International Feng Shui Guild®
Board of Directors
The International Feng Shui Guild Board of Directors is the governing body of the IFSG and has:
1) responsibility for setting
a. norms and standards of behavior for the organization and its members, e.g. Code of Ethics
b. setting membership policy and procedures, such as membership & educational levels
2) organizational legal and fiduciary responsibility
3) responsibility for holding the values of Feng Shui in its operations and activities
As the Board is responsible for oversight of the entire IFSG, all board members are required to support, promote, uphold and speak for the vision and perspective of the whole organization rather than their personal perspective or the perspective of the individual committees which they may chair. Elected by IFSG Red Ribbon Professional and Professional members, the Board of Directors serve board terms as volunteers in the areas of finance, membership, marketing, education, and technology.
See our working relationships in this pictorial organization chart.
The 2011-2012 Board
Board Chair, Rosalie Prinzivalli
CEO, Laurie Bornstein
Secretary, Erin Sullivan
Treasurer, Carol Olmstead
Education Director, Mia Staysko
Marketing Director, Michelle Luongo
Membership Director, Bridget Saraka
General Board Member, Karen Ferraro
General Board Member, Maureen Calamia
Rosalie Prinzivalli, Board Chair
The Board Chair is an Officer of the IFSG responsible for leading the Board; developing and refining Board roles and structures, while maintaining the integrity of all Board functions. The Chair partners with the CEO and with each Board Member for the successful completion of their individual tasks.
Rosalie has been an IFSG and NYC Chapter member since 2002. She first served as Treasurer and Assistant Chapter Director for the NYC Chapter and has served at the national level since 2005 as IFSG Membership Director, co-author of the IFSG Glossary, and Chair of 2006-2007 Planning Board and 2007-2009 Board.
As Board Chair, I will continue to (1) manage the strategic direction of the Board and the IFSG while ensuring that new tasks or directions continue to align with our mission; (2) finalize Board procedures to ensure smooth transitions for all leadership positions; and (3) guide the Board to listen for differences among us or in the broader Feng Shui community, so we can discover the meaning behind those differences and the hidden solutions within them.
Laurie Bornstein, CEO
The CEO works in partnership with the Board Chair, and is appointed by and is responsible to the Board of Directors. As leader, visionary, decision maker and manager, the CEO has many responsibilities including:
• Implementing the strategic plans and policies established by the Board.
• Managing IFSG operations, human resources, financial and physical resources.
• Interfacing between the board, our staff and members; and between the IFSG, the Feng Shui community, and other organizations.
Laurie has participated on the IFSG in a variety of roles. She is one of the founding members of the Education committee and past committee chair. She served as the Education Director from 2006-2009, and CEO from 2007-2009. Prior to Laurie's Feng Shui practice and study, she worked within the corporate retail industry and later owned and operated a nationally recognized Feng Shui based Interior Design company. Her extensive experience at establishing and running all aspects of a business, both independent and corporate is a tremendous asset to our organization.
As CEO, it is my intention to promote and support the Feng Shui community through the establishment of standards, guidelines, and a variety of opportunities for both practitioners and schools. I will work creatively with the members of the Board while developing organizational strategies to achieve the goals and direction they provide. Together we will create an environment that welcomes practitioners and teachers throughout the Feng Shui community, and establishes the IFSG as the primary resource for information about Feng Shui training, conferences, schools, and practitioners.
Erin Sullivan, Secretary
The Secretary is an Officer of the IFSG responsible for creating and maintaining the IFSG information and records including ByLaws, Board Minutes, and Board Resolutions. The Secretary also assists the Board Chair as needed.
Erin is a Red Ribbon Professional member of the Guild. She has studied intuition, yoga, space clearing, color systems, and the principles of design.
As Secretary, my focus will be on the Mission of the Guild increasing awareness of the International Feng Shui Guild and the maintenance of corporate records. I intend to facilitate communication among fellow Board members and the greater Feng Shui community.
Carol Olmstead, Treasurer
An Officer of the IFSG, the Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee and is responsible for (1) overseeing IFSG finances to ensure its viability, (2) providing regular financial reporting to the Board and an annual report to members, and (3) complying with IRS statutes.
A long-time member of the Guild, Carol has served on many nonprofit boards, ranging from Business and Professional Women to the American Lung Association. She has been a Financial Development Officer for the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC, where she secured and managed what was then the single largest grant the organization had received. Carol also brings her experience in managing special events for nonprofits that required fiscal accountability and reporting, plus her business savvy, intuition, and communications expertise from running a successful business for almost 25 years.
