many different events and RGs for members, thus improving member value - Encouraged Local Groups to expand their offerings beyond dinners - Consistently supported prudent budgets and keeping dues under control.
9. The AMC is a strategic and governing board, providing direction and oversight for the long-term benefit of Mensa. Achieving the strategic plan is primarily done through committees and our national office staff. How will you distinguish between being a strategic board member rather than a working volunteer? Limit your answer to 100 words or less.
To further our strategic ambitions, the Second Vice Chair is often asked to lead task forces and projects. As a certified process improvement expert (6 Sigma Master Black Belt), I've coached and led hundreds of project teams delivering millions in savings without layoffs. Mensa faces strong challenges including declining membership, increasing dues, and engagement of our younger members. We need to review our governance to ensure we have an agile, cost-effective board of directors. We'll need new approaches to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. As an experienced professional, I can help deliver solid results.
10. Have you ever left an elected/appointed position before the end of the term? Yes or No. If yes, you may explain if you wish. Limit your answer to 100 words or less.
No.
11. Do you agree to sign the Acknowledgement of Responsibilities for AMC Members found in Appendix 4 of the National ASIEs? Yes or No. If no, you may explain if you wish. Limit your answer to 50 words or less.
Yes.