2026 Bylaws for the Northwest Women’s Pool Association (NWPA) 

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Northwest Women’s Pool Association

CURRENT 2026 NWPA BOARD

Angela Higgins, President 

Aimee Wilson-McDonnell, Executive Director & Treasurer

Kira North, Venue Liaison & Entry Management 

Sophia Tran, Fundraising & Media

Chris Roger, Tournament Director

Mike Dominguez, Tour Consultant

SECTION 1: MISSION & STRUCTURE

  • Founded in 2001, NWPA is the largest women's regional cuesports tour in the United States. Our mission is to encourage and promote all skill levels of women’s cuesports competition in the Pacific Northwest. NWPA is an inclusive tour and as such, we support and encourage all women competitors. 

  • NPWA memberships must be paid annually. An NWPA member is a non-voting member of the NWPA organization. An NWPA member is entitled to the following benefits which are not granted to non-members:

    • Eligibility to accrue points toward year-end rankings

    • Access to a members-only site for early-bird access to enter capped tournaments

    • Priority on wait-list

    • Access to exclusive merchandise

    • Finalist patches (any member who cashes at a tour stop receives a patch)

    • Discounted rate on entry fees ($55 instead of $65)

    • Top finishing NWPA members are eligible for award nominations and trophies and end of season prizes. The top point winner will become Year Tour Champion and receive a crystal trophy engraved with name & year. Top finishers may be featured on future season tour stop flyers

    NWPA members are required to follow and uphold all tour rules and regulations. Membership is for support, eligibility, and engagement purposes only and does not confer voting rights or the right to participate in corporate governance decisions.

  • NPWA events are inclusive to all women competitors, to include non-members. Non-members do not earn points, patches, rankings, or end of year awards. Non-members are not granted voting rights. Non-members are allowed to participate in two events without paying membership fees after which they will need to become members to play additional events. Non-members pay $65 per event. 

    Non-NWPA members are required to follow and uphold all tour rules and regulations. 

  • All Board and Officer positions are voting members of the organization with full voting rights. All Board members and officers are required to act in good faith and with the best interests of the organization at all times. 

    The NWPA Board is composed of the following volunteer positions, with each having a specific set of responsibilities: President, Executive Director, Treasurer, Marketing & Graphic Design, Venue Liaison & Entry Management, Fundraising & Media, Tournament Director, Tour Consultant. All board members, with the exception of the Tournament Director, are also considered Officers as each have day-to-day responsibilities (above and beyond event weekends) in managing different aspects of the organization and tour. 

    The board may choose to appoint officers who are not voting board members if there is an organizational need and the appropriate volunteer has already been identified based on past volunteer experience with the organization. Appointed officers will be given a volunteer job description outlining the responsibilities of the position. Each appointment will be for a calendar year with the option of renewing at the beginning of the new fiscal year. 

    CURRENT APPOINTED OFFICERS FOR 2026

    Jordan Oakes, Tour & Player Advocate

BOARD & APPOINTED OFFICERS JOB DESCRIPTIONS

  • Minimum time commitment: 20 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    The Board President serves as the chief volunteer leader of the nonprofit organization, providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to ensure the organization achieves its mission, vision,  and goals. The Board President works closely with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and other board members to establish governance practices, build a strong board, and maintain accountability to the organization’s beneficiaries, funders, and community.

    Key Responsibilities

    Leadership and Governance

    1. Board Leadership: Lead board meetings, set meeting agendas in collaboration with the Executive Director, and ensure that board members have the information they need to make informed decisions.

    2. Strategic Planning: Lead the board in developing and monitoring the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the mission and long-term goals.

    3. Governance Oversight: Ensure the board fulfills its legal, ethical, and fiduciary responsibilities, including compliance with bylaws and regulatory requirements.

    4. Policy Development: Work with the board to establish and review organizational policies and procedures.

    Collaboration with Executive Leadership

    5. Executive Support: Act as the primary liaison between the board and Treasurer, providing support, guidance, and evaluation.

    6. Performance Management: Lead the process of hiring, evaluating, and, if necessary, transitioning.

    Board Development

    7. Board Recruitment: Lead efforts to recruit, onboard, and mentor new board members, ensuring a diverse and skilled board.

