*1.Vice President(Required.)

Barbara Perry
J. Wilson Newman Professor in Presidential Studies and Co-Chair, Presidential Oral History Program University of Virginia Miller Center
I am running for FLARE’s vice presidency because of my interest and expertise in presidents and first ladies. My fascination with the Kennedys inspired me to write Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier; a biography of Rose Kennedy; and Reconcilable Differences combining my JFK affinity with my new understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt. I am a FLARE Lifetime member and have participated in its programs. As a member of the White House Historical Association Board and chair of its Education Committee, I will be working with WHHA Board colleague and FLARE board member, Anita McBride, in planning/executing the 2029 Presidential Sites Summit focusing on First Ladies and spotlighting FLARE on the national stage. I am a frequent media commentator and have been working with junior colleagues in First Ladies Studies with hopes these activities will attract and engage new members in FLARE’s mission.

Write-in

*2.Member at Large Vote for no more than 2(Required.)

Bob Bostock
Executive Communications Consultant
Although I am a relatively new member of FLARE, I have been involved in sharing the story of America’s presidents and first ladies for more than 35 years.In 1990, I wrote the exhibit text covering the Nixon presidency when his presidential library opened that year. In 2011-12, I curated and wrote Mrs. Nixon's centennial exhibit. At its opening, David Ferriero, Archivist of the U.S. called the exhibit, "impeccably researched and beautifully presented; I continue to work with the Nixon Library developing special exhibits. I was recently named co-chair of FLARE's communications committee. As a Board member, I would provide a direct link between the Board and that committee.

Sarah Fling
Historian White House Historical Association
Over seven years at the White House Historical Association, I have championed the study of first ladies —from publishing a chapter in The Cambridge Companion to First Ladies, to creating the Association’s “First Lady Friday” social media series, to speaking at public forums on the topic. I first became involved with FLARE through my graduate studies at American University, and have often collaborated with FLARE through my work at the Association, including moderating and participating in virtual programs. My passion is making this history accessible to new generations. As the youngest woman on the board of the National Museum of American History and a leader in the Youth250 Bureau, I bring a history of board service and knowledge about what Gen Z seeks from historical organizations. I would love to couple this expertise with my scholarship and enthusiasm for first lady studies to bring new audiences to FLARE’s important mission.

Michelle Gullion
Director of Collections & Research, National First Ladies Library and Museum
My ongoing involvement with FLARE reflects a professional commitment to advancing the study and interpretation of America’s First Ladies. Through conference participation, presentations, and engagement with colleagues in the field, I value FLARE as an important forum for scholarship, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. For more than twenty years as Senior Director of Curatorial Services at the National First Ladies Library & Museum, I have researched, interpreted, and developed exhibitions and programs centered on the lives, experiences, and historical significance of First Ladies. My work has included collaboration with presidential libraries, museums, historic sites, scholars, and cultural institutions across the country. As a Board Member at Large, I would bring this experience together with a genuine commitment to FLARE’s mission. I welcome the opportunity to contribute actively, strengthen professional partnerships, encourage thoughtful and inclusive scholarship, and help expand understanding of First Ladies and their place in American history.

Andrew Och
The First Ladies Man
From trip number one through Virginia on my unique journey as a Series Producer for the C-SPAN/WHHA television series “First Ladies: Influence and Image,” I knew my life would be forever changed. This unique sorority of women, our United States First Ladies were too important and influential for it to have not been. When the series was over, my life as the First Ladies Man had just begun. In fact, they made me the First Ladies Man I am today. I began speaking publicly about the First Ladies in May 2014 and I haven’t stopped since. When I was invited to join FLARE, I couldn’t give my lifetime membership fees fast enough. Advancing my current involvement with FLARE is the natural next step. I want to give back and continue my work in any way possible to advance the knowledge, research and awareness of these incredible women.

Write-in

*3.Bylaws Amendment: New content is in red and reason is in italics
Article II: Membership, Section 2. A4
Student members have access to all privileges of individual members; however, students may not
serve as an officer or committee chair but may serve as a committee member.
Reason for suggested amendment: Students may not have the experience to chair a committee or
serve as an officer.(Required.)

Yes

No

*4.Bylaws Amendment:
Article II: Membership, Section 2, B
To maintain membership status, an individual or group member shall pay annual dues by the renewal date. Dues for each membership category shall be recommended by the Executive Council and approved by the Board. Life members pay a one-time dues and are exempt from annual dues thereafter. Honorary members do not pay dues.

Reason for suggested amendment: For consistency, Board approval should be required, as it is for other actions recommended by the Executive Council. The Board bestowed the honor of membership to recognize special contributions. This clarifies that status.(Required.)

Yes

No

*5.Bylaws Amendment:

Section 2. The Board.
B. Duties. The Board shall promote the Association as appropriate to lend credibility and visibility to the mission, have fiduciary responsibility, and suggest fundraising opportunities and/or donors. Each board member has a fiduciary responsibility to contribute or solicit a minimum level of funding per annum as determined by the Executive Council with Board approval.

