Responsibilities of the Board
Collectively, the board is accountable for the club, its mission and its members for the effective stewardship and education of the Irish Wolfhound. Individual board members have no authority to approve actions by IWANE, to direct staff or speak on behalf of IWANE unless given such authority by the full board. Individually, all board members must abide by the bylaws, code of conduct and other policies that apply to the board as ambassadors of the club.
The President shall perform the usual duties such as presiding at all board and member meetings according to club bylaws and have the authority to call special board and member meetings. The president shall ensure all business is held about the club’s mission, bylaws, constitution, and code of conduct, and assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities.
The Vice President shall perform duties as may be assigned by the president. In the absence of the president at board and member meetings, the vice president shall preside.
The Secretary, in accordance with the bylaws Article III, Section 2B, shall be the official record keeper of all board and member meetings of the club, being responsible for scheduling meetings, retaining records of all club matters, including committee correspondence, and being charged with communication and correspondence of the club for official club business. The secretary shall keep a roll of all members, collect member applications, communicate by laws, policies, and code of conduct to members, issue correspondence regarding memberships, dues notices, meeting notices and minutes, and any other club related information, acting as the day-to-day liaison with board members and members.
The Treasurer, in accordance with the bylaws Article III, Section 2C, shall be the keeper of all financial records of the club, and be responsible for reporting conditions of club financials at each board meeting, share financials at the annual meeting of the membership, and render an account of all monies received and expended during the year. The treasurer shall be bonded at an amount determined by the board and will be responsible for the collection, custody and control of the funds subject to the supervision of the president and financial committee, and oversee and/or prepare balance sheet, income statement, and schedule of capital acquisitions and disposals. The treasurer will ensure all checks written out in the amount of $1,000 or more shall include a second signatory which will be that of the president. The treasurer shall preside over the club financial committee, which is a separate committee appointed by the board to act as an independent audit committee to the financial reports once a year.
Board of Director (Directors-at-Large, Article III, Section 1) shall serve a three-year term, staggered such that one director is elected each year at the annual meeting. Directors have the duties of assisting board officers in the general management and administration of the club’s affairs and actively participating in committees and supporting the club’s mission to promote responsible dog ownership and breed standards.
IWANE Website & Social Media Committee
Purpose:
The Website Committee is established to oversee, manage, and support the online presence of IWANE. The committee ensures that the website accurately reflects the organization’s mission, values, activities, and serves as an effective communication and engagement tool for members, donors, and the public. The committee shall consist of at least three members, including one Board member who will be chair. The chair shall report to the IWANE Board.
The IWANE website is the property of the organization and is managed under the authority of the Board.
Key Responsibilities:
- The Committee is responsible for maintaining website content, design, security, and compliance with privacy and accessibility standards.
- All website content must be reviewed and approved by the Committee or a designated editor before publication.
- The Committee must ensure the website adheres to best practices for data protection and user privacy.
- The Committee will provide regular updates to the Board and respond promptly to any website-related concerns or incidents.
- The Committee will review the website’s status and make updates monthly to ensure timely updates.
- Members wishing to add or change website content must submit requests to the Committee chair via email.
- The Committee will review all submissions for accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with the organization’s mission. Content will be approved or returned for revision within five business days.
- Once approved, the webmaster will update the website in a timely manner, typically within three business days.
- The Committee will conduct regular checks for website security, software updates, and backups. Any incidents or breaches must be reported to the Board immediately.
This policy and procedure ensure the website remains a reliable, accurate, and secure resource for the non-profit organization and its stakeholders. Regular oversight and clear processes help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the organization’s online presence.
Trophy & Ribbon Committee
Purpose:
The Trophy Committee is responsible for selecting, procuring, and presenting trophies or awards for the Club’s show events, performance events, annual recognitions, and other achievements by members, volunteers, or affiliated individuals. The committee consists of a trophy chair and a ribbon chair, both report to the IWANE board.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain records of all trophies and ribbons, and associated sponsors for specialty and national specialty trophies.
- Obtain quotes from vendors for trophy and ribbons design and purchase, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Maintain a record of orders, expenditures, and inventory of unused trophies.
- Organize the presentation of trophies at designated events, ensuring recipients are notified and celebrated appropriately.
- Committee members must disclose any relationships or interests that could influence their impartiality.
- Report annually to the Board of Directors on the committee’s activities, expenditures, and recommendations for improvement.
By adhering to these policies and procedures, the Trophy Committee ensures a fair, transparent, and meaningful recognition program that aligns with the values and mission of the non-profit organization.
Special Events Committee
Purpose:
The Special Events Committee will assist in the planning, organizing, and executing of special events such as community outreach initiatives, AKC/IW sponsored educational events, St. Patrick’s Day parades, Irish festivals and cultural events. The IWANE Board appoints committee members based on interest, experience, and availability. The chair will report in to the IWANE board.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define the schedule of events and communicate the plan to the IWANE secretary to include it in the IWANE calendar.
- Prepare a list of potential costs, such as insurance waiver, IWANE promotional and/or educational materials to share. Submit for approval if required.
- Identify resource needs for the event and assign volunteers for set up, event management, and cleanup, as needed.
Specialty Committee
Purpose
Responsible for the overall planning, execution and reporting of results of the IWANE Specialty, utilizing the AKC Show/Trial Manual from the American Kennel Club as the principal guide. Ensure that all planning details of the Specialty are completed by the deadlines. Committee will consist of 2-3 members, including 1 chair. The chair reports to the IWANE Board.