    8. Board Engagement: Foster a collaborative and productive environment among board members, encouraging active participation and committee involvement.

    9. Capacity Building: Identify training and development opportunities for board members to strengthen their governance capabilities.

  • Minimum time commitment: 20 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    ​​Executive Director - Responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations, strategic direction, and overall management. While the Board of Directors provides governance and oversight, the ED is responsible for implementing the board’s policies and ensuring the organization fulfills its mission.

    Key Responsibilities  

    1. Operational Leadership

    • Oversees the daily operations of the organization.

    • Manages staff, volunteers, and programs to ensure efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.

    2. Financial Management

    • Develops and manages the budget and financial planning.

    • Ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements. 

    • Works with the treasurer and finance committee to provide financial reports.

    3. Strategic Planning & Execution

    • Collaborates with the board to develop and implement strategic plans.

    • Monitors progress toward organizational goals.

    • Evaluates programs and services for effectiveness.

    4. Board Support & Governance

    • Provides regular reports and updates to the Board of Directors.

    • Helps prepare for board meetings, including agendas and materials.

    • Ensures the board is well-informed to make decisions.

  • Minimum time commitment: 15 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    The Treasurer is a key officer of the nonprofit organization's board of directors, responsible for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the organization. The Treasurer ensures proper financial management, reporting, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Working closely with the President, Executive Director and the board, the Treasurer provides strategic financial guidance and supports fundraising and budgeting efforts.

    Key Responsibilities

    Financial Oversight & Reporting

    1. Financial Management: Ensure sound financial policies and procedures are in place to safeguard the organization’s assets and resources.

    2. Financial Reporting: Provide regular financial reports to the board, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

    3. Budgeting: Work with the Executive Director and finance team to develop an annual budget and ensure board approval.

    4. Audit & Compliance: Oversee annual audits or financial reviews, ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial regulations and reporting requirements.

    5. Tax Filings & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure timely submission of tax filings (e.g., IRS Form 990 – 1099 Etc..) and adherence to state and federal financial reporting requirements.

    Collaboration with Executive Leadership

    6. Executive Support: Work closely with the President and Executive Director to align financial strategies with organizational goals.

    7. Financial Planning: Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

    Board Development & Engagement

    8. Risk Management: Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect the organization’s financial health.

    Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

    11. Fund Development Oversight: Support fundraising efforts by ensuring sound financial tracking and reporting of donations, grants, and funding sources.

    12. Grant Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with grant funding restrictions and financial reporting requirements.

    13. Investment Oversight: If applicable, oversee investment strategies to maximize financial sustainability while adhering to organizational policies.

    Other Duties

    14. Internal Controls: Ensure that financial policies and internal controls are in place to prevent fraud and mismanagement.

    15. Succession Planning: Assist in identifying and mentoring a potential successor for the Treasurer role to ensure continuity.

    Key Qualifications

    • Experience in financial management, accounting, or bookkeeping (nonprofit experience preferred).

    • Knowledge of nonprofit financial practices, reporting, and compliance.

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

    • Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial board members.

    • Familiarity with accounting software, financial reporting tools, and budgeting processes.

    • Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.

    The Treasurer plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity and sustainability of the organization.

  • Minimum time commitment: 20 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    In this role, you will use your skills in media management, storytelling, and fundraising to raise awareness about our cause, engage our community, and drive donations to support our programs.

    This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building experience in nonprofit media and development efforts. Key Responsibilities

    Primary Role Overview - Fundraising

    1. Campaign Support: Assist in planning, organizing, and executing fundraising campaigns and events.

    2. Donor Engagement: Research and reach out to potential donors, sponsors, and partners to secure support for the organization.

    3. Grant Assistance: Support the team in identifying grant opportunities and drafting grant proposals or reports.

    4. Event Support: Collaborate with the team to coordinate logistics for fundraising events, including volunteer coordination, materials preparation, and promotion.

    Secondary Assistance - Media & Communications

    5. Content Creation: Develop and design engaging content for social media, newsletters, websites, and other communication channels.

    6. Social Media Management: Regularly update and manage our social media platforms to increase followers, engagement, and awareness.