Reason for suggested amendment: It is common for nonprofit boards to either give or get contributions to better guarantee an association’s long-term viability. At the 2026 retreat the board voted to require its members to make or obtain annual contributions. The amount will be determined annually.(Required.)

Yes

No

*6.Bylaws Amendment:
Section 3. Journal Editor (ex officio). [NEW SECTION]
A. Editor. The Journal Editor will be appointed by the Executive Council for a term recommended by the Executive Council and set by the Board, with the option of renewal at the discretion of the Executive Council. The Journal Editor must be a member of FLARE at the time of appointment and must maintain membership in FLARE throughout the term of service. The Journal Editor will report to the Board as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the Board. The Journal Editor will not receive compensation.
B. Duties. It is expected that the Journal Editor will attend FLARE events as appropriate and actively participate in the cultivation of the journal and appoint an editorial board.
The Editor will carry out the mission of FLARE, have editorial experience relevant to an academic journal, knowledge of word processing, document collaboration, and e-publishing; and the ability to work with authors from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Reason for suggested amendment: An early draft of the By-laws included this section, but the
Board determined that it should not be included until such time as the journal was launched. It is
important to have a clear process for appointing the editor and outlining expectations for the
position. Ex officio status provides a way for the editor to regularly communicate with the
Board.(Required.)

Yes

No

*7.Bylaws Amendment:
Section 4. American University School of Public Affairs Liaison (ex officio). [New Section]
A. Liaison. The Liaison will serve as a diplomatic link to FLARE’s academic affiliate, American University School of Public Affairs (SPA) and will serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Board. The Liaison shall have a connection to American University and will be appointed jointly by the Executive Council and the SPA Dean and will serve a permanent term until circumstances require succession. Appointment of a Liaison does not preclude other FLARE members as designated contacts for specific projects.
B. Duties. The Liaison shall perform all duties incidental to the liaison role such as communicating on behalf of FLARE, negotiating support for FLARE activities such as conferences, and proposing updated terms of the Memorandum of Agreement as needed.

Reason for suggested amendment: FLARE has a Memorandum of Understanding with American University’s School of Public Affairs, which is an institutional member of FLARE. Because of initial financial support in establishing FLARE and continued support of FLARE conferences, it is important to maintain a direct line of communication with the Dean or other entities within the School. It is easier for someone connected to American University to do so.(Required.)

Yes

No

*8.Ballot Amendment:
Change Section 3 Standing Committees to Section 5. Delete “and members elected by the general membership.
Change Section 4 Ad Hoc Committees to Section 6 and delete “such as nominating and audit”
Change Section 5 to Section 7

Reasons for suggested amendments: Because of the addition of sections, renumbering is necessitated. Deletion of “and members elected by the general membership” is necessary because it restricts the president’s ability to add members as needed or replace members who resign. The practice for five years was not to include committee members on the ballot.(Required.)

Yes

No

*9.Ballot Amendment:
Add new Sections 8 and 9
Section 8. Limitation of participation. No officer or board member can serve on more than two committees at one time. Officers may serve as non-voting ex officio committee members.
Reason for suggested amendment: The Board wants to involve as many FLARE members as possible in the association’s activities and this prevents a few individuals from dominating activities and decisions.

Section 9. Removal of Officers. Elected and appointed officers and chairs and members of committees may be removed from office and/or official duties for reasons of: (1) being unable to carry out the duties of the position, (2) failure to perform the expected duties of the position, and/or (3) inappropriate behavior that jeopardizes the mission and legal standing of the association.
Reason for suggested amendment: A survey of nonprofit association By-laws indicated that this section is common practice and provides legal standing. This protects the association from members who cannot perform their duties because of illness or inappropriate behavior.(Required.)

Yes

No

*10.Ballot Amendment:
Article V: Elections, Section 3. Voting
Upon approval of a slate of candidates, FLARE will issue a ballot to the full voting membership in October. Members will have two weeks [original language was four weeks] to complete and send in an electronic vote. Winners will be determined by plurality voting, and in the case of two at-large board member positions on the ballot, the top two candidates with the most votes will be elected. Election results will be announced in November. Newly elected officers and board members will take office on January 1 of the next calendar year.
Reason for suggested amendment: This shortens the election cycle. Past experience indicates that the majority of members vote within the first week that the ballot is posted and the remainder do so after a deadline reminder. Early is deleted because it is not necessary to submit the ballot at the beginning of the month with a shortened voting period.

Article IX, Section 2. "Any amendment would need a two-thirds vote by the members of the Association who cast votes in order to be adopted. Members have --- two weeks [original language was four weeks] prior to the vote to consider the proposed amendment. All notifications regarding amendments shall be sent to the members via e-mail and described on the Association’s website at least four weeks prior to voting. Voting may be conducted in-person at the annual business meeting or via electronic means."
Reason for suggested amendment: As with voting, in the past questions were submitted with two weeks of emailing the proposed changes to members.(Required.)

Yes

No