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Executive Committee

TSC Executive Committee is composed of research executives from each of the member organizations that have signed onto the TSC MOU. The Executive Committee will work with the Committee of Scientists (COS) and the TSC Executive Director to fulfill its responsibilities. Executive Committee members also may fulfill some responsibilities (e.g., public outreach) as individuals.

The specific responsibilities of the Executive Committee are to:

Support the TSC

The Executive Committee will provide executive level support for the TSC and its operations. This includes supporting the activities of the COS and the Executive Director within their own institutions and through their individual or collective interactions with agency leaders and stakeholder representatives. The Executive Committee will have an ongoing responsibility to support all of the TSC efforts, as long as the TSC operates with high standards of integrity and objectivity.

Provide Advice

The Executive Committee will provide advice and strategic direction to the COS and the TSC Executive Director. This input will be used to shape the vision and guide the evolution of the TSC.

Appoint COS Members

Each Executive Committee member will appoint two individuals from their institution or agency to serve as members of the Committee of Scientists. In identifying COS members, the Executive Committee will take the following factors into consideration: 1) broad knowledge with respect to area of expertise; 2) balanced representation among the research institutions; and 3) the individual’s commitment to contribute to the advancement of science in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Each member of the Executive Committee is expected to facilitate the process whereby their institution or agency provides time for the COS representative’s participation at no cost to the TSC. The term of appointments shall be in accordance with the terms specified in section c below.

Executive Director Selection and Review

The Executive Committee is responsible for the selection and performance review of the Executive Director. At its discretion, the Executive Committee may choose to transfer these responsibilities to a subcommittee of its membership, which will serve as the Executive Director selection panel or review panel as appropriate. The Executive Committee may solicit input from the COS or choose to involve the COS chairperson(s) in fulfilling the subcommittee’s responsibilities; however, all personnel decisions regarding the Executive Director are ultimately the responsibility of the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee:

Terry Surles, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President for Research

Desert Research Institute

Station Director

Pacific Southwest Research Station of the US Forest Service

Position currently in transition