As IFSG Treasurer, my goal is to provide clear and concise reporting to the Board so we can be accountable to our membership and at all times know the viability of our organization. At the same time, I will assure that we comply with all Government reporting requirements on time and adhere to sound financial policies and budget oversight.
Mia Staysko, Education Director
The Education Director chairs the Education Committee and is responsible for: (1) supporting educational standards and resources (2) developing continuing education criteria, and (3) encouraging participation of Feng Shui Schools in support of IFSG principles, standards and Universal Topics.
Mia is a Red Ribbon member of the IFSG. She is an Interior Designer, Feng Shui practitioner, teacher and a lifelong learner. She believes strongly in the need for quality ongoing education and in encouraging open thought and communication between diverse schools and related disciplines.
As Education Director it is my intention to build upon the work of the previous Education Director: encouraging new students to seek qualified educators, advanced students to engage in continuing education, and to challenge professional Feng Shui schools to provide the highest quality of education for their students.
Michelle Luongo, Marketing Director
The Marketing Director chairs the Marketing Committee, and is responsible for: (1) strategic marketing, (2) Marketing Communications, Public Relations, Event Marketing, (3) Advertising direction and planning.
Michelle has served as co-director of the Web Committee, participated in the Education Committee and is a Red Ribbon Professional member. She brings to the position over 25 years of experience as a Sales & Marketing Director in the corporate arena. Her technical background includes certification by Microsoft as a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer). Most recently, Michelle has delved into Web Design and e-commerce solutions. Michelle enjoys working in collaboration and believes that sharing our unique skills and talents is essential to the continued growth of IFSG.
As Marketing Director, it is my intention is to broaden and maximize the IFSG's online presence. I am looking forward to encouraging a consistent marketing and web message. My goal is to maintain and improve online visibility and communicate opportunities to create further awareness of the IFSG.
Bridget Saraka, Membership Director
The Membership Director chairs the Membership Committee and is responsible for (1) supporting, communicating with and assisting member and Chapter Directors, (2) enhancing the value of membership for members worldwide, (3) ensuring all members are in compliance with the IFSG Bylaws and Code of Ethics.”
Bridget is a Red Ribbon Professional, an Internationally Certified Feng Shui Consultant and a Real Estate Staging Professional. Her Feng Shui practice integrates 20 years of experience in home construction, interior decorating, textile and home decor merchandising, as well as complimentary and acute health care modalities. Her compassion, empathy, willingness to focus on the unique gifts of others, along with her ability to see unlimited possibilities will be valuable assets as Membership Director.
As Membership Director, my goals are to increase membership, support our Chapters and Facebook Virtual Chapter, and to support continuing education for current Red Ribbon Professional members. I am also looking forward to working with the IFSG Board and Membership Committee to educate the public and non-IFSG Feng Shui practitioners about the invaluable opportunities that an IFSG membership offers.
Karen Ferraro, General Board Member
General Board Members report to the Board Chair and are full voting members of the Board. Although not required to Chair any "Standing Committees", General Board Members may be asked to lead Task Forces on special projects that support the Board and membership, assist the Board Chair and CEO as needed.
As co-marketing director in her prior term and a member of the IFSG Board since 2006, Karen built the IFSG “Powerful Marketing Strategies” Series, a library of marketing articles for members—co-created and written by the marketing committee, and the “Press Center for IFSG Members” with Press Release tips and templates. Karen has extensive expertise in marketing, fund-raising, communications, networking and business development.
As General Board member, I will support the Board, our members and the broader Feng Shui community by building greater awareness of Feng Shui and the benefits of the IFSG as well as focusing on member benefits and supporting members in their personal / professional marketing.
Maureen Calamia, General Board Member
General Board Members report to the Board Chair and are full voting members of the Board. Although not required to Chair any "Standing Committees", General Board Members may be asked to lead Task Forces on special projects that support the Board and membership, assist the Board Chair and CEO as needed.
Maureen has served on the IFSG Board as Co-Director of Marketing, worked as a marketing consultant for over 20 years and has led projects and served in marketing leadership positions for Fortune 500 clients. She previously served on the Board of Women in Direct Marketing International’s NY Chapter (WDMI) and is currently on the Board of Directors for a local nature education organization in Smithtown, NY.
As a General Board member, I intend to support the Board, our members and the broader Feng Shui community by participating on task forces and Board projects. I will continue to chair the Green Living & Design Committee as well as offer recommendations and feedback based on prior role experiences. My goals are to continue to help promote the awareness and confidence of Feng Shui.