Carol Wallace Seeks A Return To Power Offered Through Passage Of The One Member, One Vote Initiative

Carol Wallace went from powerful to powerless.

Wallace, president and chief executive officer of San Diego-based Carol Wallace & Associates, held IAVM’s strongest position when she served as chair (then called president) of the Association in 1999-2000. It was during Wallace’s oversight that IAVM moved to its new headquarters in Coppell, Texas. For years, she led the San Diego Convention Center before retiring to start her own business to provide the industry with consulting services in a variety of areas including marketing and communications, venue management, staff development and operations, public affairs and community outreach and venue development and expansions.

And it was there that one of the industry’s most influential women lost her right to vote on IAVM matters, despite the fact her knowledge and insight dictated she should have the opportunity to cast votes on Association business.

Wallace will not be voting on May 19 on the One Member, One Vote initiative, which comes up for a vote by members and follows extensive study, review and open discussion over the last two years, at which point the IAVM Board of Directors voted unanimously to bring forward proposed changes to the bylaws that would make the Association more inclusive and diverse in its decision making. As a means to incorporate the perspective of all IAVM members, these changes would allow every member of IAVM equal opportunity to engage in the Association through the right to vote. These proposed changes must be approved by two-thirds of the current voting members of IAVM.

The passage of the vote, however, could return Wallace to a voting status.

“Building a stronger IAVM is at the core of the One Member, One Vote initiative,” Wallace said. “Allowing greater participation will help enhance IAVM’s overall position as a leader in the industry while valuing the diversity of voices in the industry to help shape our collective future.”

Wallace is closer to IAVM than most after having served in the capacity of interim executive director of the Association last year prior to the hiring of Brad Mayne, CFE. But because she is now an Allied member, Wallace would not be allowed to vote if the change is not adopted.

“My years of experience in the industry, and working on behalf of IAVM, give me much to offer the organization as it continues to build on its years of success,” she added. “I hope that my perspective, offered as a vote, will be adopted so I can continue to be engaged with the organization and the overall industry.”