Governance/Board of Trustees
Governance Overview
Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has a democratic model of leadership. A Board of Trustees is elected by the congregation at our annual Congregational Meeting in May. The Board has primary responsibility for planning, leadership, and broad oversight of the Fellowship. The minister provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and education. The duties of the Board and minister are outlined in SUUF’s bylaws.
Our Bylaws
Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Bylaws – the current version was approved by our Members at the Annual Congregational Meeting held on May 22, 2022.
Annual Congregational Meeting
The annual congregational meeting brings members together at the end of the regular church year, in May, to vote on the next church year’s operating budget, to elect Board of Trustee representatives and the Committee members specified by our bylaws. The board, minister, and lay leaders report the accomplishments of the past year. All are welcome to share in the conversation but only members of record may vote.
All members of the current Board of Trustees were elected by the SUUF Membership at our Annual Meeting held on Sunday, May 21, 2023. As stated in our bylaws, terms took effect on July 1, 2023, with officers serving a 2-year term, and members-at-large serving a 1-year term.
Board of Trustees
Tanya Mayer
President
Email: president@sedonauu.org
Tanya was elected to a two-year term in July, 2023, after serving a year as SUUF’s interim president. Raised in Kansas, she served other spiritual communities as a board member and as a volunteer coordinator. One of Tanya’s greatest joys is encouraging people to use their talents and skills in contributing to SUUF’s spiritual community. She is excited about SUUF’s vibrancy, its growth both in spiritual depth and in numbers, and the feeling of love and connectedness within our congregation.
Gary Stewart
Treasurer
Email: treasurer@sedonauu.org
Gary was appointed to the SUUF Board in September, 2021, and he was elected in May, 2023 to a two-year term. Given his accounting background, Gary is well suited to the treasurer position. Gary also helps Susannah manage the sound during SUUF services, which he finds harder than accounting!
Lee Klose
Secretary
Email: secretary@sedonauu.org
Lee was elected to a two-year term beginning July 2023. Joining SUUF this past year was a joyful event and she is looking forward to serving on the board and being part of this beloved, energetic, and amazing spiritual community here in Red Rock Country.
Elizabeth Herrell 
Member-at-Large
Email: elizabethherrell@gmail.com
Elizabeth was elected to serve on the board for the 2023-2024 year. She has been a SUUF member for over 5 years. She has been active in several Sedona organizations and looks forward to working with SUUF members in varied activities, especially fundraising through the annual spring Mardi Gras event.
Barb Malat
Member-at-Large
Email: bbmalat@gmail.com
Barb was elected to the board in 2023 and will be involved with different SUUF community activities.
Helen Knoll
Member-at-Large
Email: helen@sedonauu.org
Helen joined the Board in 2021, and was elected to second and third terms in 2022 and 2023. As part of her role, she serves on the Care Team and asks that you let her know of anyone who may appreciate a note of cheer.
Two governance committees are established in our bylaws with 3 members each serving staggered 3 year terms:
Leadership Development Committee
The LDC ensures consistent and continuous leadership by selecting nominees for positions to be filled and by providing leadership training to SUUF members. They also deliver leadership development programs. Meeting are held on an as-needed basis.
Minister Support Committee
This committee reviews, evaluates, and offers support to a new minister for three years through direct, clear and constructive communication in an effort to create a successful and nurturing ministry based on trust and mutual support. The MSC meets quarterly.