Key Responsibilities:
- Appoints show chair to perform the many functions of the Specialty.
- Works with the Show Chair to secure host hotel and site contracts.
- Works with the Show Chair, Treasurer and Board to establish an initial budget.
- Works with the Show Chair to set rates for entry fees and activities such as banquet meals, catalog advertising, seminars and other activities.
- Works directly with the Show Chairs in the coordinating of the events and setting the tentative schedule of events and activities.
- In conjunction with Show Chair, responsible for contracting judges and other professional services including Show Secretary, AKC Superintendent, Emergency Veterinarian, Event Photographer and Videographer, professional stewards (if desired), etc.
- Collaborates with Show Chair to prepare mailing list/labels for all the required mailings (e.g. premium list, judging programs, etc.).
- Assists the Show Chair with set-up and breakdown on Show date(s), and gathers other volunteers as needed.
Rescue Committee
Purpose:
Establish an official IWANE rescue committee consisting of 3 regular members, including 1 chair. The chair will provide leadership on a national level. The chair of the rescue committee reports to the IWANE Board and is responsible for sharing information on all potential rescue hounds up to and including through the adoption process. While the rescue committee has the sole responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of the hound, the committee must inform the board of each case for transparency.
Duties include the following:
- Respond to inquiries from the public, providing breed and rescue information.
- Provides support to and maintain a directory of regional rescue coordinators – 1 per state.
- Develop and maintain a list of IWANE members who will provide “on the ground” rescue help as needed.
- Arrange for reimbursement funds when requested based on current approved board policy.
- Maintain a spreadsheet of reimbursement expenses with totals to be included in quarterly committee board reports.
- Promote and support the rescue efforts of national club.
Key responsibilities:
- Evaluate the dog’s temperament.
- Medical evaluation – fully physical exam, evaluate and update vaccine history, fecal egg count, heartworm, and tick born disease testing (4dx), and if age and health appropriate determine a spay or neuter. Serious health concerns, if found, will be evaluated. This health check is done prior to the hound being placed. IWANE pays bills directory to the vet.
- Determine fostering – two members per NE state. List to be maintained by the rescue committee.
- Current List: CT – Kristol Ballod, NH – Tanya Hart Newkirk, Jen Sula, VT – Sherry Mayo, Shea Lambirth, RI – John Fitzgerald, Clary Healey, ME – Misty Riley, Kelly Richard, MA – Lee Loebelenz
- Procedurally, the committee will suggest donations from the adopting family made out to the IWANE rescue, but this is not required, nor will it be a reason to deny a home.
Rescue Statement to be added to the IWANE website under Rescue.
The Irish Wolfhound Association of New England works with IWCA Rescue and follows its policy for hounds in need within the New England footprint.
IWANE Rescue Chair
Andrea Dormady
Associate Chairs
Jen Sula, DVM
Clary Healey
Irish Wolfhound Club of America Rescue Statement:
We are a group of rescue volunteers located in areas throughout the US and Canada that assists owners who no longer are able to care for their Irish Wolfhound. We also provide an adoption policy that assures your Irish Wolfhound will find a loving, permanent, and safe home.
The primary mission of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America Rescue Committee is to support the dedicated individuals and organizations, listed in the National Rescue Directory, who rescue Irish Wolfhounds in need of a permanent home.
All rescue volunteers use rescue documentation, premise and reference check adoptive homes, and spay/neuter if the hound is age and health appropriate. Many have a list of pre-approved and often Irish Wolfhound-experienced homes waiting to adopt.
Additionally, the IWCA has agreed to provide reciprocal cooperation with the UK Irish Wolfhound Club, through our IWCA Rescue Chair, in assessing homes for breeders who are contemplating shipping their puppies from overseas.
If you are considering adopting a rescued Irish Wolfhound, our volunteers will be happy to discuss availability and explain how their rescue program works.
Please help us protect the breed by keeping rehoming ads off the internet and social media.
For assistance, (within New England) please contact the IWANE Rescue Chair or the National Rescue Chair.
IWCA Rescue Chair
Melanie Mercer, DVM
214-641-6578
vetmel1300@aol.com
Irish Wolfhound Association of New England Rescue Directory (List names by state)
IWANE Fundraising Committee
Purpose:
This group is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising activities to support the organization’s mission and goals. The committee generally consists of 3 members is responsible for developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s objectives. This includes setting fundraising goals, identifying target donors, and determining the best methods to achieve those goals. The chair reports to the IWANE board.
Key Responsibilities:
- Members organize fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives, and work closely with the IWANE Marketing Committee. This may include annual galas, online fundraisers, silent auctions, grant applications, and peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.
- The committee creates timelines, budgets, and detailed plans for each activity.
- The committee ensures effective communication, expresses gratitude, and keeps donors informed about the impact of their contributions.
- The committee works with marketing team to create compelling messages, utilize social media, and reach potential supporters through various channels.
- The committee solicits volunteers as needed for fundraising events and activities. They assign roles, provide guidance, and ensure volunteers feel valued.
- Tracking funds raised, managing budgets for fundraising activities, and ensuring transparency are critical duties. The committee prepares reports for the board and stakeholders, showing progress against fundraising targets.
- The committee collaborates closely with the board of directors, executive staff, and other committees to integrate fundraising efforts with overall organizational strategy.
Descriptions approved by the board on February 17, 2026