MEET THE 2024 BOD CANDIDATES

The CCSA is humbled and honored at the amount of extremely qualified candidates that we had submit for the upcoming election for our Board of Directors.

It's time to cast your vote for your next two Board of Directors.  We have four candidate submissions and we want to thank each of them for tossing their hat in the ring. The CCSA cannot do what we do without the help and dedication of our members.

Vicki DeWerth, Faith Inspirations

Vicki is presently a board member and is so pleased with her experience that she is applying for a second term. She operates a mobile studio in Waddell, Arizona, that offers pottery, canvas, and other crafts. Vicki is highly organized and responsible, and she always follows through with her commitments. She is not hesitant to admit when she does not know something. She works well with others and is excited to take on new opportunities.

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CCSA 2024 Board of Directors Election

The CCSA is seeking new members for the 2024/2025 Board of Directors! Two positions will be available, and we are ready to rock out with fresh new ideas and insight for the CCSA as we approach 2025. While serving on the CCSA Board, you will help create new and relevant benefits and resources for members, help plan our annual Conventions, and develop lasting connections with members of the CCSA!

Applications will be accepted April 3rd-May 7th.

Applications are closed

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Prospective board members must contact two [2] current board members to discuss the demands of the position so that they are thoroughly informed of the expectations prior to applying. 

  • Prospective board members must have two years minimum in the PYOP industry. 

  • Prospective board members must be a member in good standing with CCSA for at least one year. 

  • Prospective board members must have completed the application announcing their intention to run for the BOD. 

  • Prospective board members must be an owner of a studio business for a minimum of two [2] years. 

  • Prospective board members must have committee experience as a CCSA volunteer or volunteer experience elsewhere. 

  • Prospective board members must be monetarily responsible to their vendors

Here is the timeline for the elections:

  • April 3: Applications start being accepted.

  • April 4: Check in & Chat with the Board

  • May 7: Last day to submit a complete application.

  • May 8: Announcement of candidates.

  • May 10: The election ballot goes out to members and voting opens.

  • May 27: Last day to vote.

  • June 1: Winners announced.

Board Expectations:

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the course and ensuring the growth of CCSA. Each Board member is expected to make a meaningful contribution toward these responsibilities. CCSA recognizes that the strength and interests of individual board members vary and that the nature of individual contributions will differ. However, all board members must be members in good standing and are expected to demonstrate their leadership to support and promote the mission and programs of CCSA. In addition, board members are expected to: 

1. Stay Informed 

  • Stay current through CCSA communications and updates provided to the board. 

  • Review CCSA financials, meeting minutes and correspondence from other board members and staff. 

  • Understand CCSA Board Member duties. 

  • Correspond with CCSA Board Members, members and staff by phone and email in a timely manner. 

2. Participate 

  • Must be able to serve as a first-time director for a period of 3 years. Returning directors are able to serve for a period of 2 years. 

  • Attend board meetings via conference calls 1-2 times per month and participate in additional calls during the year. 

  • Assist with planning and Attend CCSA’s annual convention. 

  • Attend CCSA’s Annual Meeting. 

  • Serve on at least one [1] CCSA Pillar [Education, Promotion, Membership, Convention, and any other Pillar deemed necessary] 

  • Review CCSA Facebook chatter postings on a rotation basis. 

  • Represent CCSA in your community and region. 

  • Follow the rules of the CCSA. 

3. Actively Support Growth 

  • Support CCSA membership growth by recruiting new members both studio and supplier. 

  • Help retain members both studio and supplier. 

The Mission of the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association (CCSA) is to promote our industry and be a resource for our Members

As a means of fulfilling the mission of CCSA, when acting as a member of the Board of Directors, I will: 

  • Be an advocate for ceramics and pottery studios. 

  • Maintain the highest level of personal conduct and ethics. 

  • Comply with the intent and spirit of all laws and regulations related to the association’s activities. 

  • Adhere to all association bylaws, policies, and procedures. 

  • Respect the rights and views of members, fellow board members and employees. 

  • Maintain the confidentiality of information obtained as a board member by not knowingly disclose to non-Board members any propriety information about CCSA or any information regarding confidential matters which are raised in Board meetings or through any form of Board communications. 

  • Avoid conflicts between personal/business interests and the interests of CCSA. 

Members of the Board of Directors are elected because of their interest and commitment to the mission and purpose of CCSA. Your peers have placed their confidence in you. Each board member is recognized for their business and professional experience, involvement in the PYOP industry, commitment in helping shape policy and ensuring CCSA member’s competitiveness.

Erica Jones, The Turquoise Cup

Erica is the proud owner of The Turquoise Cup, a studio located in Burlington, New Jersey. She has owned the studio for over a decade and offers various services including PYOP, Clay Walk-in, Clay Classes, and Parties. Erica has been an active member of this industry for more than 10 years and has learned a lot from her colleagues from across the country and overseas. She is a team player and always eager to learn from others while also contributing to the success of the CCSA. Erica is an extremely organized individual and has previously served on several other boards. She wishes to become a part of the CCSA board to fully immerse herself in the ceramics industry and be amongst people who share the same passion for art and business as she does. Erica is grateful for all the resources and support the CCSA provides to its members. She recognizes that this doesn't happen by magic, and therefore, wants to contribute to the pool of resources that could help other businesses like hers to be successful.

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Karen Moyer, Leaf River Pottery

Karen is the proud owner of Leaf River Pottery, located in Verndale, Minnesota. Her business has been running successfully for the past five years, and while the studio is mostly mobile, they are in the initial stages of opening a storefront. The studio specializes in pottery, glass fusing, glass fusion, and mosaics. Karen is a detail-oriented and organized individual with strong communication skills. She excels as an event planner and has experience in hosting offsite pyop events for over 100 painters. Karen prides herself on providing exceptional customer service, and it shows, as all of her events and customers come from word-of-mouth recommendations. She is also an innovative thinker and loves to challenge others to think outside the box by finding multiple uses for the same piece of pottery. Karen is grateful to the CCSA for their support throughout the years. She now wants to give back by utilizing her extra time soon to be available as an empty nester.

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Tiffany Schank, Elodie’s Oddities

Tiffany has owned Elodie’s Oddities for 5 years in Scottsbluf, NE. The studio offers a wide variety of art forms such as glass, ceramic, canvas, mosaic, candles, birthday parties, events, and resin. Tiffany has a passion for discussing art and bringing new ideas and fresh perspective to the table. She hails from a rural farming community and has a good understanding of smaller communities and pottery. Tiffany wishes to give back to CCSA and help others in their pottery studios. She believes that serving on the board would be fulfilling as she can plan events and yearly activities for other CCSA members.

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