Approve the minutes of regular meeting of the AOAP Board of Directors held on March 19, 2025.
3.2 TREASURER’S REPORT
ACTION:
Approve the April Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2025.
3.3 BYLAW UPDATES
ACTION:
Approve updates to the AOAP Board of Director’s Bylaws.
3.4 RESEARCH LIAISON POSITION
ACTION:
1)Approve the addition of an Ex Officio Research Liaison position to the AOAP Board of Directors.
2)Approve naming Nathalie Martin to serve as the Research Liaison on the AOAP Board of Directors.
3.5 FISCAL AUDIT
ACTION:
Rescind approval to perform an elective fiscal audit based on the advice of AOAP accounting firm, Better’s and Associates, as well as the auditing firm, Pente Financial Services LLC.
3.6 AOAP ATTORNEY
ACTION:
Approve hiring Lathrop GPM LLP as AOAP’s designated attorney based on an hourly rate of $400-$490 per hour.
ADJORNMENT
ACTION:
Adjourn to the next Board of Directors meeting to be held on May 21, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. CST via Zoom.
ITEM
1.3:
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
DESCRIPTION: The Committee Reports for regular meetings held since the March Board of Directors meeting have been submitted for review.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve any action items submitted by the Committees.
o Findquestspeakers-RonRusman,MorganFlynn,JillWhite,ChrisDrummond, BillR.
ActionItems
Noactionrequested.
2025 / 2026 Committee Goals
Goal
Target Date
Summer Aquatic Checklist to support the Aquatic Safety Plan September 2025
Water Safety for Camp Staff webinar April 10, 2025
Progress Notes
Assigned to subcommittee
Manda Groff, Alan Mogridge, Kate Connell, drafting talking points outline. Meeting on 04.09.2025 to prep for Webinar on 04.10.2025
Blog Topics & Timelines
Topic / Author Target Date Status Update
Promote aquatic safety plan checklist October 2025
Submitted 03.07.2025 for review-Manda Groff
2025 / 2026 Committee Webinar Topics & Timelines
Topic / Presenter Target Date Status
Zone Verification / Maria Bella October 2025
Help Team Heal / Jamie O August 2025
Executive Committee
Monthly Committee Report, April 2025
Committee Members
Chair Cory Hilderbrand
Committee Members Donita Grinde-Houtman, Joey LaNeve
Activity Summary
● Completed bylaw review, recommended changes are on the April agenda
● May Symposium is planned and advertised.
● Director’s School survey has been sent to faculty
● Re-envisioned the BOD meeting agenda
Action Items
Create a “run of show” for the May Symposium.
No Board action needed
2025 / 2026 Committee Goals
Goal
Continue to grow Director’s School - Increase Year 1 to 25 / Retain 90% for Years 2 & 3
Target Date
2026 Conference
Progress Notes
Review & update bylaws & board responsibilities
March 31, 2025 Completed
Review Committee Structures June 30, 2025
Blog Topics & Timelines
Topic/ Author Target Date Status Update
Director’s School March 31, 2025 Completed
Director’s School Faculty Members September 30, 2025
2025 / 2026 Committee Webinar Topics & Timelines
Topic/ Presenter Target Date Status Update
Diving Deeper revision
May Symposium
May 31, 2025
May 2025 Planning and Marketing completed
Strategic Plan Committee
Monthly Committee Report, April 2025
Committee Members
Chair Cory Hilderbrand
Committee Members Helena Machado
Activity Summary
Held meeting in early April to discuss action plan.
Action Items
Reviewing all Strategic Plan goals to ensure they are still applicable and create a timeline for completion.
No Board action needed.
2025 / 2026 Committee Goals
Goal
Target Date
Prioritize goals by timeline April 2025
Prioritize goals by relevance May 2025
Ensure goals align with May 2025
Progress Notes
To be completed on time
Blog Topics & Timelines
Topic/ Author
Aquatic Technician School Committee
Monthly Committee Report, April 2025
Committee Members
Co-Chairs Bob Bradley & Bob Kappel
Committee Members Connan Campbell, Mark Bassnight
Activity Summary
The committee met on April 3. Present were Juliene, Mark B., Bob Kappel. We began to compile potential instructors and topics for 2026. 23 names and topics compiled to date. Also set registration fee for CS.
