ELYSIA SYRIAC
Organization
Update the board structure to create programmatic teams with outlined goals and objectives for each position to improve decision-making, engagement, sharing of knowledge, as well as improving retention.
Recruitment
Implemented a digital database to allow targeted volunteer recruitment efforts. We worked to reduce excess noise in inboxes so only relevant events were sent.
Retention
Developed a Wiki to stop the leak of institutional knowledge. We hosted event playbooks to help each volunteer leader organize, promote, get support and budget their events with ease.
Advisors
Consisting of past presidents and local design leaders, we created a funnel of ideas, wisdom, and connections for each board member to improve their experience and expand available support.
Mentorship Director, Bordo Bello Director, Chapter President, President's Council Chair, Special Events Lead, Chapter Advisory Board
I have been an active member of AIGA for over a decade. It's impact on my career and personal growth has been profound. One of the greatest honors was being Chapter Preseident and the President's Council Chair.
Colorado Chapter President
Being a Chapter President is a volunteer position that is not for the faint of heart. It is an honor and a growing experience. I had the opportunity to lead a team of 23 volunteers to provide programming, build community, and invoke inspiration for the membership of the Colorado chapter of AIGA. We maintained a 40+ event schedule for over 2 years, increased membership by 34% (from 352 in 2011 to 530 in 2013), increased our volunteer network from 10 to 75 and added over $13,000 to our available funds.
By the Numbers
Led a board of 23 volunteers
Increased membership 34% (352 in 2011 to 530 in 2013)
Maintains a 40+ event per year schedule for 3 years
Increased volunteer network from 10 to 75
Added over $13,000 to funds
President's Council Chair
I was appointed as the AIGA President's Council Chair because of my Presidency and overall engagement with my local chapter by the AIGA National Board. I served as the liaison between all 70 chapters across the country, the Chapter Advisory Council, and the AIGA board of directors.
The role provides guidance on chapter issues from direct experience, empowerment for developing chapter leaders, and a wealth of institutional knowledge from years of service in both local and national roles—all with the goal of helping set chapters up for long-term success.
I was responsible for chairing the monthly calls with over 70 chapter presidents across the country and responsible for the planning, execution, and moderation of the annual leadership retreat held for over 300 chapter leaders.