TLA Board Accepting Nominations

Have you considered seeking election to The Landings Association’s Board but don’t know quite what to expect in terms of time commitment and overall duties?

You are not alone. At some point before deciding to run for the Board, my fellow directors and I pondered this very same question. Serving on the Board is a commitment and a responsibility, but it also is very fulfilling work. The good news is as an active member of the Board you still will have plenty of time to enjoy the Landings’ lifestyle.

I want to share some thoughts on Board service from some of our newest directors. I start with first-year member Judy Monaco, who I believe sums up serving on the Association’s Board very well. 

“While I was initially a bit hesitant to join TLA’s board, not knowing the amount of work involved, I am very happy that I did,” she said. “The work is not overwhelming, and it is far more rewarding than I ever imagined. I have learned so much about the community and how the Association runs. It makes me wish everyone had the orientation that I had. I have grown a whole new respect for the management and staff now that I see how hard they work behind the scenes and how well they each do their jobs. It has really been a pleasure to get to know each of them, as well as my fellow board members, and it is gratifying to know that we are making a difference in the community.”

As Judy mentioned, Board Directors work with our capable, professional staff to help fulfill our members’ expectations. We are seeking people committed to making The Landings healthy, attractive, and desirable for our neighbors, friends, and future residents.

We are fortunate to have an outstanding General Manager and dedicated professional staff who handle all of our day-to-day operations. We want candidates willing to commit time and lend their talents to help develop policy, as it is the Board’s function to give our staff direction in pursuit of the community’s greater goals for the future. We want people who are willing to serve and are committed to working together to ensure The Landings remains a vital community by working constructively with our staff and respecting all the various viewpoints presented in making policy decisions.

Mark Winters, another new Board Member, also had no idea what to expect as an incoming Director. However, he reports he has no regrets for deciding to serve.

“While I wanted to give back to this wonderful community we enjoy so very much, I was unsure what to expect as a board member for The Landings Association,” he said. “Serving on the Board has been so much more than an opportunity to give back. It has been a rewarding experience to work with some very talented and intelligent staff and fellow board members. I have also gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain our wonderful island and the lifestyle we all enjoy daily. Now, as I ride the paths and trails, walk the docks at the Marinas, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature daily in The Landings, I realize this awesome community does not just happen on its own. It takes an amazing number of volunteers on committees and the Board of Directors supporting the work of staff to ensure we will enjoy this island and this lifestyle for many years to come.”

Hal Duensing, who joined the Board in January 2020, agrees with Mark that joining the Board has been one of the best decisions he has made in terms of giving back to this wonderful community he calls home. He is hopeful others will consider doing the same.

“My election to TLA’s Board is my final point of service to the Landings community,” Duensing said. “I served several years on two different TLA committees. I also was involved in the Incorporation studies and have volunteered for several community efforts through Landlovers and other groups. I have never regretted a single hour I have dedicated to this community and encourage others to become involved to make this place even better than it is now. I take pride in the time I have spent being active and hope that my efforts make a difference. I look forward to the next few years of my term and working with staff and fellow Board members on future issues.”

The Landings is a unique community with many talented individuals, many of whom already have served on the Association’s Board and others who would make perfect additions to our team of Directors. However, it is incumbent upon my fellow residents to realize that they can be a part of the positive change they wish to see in The Landings. Eric Larson, a new Director, wanted to help make a positive difference in the community and said he is so glad he got involved.

“I was pleased to be nominated for TLA’s Board,” Larson said. “Several of my friends and neighbors had experience on TLA committees and the Board, and they recommended the service opportunity. A compelling aspect is that this is our wonderful, private community to maintain and improve as residents, not the duty of some developer or detached county or state office. We are fortunate to have a very professional management team working hard to please us, but we as residents need to take ownership with involvement, direction, and feedback. I felt it was my turn to pitch in and help when asked.”

I hope like Eric, that many of you will feel it is “your turn” and submit an application. Remember, you also can nominate a friend or neighbor who you believe would be a good addition to the Association’s Board. To submit a Board Candidate Application, please visit landings.org/board-candidate-application. You also can learn more and become more involved by applying to serve on any of our committees. To submit a Committee Application, please visit landings.org/committee-membership-application.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact any Board director or email me (jgm514@bellsouth.net) to discuss your interest in serving or to recommend others.