Get Involved
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Join the Board
2025 nominations have been collected and the election has been held. We’re excited to include a few new faces in 2025 and grateful to our 2024 Board Members. If you’re interested in serving, please stay in touch for 2026!
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Join a Committee
Committees are a great way to contribute your expertise and work collaboratively with other members. PAFPM is always looking for more volunteers to be on committees. Reach out to us if you’re interested and see details in the section below:
The Board:
At the Pennsylvania Association of Floodplain Managers (PAFPM), our dedicated board members contribute their time and expertise to advance our mission. Each role is designed to be manageable and engaging, allowing members to participate in meaningful ways while supporting our community. Here’s a brief overview of our key leadership positions:
Chair
The Chair leads PAFPM by facilitating productive discussions and ensuring initiatives stay on track. This role includes overseeing leadership meetings, coordinating our annual conference, finalizing the newsletter content, and participating in educational initiatives, such as NFIP surveys. It’s a rewarding position that allows for meaningful engagement without overwhelming demands.
Vice Chair
The Vice Chair supports the Chair and works alongside various committees to help them achieve their goals. Responsibilities include coordinating committee meetings and hosting informal check-ins to track progress. This role is a great opportunity to connect with others while helping committees thrive.
Treasurer
The Treasurer plays a vital role in maintaining PAFPM’s financial health with manageable responsibilities. This includes processing a few payments each year, monitoring the bank account, and ensuring conference budgets are on track. It’s a straightforward role that helps keep our organization running smoothly.
Secretary
The Secretary enhances PAFPM’s communication and online presence by managing the website and keeping it up to date with events and resources. This position involves creating and promoting events, assisting with membership inquiries, and sending out communications via email and LinkedIn. It’s a flexible role that allows for creativity and connection with our members.
Together, our board members contribute to improving floodplain management practices across Pennsylvania. Participating on the board is a great way to make professional connections and have a positive impact on our communities while balancing your other commitments.
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The Chair serves as the central leader of the organization, ensuring smooth coordination and progress on key initiatives. Responsibilities include:
Overseeing Leadership Meetings: Board members report directly to the Chair, who ensures productive discussions and follow-ups.
Conference Coordination: Takes the lead to ensure the annual conference is successfully planned and executed.
Newsletter Finalization: Oversees the content and distribution of the PAFPM newsletter.
Education/Outreach: Has historically been involved in educational initiatives, including work on NFIP surveys.
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The Vice Chair plays a key supporting role by managing the activities of various committees. Duties include:
Committee Coordination: Works closely with committee chairs to organize and run meetings and ensure committees are aligned with the organization’s goals.
Committee Chair Meetings: Hosts meetings specifically with committee leads to track progress and provide guidance.
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The Secretary manages PAFPM’s communication and digital presence. Responsibilities include:
Website Management: Regularly updates the website with new content, events, and resources.
Event Creation & Promotion: Handles event creation and advertisement on the website and other platforms.
Membership Assistance: Troubleshoots issues related to membership payments and accounts.
Communications: Sends emails, posts on LinkedIn, and manages the PAFPM Gmail account to keep members informed.
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The Treasurer is responsible for the organization’s financial health. Key responsibilities include:
Payment Processing: Handles collection and deposit of payments, typically around 10 paper checks annually.
Bank Account Monitoring: Ensures accurate financial reporting, including pulling monthly statements for board meetings.
Conference Budgeting: Ensures sufficient funds are available for conference expenses and manages payments going out.
Committees:
The Pennsylvania Association of Floodplain Managers (PAFPM) thrives through the efforts of our dedicated committees. Each committee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission while providing members with opportunities to contribute without a significant time commitment. Here’s a brief overview of our active committees:
Mapping and Technical Committee
This committee focuses on the technical aspects of floodplain management. Responsibilities include selecting and organizing informative webinars, reviewing conference presentation submissions, compiling technical guidance and resources, and representing PAFPM at various conferences. Members can engage in meaningful discussions while enhancing their technical knowledge.
Membership and Education Committee
This committee is dedicated to growing PAFPM and offering valuable educational opportunities. Key activities involve recruiting new members, managing sponsorships for our annual conference, and identifying training sessions. Committee members coordinate social media outreach and schedule webinars, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in community engagement and education.
Policy and Legislative Committee
This committee leads advocacy efforts and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing floodplain management practices. Responsibilities include developing outreach to NFIP communities to assess their needs, organizing discussions on equity in floodplain mitigation, and promoting important surveys. Members can make a significant impact through straightforward tasks that influence policy and advocacy.
Conference Committee
This committee is responsible for planning and executing the annual PAFPM conference, ensuring it meets the needs of our members and runs smoothly. Members engage in organizing various aspects of the conference, from logistics to programming, making it a rewarding way to contribute to our community.
Each committee offers a welcoming environment where members can collaborate, share ideas, and make a positive impact without overwhelming demands. Participating in a committee is a great way to build professional connections and contribute to the future of floodplain management in Pennsylvania.
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This committee plans, organizes, and executes the annual PAFPM conference, ensuring it runs smoothly and meets the needs of the membership.
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This committee focuses on the technical aspects of floodplain management. Responsibilities include:
Selecting and organizing technical webinars.
Reviewing conference presentation submissions.
Compiling technical guidance and resources.
Representing PAFPM at other conferences.
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This committee is focused on growing PAFPM and providing educational opportunities. Their responsibilities include:
Recruiting new members and managing sponsorships for the annual conference.
Identifying training and education opportunities.
Coordinating social media and email outreach efforts.
Tasks for this year include webinar scheduling, social media education, and outreach to lapsed and potential new members (including students).
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This committee leads the charge in advocacy and policy. Current initiatives include:
Developing and distributing a poll to over 2,000 NFIP communities in PA to assess floodplain assistance needs and support additional staffing.
Creating a panel discussion on equity in floodplain mitigation, with a focus on rural and low-value properties.
Promoting the NFIP community survey.
Reviewing FEMA’s Grant Cost Benefit Analysis and identifying training needs for improvement.
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Do you have unique ideas, skills, or talents you'd like to share with us? We welcome your contributions! Please get in touch to explore how you can get involved and help us make a difference.