OAA members who volunteer on Committees are vital to the Association’s work, with a diversity of voices, opinions, skills and knowledge critical to its decision-making process.
Right now, there are vacancies opening up for three-year terms in 11 OAA groups, ranging from the Regulatory, Interns and Communications Committees to the Sustainable Built Environments Committee (SBEC) and Policy Advocacy Coordination Team (PACT). If you’ve ever considered sharing your skills, perspective and experience to serve the profession and the public interest, now is the time! (To find out more about how to put your name forward by October 18,
click here.)
To help demystify what OAA Committees do and what work is involved, we’ll be sharing the stories of OAA volunteers on the blOAAg over the month of September. Today, we’re talking with Catherine Hermon of the Audit Committee.
1. Who are you?
I am an OAA member in Toronto, but not currently working in architecture. Beginning to near retirement in my current field, I would like to return to working in architecture on a part-time basis. I also have a graduate degree in business.
2. Why did you decide to join the Audit Committee?
I wanted to get more involved with the OAA. I don’t currently work in the field—I’m in government finance/policy—but I was inspired by [OAA Past President] John Stephenson during his farewell speech at the OAA Annual Convention in Toronto in 2018!
The Audit Committee aligned with the work I do in my current position with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, so it seemed like a natural fit.
3. What kind of things do you do as a member?
As a member of the audit committee, I review the draft auditor’s annual report, attend audit committee meetings (to ensure there is a quorum), provide comments/feedback to OAA staff and members of the Audit Committee and discuss management’s role in preparing the report—without the presence of management.
4. What are the meetings like?
They’re formal, but low key. Comments and questions are welcome. OAA staff is highly professional, know a lot about the Association and are very supportive of the Audit Committee members. We discuss snippets of OAA activities outside of the audit of the Annual Report, which is fun. The meetings are twice per year.
5. Why should someone join the group?
It doesn’t require much time. You learn about OAA expenses, revenue and regulatory requirements as a professional organization. And the staff is welcoming.