Action Items
Continue to compile instructor names and topics
2025 / 2026 Committee Goals
Goal
Target Date
Progress Notes
Maintain at least 50% hands on curriculum January 1, 2026 In progress
Increase enrollment by 10% to 55 attendees Conference 2026 In progress. Registrants already signing up
Review possibility of extending to Tech I and Tech II levels March 2025 Completed and Level 1 and 2 confirmed
Blog Topics & Timelines
Topic/ Author
Target Date Status Update
TBD / Bob Bradley March 31, 2025 Completed
TBD / Bob Kappel September 30, 2025
2025 / 2026 Committee Webinar Topics & Timelines
Topic/ Presenter Target Date Status Update
UV Tech / Bob Kappel May 31, 2025 PPT completed and ready
Importance of Technical Training / Bob Bradley October 31, 2025
Aquatics” spots to provide opportunities for replication, inspiration and information
Blog Topics & Timelines
Topic / Author Target Date Status Update
2025 / 2026 Committee Webinar Topics & Timelines
Topic / Presenter Target Date Status Update
Access / TBD
ITEM
3.1:
DESCRIPTION:
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MINUTES
The Board of Directors meeting minutes for the regular meeting held on March 19, 2025, have been submitted for review from the AOAP Secretary on March 20, 2025. The minutes are inclusive of all items discussed during the meeting and have been submitted for entire Board of Directors review no later than Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the AOAP Board of Directors held on March 19, 2025.
ATTACHMENT: AOAP Board of Directors meeting minutes, March 19, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Meeting Called to order at 2:30 pm Central Time
I. Roll Call-
a) Attendees: Bob Bradley, Bill Frazier, Donita Grinde-Houtman, Manda Groff, Cory Hilderbrand, SJ Idel, Ashley Ingram, Tammy Jaster, Joey LaNeve, Helena Machado (2:34 pm), Craig Merkey, Alan Mogridge, Bill O’Melia, Gwen Wilcox, Juliene Hefter, Kirsten Barnes, Mark Basnight
b) Excused: Alan Mogridge, Kate Connell, Bob Kappel
c) Not Present:
II. Approval of Minutes-
a) January 2025 minutes
o Motion to approve- Bob Bradley
o Seconded by- Gwen Wilcox
o Motion Carried- approved as written
b) February 2025
o Motion to approve- Manda Groff
o Seconded by- Bill O’Melia
o Motion carried-approved as written
III. Treasurer’s Report February 2025
o Manda Groff logged into all the accounts and verified that all matched the report.
o One pending transaction on the AOAP checking account, but that tracked with what was listed on the report
o Motion to approve report- Donita Grinde-Houtman
o Seconded by- Craig Merkey
o Motion passed- motion passes as presented
IV. Additions to agenda
V. New Business
o Conference Wrap-up
o Thank you to everyone all the hard work to make this a successful conference
o One of the most successful team efforts we have had from the board, staff, and volunteers
o Kirsten has the results of the evaluation and will send to Cory
o 232 respondents through survey monkey
o Overall Rating 8.54 out of 10, Very good Value, extremely likely to come again, education sessions rated very high/somewhat high quality, 4.55 overall average of speakers’ evaluation
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
o General session ratings scored lower than the average, keynote-3.3, Wednesday general session 4.23, Closing- 4.02, we got good feedback and we are looking for exciting and motivational speakers for next year
o Education experience- engaging, practical, and had great Q&As, more hand’s on, lots of suggestions for what people would like to see.
o Exhibit hall- 77.32 % went both days, 4.35 out of 5 for overall vendor quality rating, lots of good information on different vendors attendees would like to see, 5.9 out of 7 rating from exhibitors, vendors loved the Thank you cards
o Director school (50 people attended) 4.1 out of 5 overall rating, “The AOAP Director’s School is where experience reaches excellence.”
