ESA Governing Board Spring 2025 Meeting Minutes Ecological Society of America Washington, DC and Zoom Meeting May 13–14, 2025

Abstract

President Hampton presiding, meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. EST

I. Roll Call and Agenda (Hampton)

A. Adopt Agenda

Motion to Adopt Meeting Agenda: Motion moved by Jeannine Cavender-Bares and motion seconded by Kelly Ramirez. All aye.

B. Consent Agenda

No objections were made. The consent agenda was approved.

II. Reports

A. Report of the President (Hampton)

President Hampton reminded the Governing Board (GB) of the conflicts of interest and especially the case where a GB member is working with another organization with similar goals. She also addressed the current climate of uncertainty, reflected on the concept of purposeful engagement, and lauded the ongoing efforts of the ESA staff. She ended by expressing her appreciation on behalf of the GB for the staff's efforts and dedication.

III. Strategic and Operational Updates

A. Publications Update/New Journals

ESA Publications Director Adrienne Sponberg discussed progress made in the journals program since November 2024. ESA experienced a slight decline in publishing revenue between 2023 and 2024. This report explains some of the factors that caused the decline, actions taken to reverse the trend, and provides updated metrics for ESA publications. Her report summarized operational challenges and efforts underway across the publication portfolio, as requested by the Governing Board at the November 2024 board retreat. Also included are updates on major changes to the peer review software we use and activity around a possible new ESA journal. The GB noted the considerable work that went into reducing the publications backlog and also discussed the new REX system and support that could be provided to the Editorial Office and Editors during the transition.

C. Annual Meeting Updates for 2025

E. Impacts of Executive Orders on Higher Education and Scholarly Societies

Art Coleman, a Founding Partner of Education Counsel, LLC, spoke with the Governing Board during lunch to discuss the impacts of executive orders on higher education and scholarly societies. Following the presentation, the GB sought clarity from Mr. Coleman on issues relevant to the Executive Orders relevant to ESA. The GB members also asked general questions related to ongoing litigation in response to the EO's, including how courts generally viewed standing to seek relief and the strategies and partnerships Mr. Coleman considered particularly notable.

F. Task Force Report (Pataki)

Task Force to Establish a Research Agenda in Actionable Ecological Science chair Diane Pataki reported on recent progress and developments. The task force has met several times and is proposing a new focus of their work. Given the uncertainty in funding at NSF and other agencies, and the current attack on science, it is critical to communicate strong narratives about the importance of ecological research. The task force members have agreed to work together to develop these one to two page briefs. Examples are presented as part of this report on the history of deforestation and water resources, acid rain, and other topics. The task force will work with staff, primarily the Public Affairs Office, to identify appropriate audience and venues for these case studies. They also request the Board's assistance in seeking alternative funding sources for a workshop series. The GB discussed the potential audience for case studies (decision-makers, the general public), venues for their publication based on the target audience, and how these might shape potential funding sources for this initiative.

Motion to Amend Policy on Spending on Reserves: Motion to amend the policy on spending on reserves by combining the board designated assets with the unrestricted net assets for use in calculating the amount that can be spent each year. Motion moved by Emilio Bruna and motion seconded by Stephanie Hampton. All aye.

Motion to Adopt FY 2025–2026 Spending on Reserves Proposals: Motion to adopt the FY 2025–2026 spending on reserves for four continuing and one new project as recommended by the Finance Committee. Motion moved by Emilio Bruna and motion seconded by Kelly Ramirez. All aye.

Motion to Adopt FY 2025–2026 Operating Budget: Motion to adopt the FY2025–2026 annual operating budget as recommended by the Finance Committee. Motion moved by Emilio Bruna and motion seconded by Stephanie Hampton. All aye.

The GB will review the status of the operating budget at its Fall meeting to determine whether the operating budget needs to be revised in light of possible events that might come to pass between the present vote and Fall meeting.

H. Fundraising Update; Diana Wall Bequest/Thanking Donors

ED O'Riordan gave an update on ESA fundraising efforts. In its goal to fully endow the Equity and Excellence in Ecology (EEE) fund, ESA has raised over $50K toward the Phil Taylor $100K match, bringing our total to $250K (out of the first $400K target).

