May 8, 2024
Minutes of a
Special Meeting of the Board
May 8, 2024
Attendance
Board Directors in Attendance:
- Ariel Matisse
- Tom Cole
- Geoff Chasin
- Peter Fearey
- Morgan Pierson
- Joe “Puppy” Wight
- Scraps sparcS
- Lewis Bryant
- Nick Bernier
- Alice Stein
- Arti Mehta
- Netia McCray
- Dariush Nejad
- Allison Doherty
- Michael Mittelman
- Rosie Weinberg
Board Directors Absent:
Non-Directors in Attendance:
- Libby Masek, Interim Executive Director
- Daniel Kulla, Member Liaison
- Al Donatio, Chief Financial Officer (Volunteer)
- Scott Seger, McCarter & English, LLP, pro bono counsel
A special meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Artisan’s Asylum, Inc. (“Artisans” or the “Corporation”) was held in person and via Zoom on May 8, 2024. Geoff Chasin took a role call and all of the directors of the Board were present. The meeting was then called to order at 6:07 p.m. EST.
Committee Reports
Mr. Chasin began the meeting by introducing Mr. Donatio to the Board who will assist the Corporation in the role of volunteer CFO.
The Strategic Planning Committee is currently working on defining the Corporation’s missions and strategic objectives and incorporating DEI into the forthcoming Strategic Plan. Ms. Matisse updated the Board on incoming grants, including from the City of Boston.
The Finance Committee also updated the Board on the Corporation’s current financial standing, which includes a strong cash position as a positive development. Mr. Donatio provided an update on the Corporation’s audit and accounts receivable.
Communications Discussion
Following the Committee Reports, the Board entered into a robust discussion concerning member, officers/staff and director communications and new communication strategies and procedures. The Board also discussed the draft Member Code of Conduct in light of the Corporation’s Membership Agreement and the role of the Executive Director in overseeing this.
Budget Review
Next, Mr. Chasin and Mr. Donatio led a robust discussion among the Board concerning the Corporation’s financials and proposed FY25 budget. The Board reviewing the FY24 financials, including budget expectations vs. realized number and where the Corporation experienced budgetary shortfalls and surpluses. Mr. Chasin noted an uptick in membership dues paid above expectations, which along with grants has resulted in a positive cash position.
Mr. Donatio then led a led comprehensive presentation of the FY25 budget to the Board. The Board entered into a robust discussion, including a specific discussion regarding future staffing needs. Mr. Chasin presented the following resolution to the Board:
RESOLVED, that the budget proposal of the Corporation for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, in substantially the form presented to the Board, be hereby approved.
Mr. Chasin motioned to approve the resolution and the resolution was unanimously approved, with Scraps abstaining.
The Board thanks Mr. Donatio for all of his efforts and assistance with preparing the FY25 budget.
At 7:50 p.m. EST the Board entered into an Executive Session and the non-directors left the meeting. Mr. Chasin motioned to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m. EST and as there were no objections the meeting was adjourned.
A true record:
Joe “Puppy” Wight, Secretary pro tem