o Tech School (50 people attended) 7.5 out of 10 overall rating, many would attend a level 2 option, more refined content
o Overall, we got a lot of great future ideas and good information from the survey
o Demographics- over half of respondents was first time attendees, a lot of people this was their only conference or only this and their state conference, 45% were with city, county, or state agency or park districts, collected data on age range of attendees and job level
o 2025 Budget Review
o Will move to April’s board meeting
o AqP emails
o Send thank you emails to recipient if you would like, but don’t copy all
o Cory will send an email on behalf of the board
o Board Expectations for 2025/26
o All the ideas that we have are wonderful and wanted, but we need follow through, as a board we need to help with the fruition of the ideas
o Leave your mark as a board member- what do you want people to remember you by from your time on the board
o Mid-Year Mini-Conference
o May 21 from 8:30 am-12:00 pm PST
o Focused on pool manager level
o All organizational based (one price for the group)
o 3 presentations for an hour each
o Kirsten is working on a few speakers for this
o This will be recorded and be accessed later if you cannot do the live version
o Bylaw Updates
o It is the responsibility of the president elects to review the bylaws each year and decide if changes are needed
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
o Next meeting we will be bringing back the changes to the bylaws and take a vote
o BOD Members (12-14)- changing the number of members from 12-14
o Assistant and Deputy Director job descriptions- adding these job descriptions
o Secretary duties updates- looking at what is written that we haven’t been doing
o Research Liaison- adding a position that focuses on research, position information will be sent to board members for review
o Audit
o It is time for our organizational audit
o Funds will come from the reserve and be put in the miscellaneous account
o Juliene is looking for an auditing company, if anyone has any leads to companies that do this let Juliene know
o Motion to approve an organizational audit -Bob Bradley
o Seconded- Joey LaNeve
o Motion carried- motion approved
o AOAP Attorney
o We have come to a point where we think we need to have an attorney on retainer to handle things as they come up
o A few things have come up on the topic of taxes at conference for food and beverage fees and av fees. Some states won’t accept our non-profit status
o We need someone with knowledge on non-profits
o Motion to research this and find an Attorney - Donita Grinde-Houtman
o Second- Craig Merkey
o Motion Carried- motion approved
VI. Old Business
o SWOT
o No updates at this time
o PESTLE
o No updates at this time
VII. Committee Reports:
a) Conference Education: Gwen Wilcox and Kate Connell, Co-Chairs
o Selected members from applicants that applied
o notified applicants that they were on the committee
o Setting up zoom meeting to go over responsibilities
o Main purpose of the committee over the next few months will be to solicit speakers to submit session proposals
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
o The speaker information packet will be sent out soon after the initial committee meeting
b) Drowning Prevention: Manda Groff, Chair
o Selected candidates for the committee
o First meeting is scheduled for March 25
o Will review suggested goals from board retreat as well as any additional goals that the committee would like to pursue this year
c) Governance: Cory Hilderbrand, Chair
o Focused on May training
o Bylaw updates
o Standard operating procedures update to make sure they match the bylaws
d) Director’s School: Cory Hilderbrand, Chair
o Cory will send out survey to all of the faculty for Director school
o Will make decision based on results going forward o
e) Tech School: Bob Kappel, Chair
o Committee met on February 20, 2025
o Went over 2025 tech school and laid out framework for 2026
o 2026 will split into 2 levels, will need double resources and planning, larger screen, higher hands-on ratio of training, PVC pipe welding
o Prioritize registered vendors as teachers for the classes, and outreach to new instructors that will likely also be a vendor
f) Professional Development: Joey LaNeve, Chair
o First meeting will be next week on Wednesday, March 26
VIII. Sub-Committees Reports:
o Member Engagement/Communication: Joey LaNeve, Chair
o Meeting will be scheduled next week, Monday, March 24 o
o Scholarship/Raffle/Silent Auction: Craig Merkey and Gwen Wilcox, Co-Chairs
o Thank you for everyone’s help with selling tickets and corks
o $10,014 raised in silent auction
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
o Raffle raised $1770 ($3540 collected and split)
o Cork pull raised $2460
o Total raised for the Scholarship fund was $14,244 which is the highest amount raised at any conference to date.
