AZC Committees & Staff
Austin Zen Center operates through the volunteer efforts of board and organizational committees composed of AZC members and friends who lend their time and skills to help further the mission of our organization in a number of ways. Described below, these committees are essential to the shared governing and management of our center:
- Development Committee
- Executive Committee
- Finance Committee
- Governance Committee
- Membership Committee
- Building & Grounds Committee
- Communications Committee
- Information Technology
- Practice Committee
- AZC Staff
Development Committee
Chair: Juniper Lauren Ross
Role: The work of the Development Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Board, is to nurture a sustaining web of giving as a foundational element of practice and to ensure financial stability for AZC. They do this by providing AZC’s financial picture to the Sangha. They also develop a long-range plan of fundraising that meets the needs of AZC's mission, and see that it’s carried out.
Executive Committee
Chair: Charles Ball, Board Chair
Role: The Executive Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Board, acts on behalf of the Board on all issues related to AZC business between regular board meetings, conducts the Head Teacher/Abbot search, oversees the training events of the Board, and handles any urgent issues that may arise.
Finance Committee
Chair: Shirley Gamble
Role: The Finance Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Board, functions to monitor and evaluate AZC’s funding and financial management; to make sure the annual budget accurately reflects the needs, expense, and revenue of the organization; to monitor income and expenditures against projections and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; to safeguard AZC’s assets; to ensure compliance with federal, state, and other requirements as relates to finances; and to ensure that AZC maintains adequate insurance coverage and IRS compliance.
Governance Committee
Chair: Jack Hohengarten, Esq.
Role: The work of the Governance Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Board, is to ensure our Board’s effectiveness, participation and performance. It makes sure the Board’s policies and procedures are being observed, reviewed, and improved. It develops job descriptions for individual Board members, Officers and Staff; and reviews the performance of the Head Teacher/Abbot and Staff. It recruits new members who might add to any missing qualities and talents of the Board; and educates Board members about its roles and responsibilities.
Membership Committee
Chair: Pat Yingst
Role: The Membership Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Board, is charged with nourishing and supporting the membership of AZC; hearing requests, complaints, and suggestions from the membership; providing guidance and support for new members; and being the liaison to the Board concerning outreach activities.
To bring an issue before the board, contact Board Liaisons Pat Yingst or Rudi Miller.
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Chair: Joe Hall
Role: The work of the Buildings & Grounds Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Teacher/Abbot and Director, is to maintain and improve the physical site and buildings owned AZC and to keep it beautiful.
Communications Committee
Chair: Kim Mosley
Role: The Communications Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Teacher/Abbot and Director, provides clear, consistent, and informative communication within the AZC Sangha and beyond. They will also be developing a communications plan concerning print publications; online communications; media relations and public relations materials; committee and board communiqués; and AZC identity materials.
Information Technology (IT) Committee
Chair: Kim Mosley
Role: The IT Committee, which is commissioned by and responsible to the Teacher/Abbot and Director, oversees the technology involved with the transmission and storage of information, especially the development, installation, implementation, and management of the computer systems of AZC.
Interested in either starting or deepening your Zen practice in a residential setting with others? Our Guest Practice program is a short term opportunity that includes meditation, study, work practice and discussions about Zen Buddhism.
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