Welcome to SAVMA’s Annual Meeting!

Each year, the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA) gathers our community of Volunteer Engagement Professionals (VEPs) for our Annual Meeting — a cornerstone of connection, learning, and reflection. It’s our opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements, elect our leadership, and look forward to the next chapter of growth guided by our strategic plan.

This year’s agenda features something significant — an in-person vote on our amended bylaws, aligning with the next phase of the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan: “Connect – Align – Empower.” These updates strengthen our structure, support our expanding programs, and reinforce our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and professional excellence.

👉 Read our full post explaining the amended bylaws here.

Transparency and Member Voice

At SAVMA, transparency is not a checkbox — it’s a culture. Every major decision, including bylaw revisions, comes from a process rooted in:

  • Member consultation and open comment periods
  • Committee recommendations and board review
  • Public posting of proposed amendments and rationales

By codifying these processes in our bylaws, SAVMA ensures members always remain at the heart of decision-making. If you cannot attend, please submit your proxy, at least 24 hours in advance to the board Secretary (savmatucson@gmail.com).

What’s on the Agenda

Here’s what to expect during the Annual Meeting:

Welcome and Introductions

We’ll open with gratitude and reflection, highlighting the community that makes SAVMA thrive — from our committee volunteers to our board members, sponsors, and partners.

Year in Review

Our leadership team will present the year’s highlights, financial overview, and membership data. This presentation is designed to celebrate progress and set the stage for continued momentum into the next program year.

Strategic Plan Implementation

The Strategic Plan 2024–2027 outlines three pillars that continue to guide our work:

Connect

We deepened member relationships through collaborative programs, regional mixers, and networking events that fostered shared learning and local partnerships. Members now have more opportunities than ever to access expertise, find mentors, and collaborate across organizations.

Align

By aligning with national standards and competency frameworks, SAVMA continued its mission to professionalize the field of volunteer engagement.

Empower

We strengthened member visibility through data and storytelling. By equipping VEPs with resources, templates, and impact measurement tools, SAVMA empowers professionals to demonstrate the value of their programs to boards, funders, and community partners.

Election of 2026 Leadership

The Board of Directors was not able to identify a slate for 2026 based on the nominations received. Therefore there will be an open call to the audience. Unfortunately, given that two of the positions are officer level positions, they will not be filled at the meeting itself, but nominations will be accepted for qualification and sent to the board for follow-up. If you are interested in any of the vacancies please review the positions in the SAVMA Position Description Handbook.

Officers

  1. Micaela Varela, President, to replace Jennifer Lohse
  2. Veronica Saiz, President-Elect, to replace Micaela Varela
  3. Vacant, Secretary, to replace Jill LaBrie
  4. Vacant, Treasurer, to replace Lizzy Studstill

Directors to Chair Committees for a 13-month appointment

  1. Vacant, Communications Chair, to replace Stephanie Chavez:
  2. Vacant, Program and Events Chair, to replace Pi Polletta:
  3. Dianette Placido, Membership and Engagement Chair, to replace Gina Hansen:

Directors to Chair Events for a 13 -month appointment

  1. Vacant, Awards Chair 2027, to replace Jennifer Ertz-Brown:
  2. Vacant, Fair Chair 2026, to replace Gina Hansen:
  3. Vacant, VMHC Chair, to replace Cathi Starr:

Directors assigned at Large

  1. Rebeka Simpson, term ending 12/31/2026
  2. Marga Gamas, term ending 12/31/2027

Unassigned Directors/Officers

  1. Jill LaBrie, term ending 12/31/2026
  2. Jennifer Lohse, term ending 12/31/2026

Outgoing Board Members

  • Caitlyn Keefe
  • Jennifer Brown
  • Gina Hansen (12/31/2026)- Program Committee

Adoption of Amended Bylaws

Why the Bylaws Matter

It will take 50 members voting to approve the changes, which means we likely need proxies. Please send your proxy form to the Secretary at savmatucson@gmail.com at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Bylaws are more than a formality. They define how we operate, elect leaders, and ensure that every member has a voice. As SAVMA continues to grow, our governance model must evolve to match the complexity of our programs and the depth of our partnerships across Southern Arizona.

Our amended bylaws:

  • Clarify committee structures aligned with the Strategic Plan’s core directions: Connect, Align, Empower.
  • Introduce updated terms for board leadership succession and committee leadership.
  • Reflect best practices from AL!VE and the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
  • Strengthen accountability through Results-Based Accountability (RBA) frameworks.
  • Support member-driven decision-making with clearer pathways for proposals and participation.

Together, these updates prepare SAVMA for a more sustainable and member-centered future.

Strategic Plan Progress Report

The President-Elect and committee chairs will present updates on each of the strategic directions:

  • Connect: Building member relationships and partnerships.
  • Align: Advancing standards and professional learning.
  • Empower: Sharing member success stories and impact data.

Call to the Audience

Have an idea to propose at the annual meeting? This is your chance to bring topics forward to the membership.

Get Involved

Want to help shape the next chapter of SAVMA’s story?

Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Attend the Annual Meeting and cast your vote on the amended bylaws.
  • Volunteer for a committee — opportunities will open following the meeting.
  • Share your story for a member spotlight or contribute a blog post.
  • Renew your membership and encourage peers to join our growing community.
  • Sponsor a program or event to invest in professional development across Southern Arizona.

Together, we are defining what it means to be a Volunteer Engagement Professional in the modern era — data-informed, connected, and empowered.

Closing Reflection

The Annual Meeting is more than a recap — it’s a celebration of who we are as a professional community and where we’re headed together. Each conversation, training, and collaboration adds to the collective impact SAVMA has across Southern Arizona.

As we adopt our amended bylaws and look toward 2026, we honor the foundation built by those who came before us — and we commit to carrying forward the values that define us: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect, and Volunteerism.

So mark your calendars, bring your voice, and join us in celebrating another remarkable year of Connection, Alignment, and Empowerment.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The amended bylaws position SAVMA to enter its next growth phase with clarity and confidence. As we move into 2026, our focus will be on expanding learning opportunities, diversifying membership, and deepening local partnerships.

What’s Next:

  • Expansion of the Resource Library featuring templates and best practices for VEPs
  • Rollout of the Volunteer Impact Dashboard using regional data to measure outcomes
  • Development of Industry Champion

Every member plays a part in this journey. Whether you attend events, contribute to a committee, or mentor a new professional, your involvement moves SAVMA’s mission forward.