o First meeting scheduled for April 1
o Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice: Kate Connell, Chair
o New committee members have been selected
o Committee is working on setting up the first meeting
IX. Executive Director Report:
o 2026 conference website has been updated
o Improvements: Addon tickets (Vendors can add on tickets for employees, for conference you can add on Director School)
o Printed conference book can be added on for a cost
o Working on keynote, general session speakers, and pre and post conference workshops
o Potential new partners; prominent is going to offer a training workshop for 2 days after our conference every 2 years
o Working with United State Swim School Association to do their spring workshop in conjunction with ours as a post conference workshop
o International Aquatics and Water Safety Conference -renamed to combine AOAP and NDPA
o Working on sponsors- a lot of early sign-ups, and getting booths booked
o Faculty submittal for Director School and Tech School
o Juliene and Kirsten on IACET designation, so we will be an IACET provider
o Advocacy page on our website, hopefully will tie in with the research liaison position
o Conference wrap-up with NDPA, conversation about expectations and equitability
o Allison left NDPA, she might volunteer next year to help out
o 1 submittal form for NDPA/AOAP sessions next year to make it easier, speakers will choose what is their main conference, we will have 1 review committee, trying to make it more unified
X. Deputy Director Report:
o Looking at tech school stuff
o Conference socials for next year, we will most likely host our socials on site next year
o Sponsorships to date looking good, a big thank you to everyone for making AOAP great
o Mark is writing a grant, contact at US bank help walk through the process of the grant application.
XI. Assistant Director Report:
Board of Directors Meeting Notes
o One goal is to Increase search engine optimization on the website, making changes to the website to drive as must traffic to the website as possible
o We already have 12 sponsors signed up and we are trying to streamline sponsor benefits
o Online learning is going strong, 20 courses purchased and 1 new AqP applicant, total revenue: $885, 12 people attend February live webinar
o Webinar tomorrow- 17 signed up
o Goal is to have 9 free webinars this year, we have hosted 2 and we have 4 more on the calendar already, working on stuff for fall
o New content for on demand webinars are available for purchase
o Post conference wrapping up- making sure board members has access to the goal sheets from the conference and reports, Kirsten will reach out about blogs and webinars from each committee’s goals
o Started on a member survey through survey monkey
o Site visit next month at the Broadmoor
o Speakers have received their evaluation
o Already looking at logistics, and socials for next year
o
Next meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2:30 PM CST via Zoom
Motion to adjourn- Bob Bradley
Seconded by -Manda Groff
Motion carried-moved to adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm CT
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
ITEM 3.2: TREASURER’S REPORT
DESCRIPTION: The April Treasurer’s Report has been prepared for review by the Board of Directors. The report shows revenues of $374,277.77 and expenditures of $205,286.17 with a balance of $168,991.60. Additionally, the overall account balance is $878,579.18.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the April Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
1)March Treasurer’s Report
2)FY25 Budget Overview
3)YTD Expense Summary
4)YTD Revenue Summary
5)Monthly Expense Summary
BOD Treasurer Report as of March 31,2025
Membership Total AOAP Members: 1,655
Swim Lesson and Life Jacket Grants (April 1 deadline) Swim Lesson Life Jackets 5 11
Revenues and Expenditures for the year to date as of 12/30/2024 – 03/31/2025 (have to stop a few days early due to lag between stripe and going into the bank account)
(overall AOAP Accounts)
Bank – CD – 15 Months – 5.29% (matures 12/9/25) – updates quarterly only - $225,000 $227,967.47 Bank America – Opened a 7 Month CD – 4.65% (matures on 4/18/25) - $225,000 $230,079.15
ITEM
3.3:
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
BYLAW UPDATES
DESCRIPTION: Each calendar year, the President Elect is responsible for reviewing the Board of Director’s Bylaws and making recommendations for updates to the document. President Elect LaNeve has completed the review, and proposed changes are listed below.
Proposed Amendments:
BOARD SIZE (Article IV, Section 2):
Purpose: Update to reflect current board size and addition of the research liaison position
Current Language:
o The Board shall consist of fourteen (14) total members: Five (5), directors consisting of, President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Past-President and President-Elect, and seven (7) Directors, elected by the membership and the Executive Director. The board also includes one (1) exhibitor liaison member and one (1) diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) liaison member that are voted in for 3 year terms by the AOAP Board of Directors and are not limited in term limits.
o The Board shall appoint an individual as an Executive Director. Executive Director is an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board, to carry out the execution of Board’s policies and administration of the organization. The board may provide a reasonable compensation to the Executive Director.
