Thursday, October 23, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Friday, October 24, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm ET
In Attendance
Diane Capriola (Absent on Day Two)
Lauren Ciborski (ABA CFO)
Cynthia Compton
Jake Cumsky-Whitlock
Joy Dallanegra-Sanger (ABA COO)
Ray Daniels (ABA CCO)
Paul Hanson
Allison Hill (ABA CEO)
Brein Lopez
Christina Pascucci Ciampa
Raquel Roque
Jessica Stockton Bagnulo
Tegan Tigani
Lisa Swayze
Holly Weinkauf
Talia Whyte
Day One: Thursday, October 23, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET
12:32 pm ET: Call to Order & Welcome
Allison reminded Board members of the commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion and of the Board norms.
Board members were invited to share Dualities of Interest in the chat.
Tegan moved to approve the September Minutes, the motion was seconded by Jessica. Motion approved.
12:35 pm ET: Rose & Thorns
1:14 pm ET: Ends Policies 4.0 and 5.0 Monitoring Report and Executive Limitations Compliance Report Review and Approval
Allison shared monitoring reports and compliance report review. Board discusses and voted to approve all three reports. Holly made a motion to approve, it was seconded by Brein. Motion approved.
1:32 pm ET: ABA Endowment Portfolio Review: Williams Jones
John Cummings, Tom MacCowatt, Joseph Ghio, and Sharon Grippo from William Jones provided insight on current economic trends and a review of ABA spending policy, target allocations, and investments.
2:18 pm ET: Board Debrief and Annual Investment Policy Review
Board discussed hiring a financial planner to provide an outside perspective on endowment management and policy.
2:32 pm ET: Break
2:47 pm ET: CEO Report, Financials Review, and Budget Discussion
Allison and Lauren shared factors and considerations shaping the budgetary process, including publisher partnerships, IndieCommerce migration progress, and staff restructuring and support. Holly moved to approve the FY2026 budget which includes up to 7.02% withdrawal from endowment. Motion was seconded by Paul. Motion approved
4:59 pm ET: BINC Endowment Fund
Lisa moved to approve a one-time $30,000 donation to the BINC Endowment Fund in celebration of BINC’s 30th anniversary. The motion was seconded by Paul. Motion approved.
5:00 pm ET: Fall Regionals Debrief
Board members shared insights and observations from regional fall meetings.
5:15 pm ET: Meeting Adjourned
Day Two: Friday, Oct 24th 12:30 - 5:00 pm EDT
12:33 pm ET: Board Discussion and Questions from Day One
The Board took a few minutes to remember and honor former ABA Senior Strategy Officer Dan Cullen. The Board discussed Fiduciary Responsibilities document and general document organization.
1:07 pm ET: Governance Policies Updates
Discussion of Governing Style language, Board Committee Principles language, and of Governance Review Committee Membership & Scope of Responsibility
1:50 pm ET: Nominating Committee Report and Discussion
2:33 pm ET: Break
2:54 pm ET: Discussion of 2025–2026 Board Calendar
4:20 pm ET: Board Member Task Review and Action Items for 4th Quarter
4:30 pm ET: Advocacy Update
Allison updated the Board on recent advocacy efforts.
4:45 pm ET: Housekeeping and Final Discussion
4:51 pm ET: Meeting Adjourned
Motion to adjourn by Lisa, seconded by Christina.