2023 Michigan Rugby Foundation Board Roster
John Palladino
President
Karl Seibert
Vice President
Christopher (C.J.) Stock Jr.
Secretary
Tom Stulberg
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Andrew Swain
Development Officer and Development Committee Chair
Christian “Mario” Collis
Director/ General Counsel/ Michigan Resident Agent
Christian "Poppa Brahj" Mentzer
Development Committee Member
Matt Kasten
Development Committee Member
Nat Rosasco
Communications Committee Member
OFFICERS
President - Wesley Farrow
Vice President - Karl Siebert
Secretary - CJ Stock
Treasurer - Tom Stulberg
Communications - Nic Bishar
Development - Andrew Swain
DIRECTORS
Christian Collis
Alena Olsen
Steve Cohen
Greg Rose
Mike LaCivita
Board of Directors Position Description
- Organization Summary
The University of Michigan Rugby team (UMRFC) is a perennial national top competitor in the sport of rugby that provides an unparalleled leadership and character development experience for its student-athletes and enhances the standing of the University of Michigan. To support the team, the Michigan Rugby Foundation is developing initiatives around four focus areas: team development and rugby competitiveness, academic excellence, service, and post-collegiate opportunities. Rugby is about more than just the 80 minutes on the field, and the MRF will help to prepare players for life, both on and off the pitch.
- Mission
The mission of the Michigan Rugby Foundation is to to enhance, enrich, and ensure the continuous growth of rugby, and its positive impact on the current and future students of the University of Michigan.
- Primary Duties
- Directors hold responsibility as MRF’s trustees and fiduciaries.
- Directors provide support for the mission, act as ambassadors in fundraising and outreach, and help guide the strategic direction of the organization.
- Directors actively participate in regular Board Meetings and at least one Committee.
- Experience and Qualifications
Directors possess high ethical standards and a commitment to the organization’s mission and vision. Service requires leadership, fundraising, governance, communications, and the ability to rally others toward a shared goal. Specifically, we are seeking a diverse group of individuals with executive experience who represent the rich past, present, and future of Michigan rugby.
- Expectations
1. Believe in and be an active advocate and ambassador for the values, mission, and vision of the organization.
2. Work with fellow Directors to fulfill the obligations of Board membership as articulated in the job description of the Board of Directors, in these performance expectations, and in keeping with all other policies.
3. Work with fellow Directors to create an effective, positive, and inclusive culture on the Board that holds each other accountable, asks for support and help when needed, and respects the diversity of perspectives and experiences of other Directors.
4. Act in a way that contributes to the effective operation of the Board – and work with fellow Board members and staff to assure that the Board functions well.
5. Regularly attend Board and committee meetings. Prepare for these meetings by reviewing materials and bringing the materials to meetings. Use conversation as a core business practice, asking strategic questions and participating in dialogue while creating space for others’ questions and experiences.
6. Keep informed about the organization, its issues, and its connection to the community through active participation within the organization, to include event attendance, and conscientious connections outside the organization.
7. Help cultivate and support a culture of giving in the organization and make a personally significant annual financial contribution to the organization.
8. As appropriate, use personal and professional contacts and expertise to benefit the organization, without compromising ethics or trespassing on relationships.
9. Actively serve on at least one committee on an ongoing basis.
- Additional Information
- Directors should expect to spend approximately 2-4 hours per month on the work of the organization.
- Regular board meetings are held on the fourth sunday of each month from 6-7PM (EST)
- Committee meetings are held monthly and schedules are decided upon by members of those committees.
- Directors serve a 3 year term with a limit of 2 consecutive terms per individual before taking at least 1 year away from the Board.
- We work outside of Board Meetings -- all Directors serve on a committee and volunteer for assignments.
- We care about the mission and values of MRF. Directors show up for MRF events and prioritize learning more about work and staff leading it.
- We commit to strengthening the foundational elements of our Board so policies, procedures and other elements are in place to provide clear direction to ourselves and staff members.
- How to Apply
To Apply, please contact Wesley Farrow at wfarrow@gmail.com