Proposed Amendment
o The Board shall consist of seventeen (17) total members: Five (5), directors consisting of, President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Past-President and President-Elect, and seven (9) Directors, elected by the membership and the Executive Director. The board also includes one (1) exhibitor liaison member, one (1) diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) liaison, and one (1) Research Liaison member that are appointed for 3 year terms by the AOAP Board of Directors and are not limited in term limits. The Liaison positions are non-voting positions.
o The Board shall appoint an individual as an Executive Director. Executive Director is an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board, to carry out the execution of Board’s policies and administration of the organization. The board may provide a reasonable compensation to the Executive Director.
o The Executive Director, working in conjunction with the Executive Committee, may hire and retain Deputy
Director and Assistant Director positions. These positions serve as support for the Association and are non-voting member of the Board of Directors. The board may provide a reasonable compensation to the Deputy Director and Assistant Director.
OFFICERS AND DUTIES (Article IV, Section 8)
Purpose: Update to reflect accurate officer count and addition of Assistant Director and Deputy Director job responsibilities
Current Language
o There shall be four (4) officers on the Board consisting of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Executive Director. Their duties are as follows.
o The President shall preside at all meetings of the Organization. Also, the President; shall appoint members for committees; shall appoint delegates and representatives of the Organization; and shall appoint chairs and members of committees as required. The President shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The President-elect shall succeed to the President upon expiration of the incumbent's term; serve as the President in the absence of the President; serve as member of the Board of Directors. The President-elect shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of the Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings and assuring that Organization records are maintained. The Secretary shall be the Parliamentarian and shall serve as Board liaison to the committees. The Secretary shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Treasurer shall make a report at each Board meeting. Treasurer shall serve as Budget Chairperson, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to Board members and the public. The Treasurer shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Executive Director shall be responsible for the dayto-day operations, and coordinate the organization’s program, and other duties assigned by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
Proposed Amendment
o There shall be five (5) officers on the Board consisting of a President, Past-president, President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and three staff positions: the Executive
Director, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director. Their duties are as follows.
o The President shall preside at all meetings of the Organization. Also, the President; shall appoint members for committees; shall appoint delegates and representatives of the Organization; and shall appoint chairs and members of committees as required. The President shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The President-elect shall succeed to the President upon expiration of the incumbent's term; serve as the President in the absence of the President; serve as member of the Board of Directors. The President-elect shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of the Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings and assuring that Organization records are maintained. The Secretary shall be the Parliamentarian and shall serve as Board liaison to the committees. The Secretary shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Treasurer shall make a report at each Board meeting. Treasurer shall serve as Budget Chairperson, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to Board members and the public. The Treasurer shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Executive Director shall be responsible for the dayto-day operations, and coordinate the organization’s program, and other duties assigned by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Assistant Director shall be responsible for assisting the Executive Director in day-to-day operations of the Association including office management, supporting the board and committees, financial management, public relations, and program management. The Assistant Director shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
o The Deputy Director shall work under the direction of the Executive Director and provide administrative support to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Committees, and act as a liaison with related and outside organizations. This position is responsible for the provision of management services to the membership. The Deputy Director shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
SECRETARY DUTIES (Article IV, Sections 9,10,11):
Purpose: Update By-laws to reflect what is happening in practice
Current Language:
o When a vacancy on the Board exists, nominations for new members may be received from present Board members and forwarded to the Secretary two weeks in advance of a Board meeting. These nominations shall be sent out to Board members with the regular Board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the end of the particular board member’s term.
o Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. Any member of the Board of Directors expecting to be absent from the meeting shall communicate to the President and/or the Executive Director, stating the reason for their absence. The President shall decide in each instance whether such absence is excusable. In the event there are three (3) unexcused absences within a Board of Directors current term, membership on the Board of Directors will automatically be declared vacant. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three- fourths vote of the remaining Directors.
o
Proposed Amendments
o When a vacancy on the Board exists, nominations for new members may be received from present Board members and forwarded to the Executive Director two weeks in advance of a Board meeting. These nominations shall be sent out to Board members with the regular Board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the end of the particular board member’s term.
o Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Executive Director. Any member of the Board of Directors expecting to be absent from the meeting shall communicate to the President and/or the Executive Director, stating the reason for their absence. The President shall decide in each instance whether such absence is excusable. In the event there are three (3) unexcused absences within a Board of Directors current term, membership on the Board of Directors will automatically be declared vacant. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three- fourths vote of the remaining Directors.