ESA received $516K from the bequest of Diana Wall. For now, it will hold those funds at Townley, invested in our diversified portfolio, until the GB approves how ESA will use the funds. A small group chaired by Governing Board Member Kelly Ramirez has begun to discuss options and will make a recommendation prior to August. The GB discussed outreach with potential donors and means to advance development in light of changing federal funding.

The Governing Board went into executive session at 3:10 p.m. EST

Meeting Recessed at 3:54 p.m. EST

President Hampton reconvened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. EST

I. Nominations Committee Report (Naeem)

Past President Naeem presented the 2025 slate of nominees and thanked Nomination Committee members Peter Groffman, James Rattling Leaf, Angee Doerr, Pacifica Sommers, Diogo Provete, and Kat Superfisky. The Committee reviewed nominations and solicited candidacies for President-Elect, Vice President of Finance, and one Governing Board Member position. The slate for 2025 is:

Election slate for 2025 (to take office in 2026)

Motion to Adopt Resolution Regarding Articles of Incorporation: Motion to adopt the resolution regarding the ESA Articles of Incorporation. Motion moved by Emilio Bruna and motion seconded by Kelly Ramirez. All aye.

K. International Activities: Updates and Strategies

O'Riordan, Mize, and Naeem presented current and potential strategies to connect with ecology colleagues and societies around the world. ESA members have been participating in international organizations for some time with the goal of leveraging those activities to advance ecology. The GB members discussed the way in which ESA would participate at the upcoming COP meeting in Belem as well as other international fora given changes in formal US government participation. The GB also discussed mechanisms for engagement with scientists outside of the US, including both the leadership of international scientific societies and ESA members based outside of the US.

L. Coalitions and Umbrella Affiliations: Consider AIP

Executive Director O'Riordan presented a proposal for ESA to become an Affiliate Member of the American Institute of Physics (AIP). ESA is a member of several umbrella organizations and pays annual dues to AIBS and to the Societies Consortium to End Harassment in STEMM. ESA is eligible to become an affiliate society of AIP. Affiliate status has no dues (free to participate) and we would join current affiliates AIMBE, Biophysical Society, AGU, and the Geological Society of America, among others. The GB discussed the opportunity, and there was a consensus that Affiliate membership was a valuable opportunity to both engage with other disciplines and take advantage of the resources provided.

M. New Undergraduate Student Member Category

To facilitate long-term relationships with ecologists at all levels of their careers, and to build better relationships with faculty and administrators at colleges and universities, and to increase membership revenue and participation, ESA Director of Membership Jonathan Miller proposed a new membership category for undergraduates beginning in the 2026 membership year, and re-name the current student membership as being for graduate students. The GB discussed potential activities that could emphasize to UG members the different career options for which training in ecology would prepare them, given that many UG members might be interested in ecology but not aware of career options outside of academic ecology.

Motion to Add Undergraduate Member Category: Motion to adopt the proposal to add an undergraduate student membership and rename the current student membership as “graduate student.” Motion moved by Emilio Bruna and motion seconded by Kelly Ramirez. All aye.

The Governing Board and ESA Staff discussed ongoing and potential litigation regarding NSF and other federal agencies and the range of ways in which ESA might become involved, including as a plaintiff or co-plaintiff. The GB discussed the potential risks and rewards of joining litigation and alternative processes for deciding how to do so. There was broad support for the ESA to take bold action in support of its members, but it was necessary to have an idea of the potential financial costs, more details regarding potential litigation (co-plaintiffs, how the legal fees would be paid, etc.). The staff will be providing a summary of potential cases, risks, and financial costs so that the GB will have a more concrete idea of what such actions entail. The GB members also recognized the importance of responding quickly to any action proposed by the ESA leadership.

Motion to Adjourn Spring 25 Governing Board Meeting: Motion to adjourn Spring 2025 Governing Board meeting. Motion moved by Stephanie Hampton and motion seconded by Emilio Bruna. All aye.

Meeting Adjourned.