As a member-driven organization, the HFSA relies on its members, particularly those members that volunteer on committees to help achieve the association's mission and maintain the organization. With this in mind, on May 9, 2019 the HFSA Board of Directors approved a range of reforms and improvements to the committee structure and processes at HFSA. The goal of these reforms and improvements is to enhance HFSA's committees so that they are more effective, efficient and can provide a more fulfilling experience for HFSA's member-volunteers.

The transition for these committee reforms will occur after the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting in September. There will be no immediate changes to any of HFSA's committees. All current Task Forces will complete their work and not be impacted by the changes outlined below.

The Committee Reforms Approved by the Board of Directors include:

• Consistent membership size for HFSA committees.
  Committees and task forces will have 7 members, including the committee chair. Clarifying the membership size will help to improve the efficiency of the committee's work as well as enhance membership engagement. The transition to seven-member committees will be done over the next few years and no member will lose their position before their term expires.
• HFSA members will serve on one committee at a time.
  This will open additional positions for volunteers on HFSA committees, compensating for smaller committee sizes overall, and allow each volunteer to better focus their attention and expertise.  This transition will also take place over the next few years.
• Board members will not serve on committees or task forces.
  This will clarify the role of the Board as the governing entity at HFSA, while committees and task forces conduct the work of the organization in collaboration with HFSA staff as directed by the Board. This change will help to offset the decrease in committee positions and emphasize the leadership of committee chairs. Board members serving on committees and task forces will end after ASM in September.
• One-year appointments with possible one-year reappointment.
  One-year terms with the possibility of reappointment (for a total of two years) will help to ensure that members are actively engaged in the work of the committee and allow for the opportunity to replace a volunteer who is no longer able to commit to the work of the committee.
• Each committee or task force will have one chair.
  This will lead to clearer roles and responsibilities and enhance accountability. For transition purposes, the Nursing Committee will have two co-chairs for the 2019-2020 cycle and will then move to one chair.
• Patient Committee.
  A new Patient Committee at HFSA will be developed. This new committee will focus on providing oversight of HFSA patient initiatives, including patient education initiatives.
• Leadership Recruitment Committee.
  A new Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) will be created to replace the current Nominating Committee. The LRC will recruit and nominate high quality leaders for positions on the Board of Directors, officers of the association and association committees. The LRC will also seek association volunteers to serve the association through involvement in special projects, participation on panels, and other volunteer opportunities

In summer 2019, HFSA will launch a webinar for HFSA committee chairs, members and staff liaisons that will provide information on best practices for association committees. The webinar will help chairs, members and staff liaisons as they conduct the work of the association.

As stated above, the goal of these reforms is to improve HFSA overall functioning as well as improve the volunteer experience at HFSA. We will continue to seek ways to enhance the HFSA and would appreciate your input as we continue to do so. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the HFSA staff liaison to your committee or another HFSA staff member.