REMOVAL OF AUDITS (Article VIII, Section 1)
Purpose: It was determined that audits every 5 years are not necessary for operations
Current Language:
o The AOAP shall have an outside audit done at least every 5 years and if and when a new Executive Director is hired.
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Amendments
o The AOAP shall have an outside audit done at least every 5 years and if and when a new Executive Director is hired.
Approve updates to the AOAP Board of Director’s Bylaws.
1) AOAP Board of Directors Bylaws
2) Executive Director Job Description
3) Assistant Director Job Description
4) Deputy Director Job Description
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
ITEM 3.4: RESEARCH LIAISON POSITION
DESCRIPTION: As the Association of Aquatics Professionals continues to grow and identify itself as the “one stop shop” for all things aquatics, the Board of Directors needs to continue to maintain itself as the top tier resource for Aquatics Professionals. Creation of a Research Liaison Position will assist in keeping AOAP relevant in regard to the latest research available.
The AOAP Research Portfolio & Information Hub is an initiative designed to support the aquatic community by compiling, sharing, and applying relevant research in drowning prevention, water safety, and aquatic operations.
While valuable research is being conducted by universities, public health organizations, and industry experts, it is often not easily accessible or translated into practical applications for aquatic professionals, facility operators, and policymakers.
This initiative will serve as both an information-sharing network and a working committee, focused on ensuring that AOAP members have access to the latest studies, policy updates, and best practices in a way that supports their work. The Research Portfolio does not conduct new research but acts as a bridge between academic findings, industry applications, and legislative considerations.
The initiative will focus on four key objectives:
1) Curating and Disseminating Research – Compiling and summarizing relevant studies and policy updates for AOAP members in an accessible format.
2) Strengthening AOAP Programs and Training –Integrating research findings into AOAP certification programs, professional development resources, and best practices.
3) Building a Collaborative Research and Industry Network – Establishing partnerships with universities, policymakers, and aquatic professionals to facilitate knowledge-sharing and support applied research efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
4) Advancing Policy and Legislative Awareness –Tracking water safety legislation and regulatory updates, and providing members with clear, research-supported guidance on policy implications. Nathalie Martin has submitted an extensive proposal for the Liaison position. Nathalie is a drowning prevention advocate with decades of experience in advancing water safety education through high-impact programming, advocacy, and philanthropy. She hopes to strengthen global movements of understanding to support aquatic education worldwide.
1) Approve the addition of an Ex Officio Research Liaison position to the AOAP Board of Directors.
2) Approve naming Nathalie Martin to serve as the Ex Officio Research Liaison on the AOAP Board of Directors.
ATTACHMENT: Research Portfolio and Information Hub Proposal, DRAFT
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
ITEM 3.5: FISCAL AUDIT
DESCRIPTION: At the March 19, 2025, Board of Directors meeting, the Board directed staff to use reserve funds to hire an auditing firm to perform an elective financial audit. Since that meeting, staff has reached out to AOAP’s accounting firm, Better’s and Associates, and an auditing firm, Pente Financial Services LLC, at direction of the board. After further discussion, both firms recommend not to proceed with an elective audit. Reasons noted for not performing an elective audit: full board of directors’ access to the monthly treasurer’s report; all-inclusive monthly budget reporting; Treasurer check of bank accounts on monthly basis.
RECOMMENDATION: Rescind approval to perform an elective fiscal audit based on the advice of AOAP accounting firm, Better’s and Associates, as well as the auditing firm, Pente Financial Services LLC.
ASSOCIATION OF AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS
ITEM 3.6: AOAP ATTORNEY
DESCRIPTION:
RECOMMENDATION:
As part of discussion during the March 19, 2025, Board of Director’s meeting, the Board of Director’s directed staff to research and identify an attorney to represent our organization. Staff have identified Lathrop GPM LLP to represent AOAP. Lathrop GMP was formed in 2020 through the combination of two 100+ year firms. Staff recommend paying an hourly rate of $400-$490 per hour for any services needed rather than hiring on retainer. While funding was not directly allocated for these services in the 2025 budget, there is ample funding available using reserves. For the 2026 budget, staff will include a line item for attorney services, not to exceed 10 hours per year.
Approve hiring Lathrop GPM LLP as AOAP’s designated attorney based on an hourly rate of $400-$490 per hour.
