One of the best ways to engage with VACE and get the most of your membership is to become involved with a committee. Committee involvement is a fantastic way to broaden your professional network, develop new skills and stay connected to VACE.

 Awards Committee:

 This committee is responsible for soliciting from the membership nominations for recipients of VACE awards. Members of this committee review nominations to ensure they meet the criteria for receipt of the award, which is conferred at the Annual Conference. 

• 2025-2026 Chair: Jennifer Tortora

 Board Committee:

 These committees are comprised of current VACE board members to provide oversight for essential functions of the organization.

 Board Nominations Committee: 

• 2025-2026 Chair:  

Constitution and By-Laws Committee: 

• 2025-2026 Members:  

Conference Committee:

 This committee is led by two members of the Board and plans the Annual Conference held each spring. It  is usually comprised of multiple sub-committees, including: 

• Programs: Initiates a call for program proposals; reviews proposals and selects speakers; identifies and selects keynote speakers; introduces speakers at individual sessions
• Registration: Ensures a smooth registration process at the conference, including volunteering at the registration table
• Local Arrangements: Members typically live at or near the conference location to provide conference planning support before and during the conference; visit the venue to discuss logistics for rooms and catering; identify local activities and restaurants for members to engage with
• Door Prizes: Solicits door prize donations before the conference and distributes door prizes during the conference
• Newcomers: Plan opportunities for new members to engage with each other, the Board, and other members at the conference (and usually beforehand, such as a virtual call the week or two prior) 

• 2025-2026 Chairs: Sherry Talbot and Nicole Ramsey (College Director) 

Membership Committee: 

The Membership committee is responsible for analyzing membership composition and developing and implementing an action plan to promote VACE to non-member organizations with the goal of increasing membership and membership diversity. The committee is also responsible for welcoming new members and promoting retention and involvement. 

• 2025-2026: Chesley Fix 

Professional Development Committee: 

The Professional Development Committee works to plan regional events throughout the year to help VACE members stay connected with one another and provide continuous learning opportunities. Events such as networking receptions, webinars, and one-day drive-in conferences will be planned. Members of the committee will assist in finding speakers, marketing opportunities, and hosting events. 

• 2025-2026 Director: Ashley Crute 

Site Selection Committee: 

The Site Selection Committee works to find and negotiate proposals/contracts for future Annual Conference locations. 

• 2025-2026 Chair:  Carolyn Sutphin

Marketing and Technology Committee: 

This committee is composed of members who consider and propose ways in which VACE can best use technology to communicate with members and provide services. This committee collaborates with other committees to support their efforts through management of the VACE listserv, website, newsletter, LinkedIn account, and social media accounts. Committee members can work on one aspect of the group’s projects (such as taking the lead on creating new graphics or overseeing VACE’s Instagram account) or contribute in multiple ways (e.g., developing new content for both the newsletter and the website). Let us know which part of the committee interests you the most! 

• 2025-2026 Director: Samantha Koenig 

Want to get involved?

If you would like to join a committee or have questions? Email askvace@gmail.com.