Role of the Board
The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for providing strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and ethical governance in support of the organization’s mission.
The Board exists to protect the long-term integrity of LHCOS and ensure that programs, policies, and partnerships remain aligned with animal welfare, conservation, and nonprofit best practices.
Board Responsibilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for:
- Upholding the mission and values of LHCOS
- Providing strategic direction and organizational oversight
- Ensuring financial responsibility and legal compliance
- Establishing and enforcing governance and ethics policies
- Reviewing and approving major programs, initiatives, and partnerships
- Supporting accountability, transparency, and risk management
Board members do not manage day-to-day operations.
Service & Compensation
Board members serve on a volunteer basis and receive no compensation for their service. Board service is a fiduciary role carried out in the best interest of the organization and the community it serves.
Board Composition
The Board is composed of individuals with a range of skills and perspectives relevant to LHCOS’s mission, which may include:
- Animal welfare and ethical care advocacy
- Education and community outreach
- Nonprofit governance and operations
- Program development and oversight
- Strategic planning and organizational growth
Board composition may change over time as organizational needs evolve.
Board Selection & Terms
Board members are selected in accordance with LHCOS bylaws and governance procedures. Terms, eligibility, and reappointment are governed internally to ensure continuity, accountability, and effective leadership.
Conflicts of Interest
All Board members are required to disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest and to act in accordance with LHCOS conflict of interest policies. Disclosure and recusal procedures are used when appropriate to protect organizational integrity.
Board affiliation does not grant personal, commercial, or organizational advantage.
Decision-Making & Oversight
The Board operates through structured meetings and established review processes. Some matters may be delegated to committees or officers, while others require full Board review.
Decisions are guided by mission impact, ethical standards, and the best interests of the organization.
Transparency
LHCOS is committed to appropriate transparency in governance. Public-facing governance information is provided to offer clarity and accountability while respecting volunteer privacy and organizational security.
Additional information about governance practices and policies is available on the Leadership & Governance and Policies & Governance pages.
Contact
Questions regarding Board governance may be submitted through the official contact channels listed on this website. Individual Board members are not contacted directly regarding operational matters.
Board Roster
The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors serving in fiduciary and oversight roles.
President
Stacy Griffith Wodicker
Vice President
Mary Akers
Secretary
Marcy Ramus
Treasurer
Danielle Hinerman
Director
Michelle Stephens
Board membership and officer roles may change over time in accordance with organizational bylaws and governance procedures.