Dear Members,
I’m pleased to share that the year-long comprehensive review of our AIFD Bylaws has been successfully completed. This significant effort was initiated at the recommendation of our former Executive Directors from California, who felt it was time for a deep dive review to ensure that our Bylaws fully comply with California state laws governing 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations—the state in which AIFD was originally established.
Under the guidance of our legal partners at Kahan, Soares & Conway, LLP, a dedicated task force was appointed to conduct this thorough review. Working closely with the Bylaws, Ethical Standards, Nominations, and Elections (BESNE) Committee, the task force carefully examined every section of the Bylaws to confirm both their integrity and legal compliance.
I’m pleased to report that the final version of the revised Bylaws was approved by the Task Force, the BESNE Committee, and the National Board of Directors. Most of the updates you will see involve language refinements and structural adjustments—changes that clarify intent and organization while ensuring that the meaning, values, and spirit of our original Bylaws remain fully intact.
The approved final version will be included in your election packet, which will be sent to you via email around February 24, 2026. We strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to read through the document carefully. Your familiarity with our guiding governance document helps strengthen transparency, engagement, and unity across our organization.
I would like to thank the members of this task force, Renee Tucci, Tim Farrell, Jodi McShan, Theresa Colucci, Todd Bussey and Brent Leech for their time and dedication to this project.
If you have any questions or need clarification about the new Bylaws, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to AIFD.
Warm regards,
Laurie Lemek, Past President
Chair, Bylaws, Ethical Standards, Nominations, and Elections Committee
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
