The Board of Directors ensures that MBOTMA — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — fulfills its mission, meets its legal and financial obligations, meets its responsibilities to MBOTMA members and the public, and has a sustainable future in a changing world.
MBOTMA has a small contract staff and many volunteers who help plan and run our festivals. Some take a leadership role, but all of these volunteers are essential to our success.
If you are mostly interested in planning or assisting with events, we absolutely need and welcome you on our festival committees and in other volunteer roles. See our other volunteer opportunities.
Successful board members have a big-picture, future-oriented view and bring a variety of skills and experience to board service. These may include:
-
-
- prior service on a board
- experience with nonprofits
- marketing/communications
- grant management
- fundraising
- legal
- financial
- business
- human resources
- music industry
- local/regional arts community
- strategic planning
- project management
- and more.
-
If you have any questions regarding the Board or the elections process, please email president@minnesotabluegrass.org
Elections Timeline
- Nominations Open: August 1- September 15
- Elections: October 15 – November 22
- Terms: Board members are elected to two-year terms.
- Board Members take office: First Tuesday of January.
- Officers: All Board members are elected as Members-at-Large. The members of the Board elect the officers.
Board Member Requirements
- Act as an ambassador for the organization
- Uphold shared vision for the future of the organization
- Declare conflicts of interest and agree to follow the Board’s Code of Conduct.
- Prepare for and attend scheduled board meetings and a yearly retreat
- Attend and volunteer at festivals and other events (tickets are comped)
- Serve on at least one board committee – either standing or ad hoc
- Participate in Board Member orientation and training
Board Meeting Schedule
The Board meets bi-monthly as follows:
- January
- March
- May
- July
- September
- November
- December (in person)
Meetings are held remotely on Zoom at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.
The board endeavors to meet in person once a year.
MBOTMA Board of Directors Official 2025/26 Ballot
The following candidates have been entered into nomination for a 2-year term on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. These are all volunteer positions responsible for the governance and fiscal health of the association. We thank all of the nominees for their willingness to serve our community.
You may vote for up to 6 candidates to fill the open seats. Please familiarize yourself with the candidates, then complete the ballot below. You must be a current member for your vote to be counted.
Voting begins October 15, the SUBMIT button will not appear until that day. All votes must be submitted by 11:59pm on November 21, 2025.
If you prefer, you may vote by mail. Ballots are printed in the November Minnesota Bluegrass magazine.
To vote by mail:
Step 1: Remove the ballot from the center of the magazine.
Step 2: Mark the ballot and PRINT your name in the space provided.
Step 3: Fold the ballot in thirds, with vote inside and the address on the outside.
Step 4: Seal the ballot closed, apply a first-class stamp, and mail. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 21, 2025.
If the embedded form does not work properly, please click here to submit your vote