NBSAC Term Limits Work Group
The NBSAC Term Limits Work Group in November 2014 focused on making recommendations to the USCG regarding term limits for various positions within the Council. Members included Herb Angell, Virgil Chambers, Dean Clarke, John Fetterman, Jeff Johnson, Marcia Kull, and Ron Sarver, among others. The group's objectives involved addressing issues related to term limits, utility of NBSAC to Coast Guard efforts, and the selection of officers.
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NBSAC Term Limits Work Group Recommendations November 2014
Work group members Non-voting participants Herb Angell, Virgil Chambers, Dean Clarke, John Fetterman, Jeff Johnson, Marcia Kull, and Ron Sarver Voting Group Dan Maxim, Chair, Pam Dillon, Cecilia Duer, Chris Edmonston, Dave Marlow, Dorothy Takashina, and Terry West US Coast Guard Support: Jeff Ludwig, NBSAC Alternate Designated Federal Officer 2
Background Most NBSAC work groups outwardly focused; this group formed as part of efforts for continuous improvement of Council Scope defined on following slide; opportunities for later expansion Both facts and judgment relevant, objectivity essential Consensus sought, but votes proved necessary on recommendations 3
Charter Make recommendations to USCG on the following: Applicability of term limits for Council Chair, Vice Chair, and Subcommittee Chairs, Applicability of term limits for general membership, If term limits are recommended, how long should these be? How should Chair and others be selected? What to do about members who change jobs while serving as NBSAC member? 4
Overarching objectives Provide useful way forward for addressing issues defined in scope/charter Identify steps/options to increase actual and perceived utility of NBSAC to Coast Guard RBS efforts term limits one potentially important decision variable, selection of officers another Consider impact of recommendations on utility of NBSAC to USCG 5
Readings 6
An important distinction The length of time for which a member serves, once appointed. Reappointment at discretion of Sec. of DHS Term of office The maximum number of (either total or consecutive) terms a member (officer) may hold office Term limit This was focus of work group 7
Something to bear in mind Recommendations on member term limits are distinct from term/charter of NBSAC DHS has ability to limit duration of entire Council This charter is in effect for two years from the date it is filed with Congress unless sooner terminated. The charter may be renewed at the end of this two-year period in accordance with section 14 of FACA. 8
Relevant realities? Future number of annual face-to-face meetings subject to budget realities Delays in future appointments possible, perhaps likely In the past this has led to abbreviated term of office for some members and longer than anticipated terms for others 9
Are knowledge of the institutional history and specialized skills required to be effective? Relevant background and technical skills are essential to provide wise advice to the CG at least for some members. Yes Intelligence and facilitation skills are all that is necessary to be effective. Staff or consultants can supply the history if relevant. The learning curve is not steep. NO 11
Talent pool limited? Talent with key skills may be limited, absence of term limits forces out members that could otherwise make enduring contribution. Yes Many talented people available. If specialized skills really necessary they can be supplied by CG staff or consultants. No 12 12
Some questions considered How steep is the learning curve? (How long does it take for a member to become fully functional?) If term limits recommended: Should these be just on consecutive or on the total number of terms? Should there be different term limits for members, subcommittee chairs, or the overall NBSAC chair? 13
Other questions addressed If term limits are recommended, how can we ensure that institutional memory is not lost? Rely on support staff? Role for past or prospective members as consultants to NBSAC (see following)? How can we continue to capture unique skills of certain members? 14
Consultants and CG staff Possible roles Opportunity to provide unique/desired expertise without having to (re-)appoint member Opportunity to screen prospective members Opportunity to continue service of vintage members in event that term limits were recommended Precedents exist (e.g., Fred Messmann) 15
Term limits recommendation Regular members Regular members may serve two consecutive three- year terms. (A term of less than 3 years served before a full 3 year appointment does no count toward the term limit.) Once there is a break in service a former member is eligible for reappointment. A break in service is understood to mean a full three-year period. 16
Term limits recommendation Council Chair or Vice Chair Once elected or appointed to either Chair or Vice Chair, the member can serve up to two consecutive terms in that capacity (i.e., the clock is restarted upon appointment or election). Subcommittee Chairs or Vice Chairs no special provision 17
Selection of Council Chair or Vice Chair Several options considered some strongly held views Relevant research literature inconclusive Option recommended (based on vote): Both Chair and Vice Chair are elected by a majority vote of NBSAC membership 18
Other issues addressed Clarification that members of BLA Associations are not representatives of State officials responsible for State boating safety programs Members who change jobs and don t fulfill membership criterion for which appointed may remain on NBSAC only until next round of council appointments, when their successor is named. 19
Anchorage: Issues left for another day Ethics and transparency Document and increase effectiveness of means for advertising upcoming vacancies Consider alternative lengths of term Identify and describe criteria and process by which applicants for membership are evaluated, recommended by USCG, and ultimately selected by DHS Provide increased access for members of the public (e.g., teleconferencing) 20
Way forward Report prepared for consideration by entire NBSAC membership NBSAC may choose to accept, amend, or reject recommendations of work group decision to be made on Saturday for submittal to USCG USCG free to accept or reject NBSAC recommendations 21
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