Serving on the GCOOS Board

GCOOS Board of Directors

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for developing a network of business leaders, marine scientists, resource managers, governmental and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholder groups that combine their data to provide timely information about our oceans — similar to the information gathered by the National Weather Service to develop weather forecasts. The organization is led by a Board of Directors elected to represent the government, academic, industry/private and outreach and education sectors.

GCOOS typically opens board nominations in February, with voting taking place in March. New board members are installed during the GCOOS Fall Meeting. Self-nominations are welcome; you may also nominate a colleague. Only GCOOS members may vote for the board.

  • Not yet a member but interested in joining? Click here for details and to join.

Board Member Duties

  • Setting policy for the organization and providing direction to the Executive Director, including bylaws revisions as necessary;
  • Establishing and maintaining the structure of the Regional Association, including approval of appointments to Councils, Committees, Task Teams or other groups;
  • Approving budgets, the business model, proposals and endorsements requested by members for proposals they intend to submit.

About Board Service

  • Terms are three years and begin at the autumn Board meeting (usually held in September/October);
  • The Board typically meets twice annually in person and via phone every two months; the Board may also be called to meet when priority situations arise;
  • Board Members are not paid; however expenses related to GCOOS in-person Board meetings are reimbursed;
  • Self-nominations are welcome.

To Make a Nomination

  • Confirm that the person/people nominated are Members of the GCOOS-RA or affiliated with a member organization. Members must produce or use data or products from the Gulf of Mexico and its estuaries or be employed by an entity that does so. If a nominee is not a Member or a Member’s representative, they should request membership via Executive Director Dr. Jorge Brenner, Jorge.Brenner@GCOOS.org.
  • Confirm that the person/people named are willing to serve as Board member(s) if elected.
  • Indicate the sector for which the person is being nominated (government, academic, industry, or education and outreach).
  • Provide a short biography (two or three paragraphs) detailing their work and interests as related to GCOOS.
  • Questions? Please contact GCOOS Research Associate Jennifer Vreeland-Dawson.

Notable Dates for 2024

  • Nominations open March 1, 2024
  • Voting will take place April 2-19, 2024