    7. Storytelling: Capture and share compelling stories, photos, and videos from our beneficiaries, programs, and events to highlight our impact.

    8. Media Outreach: Assist with writing press releases, contacting local media outlets, and building relationships with journalists to promote our initiatives.

    9. Graphic Design: Create visual materials (flyers, posters, social media graphics) to support campaigns and events.

    Qualifications:

    • Passion for women’s pool and sportsmanship.

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

    • Basic proficiency in social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).

    • Basic graphic design, video editing skills are a plus.

    • Creative and resourceful with strong organizational skills.

    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    • Experience in fundraising, marketing, or communications (preferred but not required).

  • Minimum time commitment: 20 hours per month - Not Including Tournaments

    Marketing and Graphic Design Board Member plays a crucial role in shaping the marketing strategies and visual identity of NWPA. You will collaborate with other board members and senior leadership to develop and implement marketing campaigns that align with our business objectives and resonate with our target audience.

    Main Responsibilities:

    1. Provide expertise and guidance on marketing strategies, including digital marketing, social media, branding, and advertising.

    2. Contribute to the development of comprehensive marketing plans that support the company's short-term and long-term goals.

    3. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials and channels.

    4. Offer insights and recommendations on graphic design elements, including logos, website design, packaging, and promotional materials.

    5. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in marketing and graphic design to inform decision-making processes.

    6. Participate in board meetings and discussions, offering valuable input and perspectives on marketing and design-related matters.

    7. Serve as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the marketing and design teams, fostering effective communication and collaboration.

    8. Uphold the company's values and contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture.

    Secondary Assistance - Media & Communications

    1. Content Creation: Develop and design engaging content for social media, newsletters, websites, and other communication channels.

    2. Social Media Management: Regularly update and manage our social media platforms to increase followers, engagement, and awareness.

    3. Storytelling: Capture and share compelling stories, photos, and videos from our beneficiaries, programs, and events to highlight our impact.

    4. Media Outreach: Assist with writing press releases, contacting local media outlets, and building relationships with journalists to promote our initiatives.

    5. Graphic Design: Create visual materials (flyers, posters, social media graphics) to support campaigns and events.

    Qualifications:

    1. Proven experience in marketing and graphic design, preferably in a leadership or advisory role.

    2. Strong understanding of marketing principles, including market analysis, segmentation, positioning, and campaign management.

    3. Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with design principles.

    4. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

    5. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving results and achieving business objectives.

    6. A passion for creativity, innovation, and continuous learning in the fields of marketing and graphic design.

  • Minimum time commitment: 12 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    Venue Liaison & Entries Management volunteer supports the planning and execution of our events. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth coordination between our organization and the event venue, as well as managing participant entries efficiently. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a dynamic event setting.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Act as the primary point of contact between the organization and the venue staff.

    • Ensure all venue-related agreements and policies are adhered to during events.

    • Communicate any venue-related changes or requirements to the event planning team.

    • Assist with troubleshooting any on-site issues related to the venue (e.g., technical difficulties, space adjustments).

    • Oversee venue safety and emergency procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations.

    Entries Management Duties:

    • Manage event registrations, ensuring accurate data entry and tracking of participants.

    • Process and confirm participant entries in a timely manner.

    • Communicate with registrants regarding event details, deadlines, and any necessary documentation.

    • Coordinate with other event volunteers to ensure seamless check-in and registration on the event day.

    • Maintain an organized record of participants and provide updates to the event planning team.

    • Address any inquiries related to event entries, ensuring a positive experience for participants.

    Qualifications & Skills:

    • Strong organizational and communication skills.

    • Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

    • Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and online registration platforms.

    • Ability to problem-solve and adapt to changing event circumstances.

    • Previous experience in event planning, registration management, or customer service is a plus.

    • A collaborative and proactive attitude.

  • (NWPA Officer and/or non-board member Appointed Officer)

    Minimum time commitment: 8-10 hours per month Not Including Tournaments

    The Tour Advocate will participate in board meetings and assist with planning, collaboration, and support across specific areas of need such as media support, sponsorship support, assisting with entries, player communications, venue support, and so on. A qualified candidate is one who is an experienced competitor (preferably with the NWPA), seasoned tournament director, or venue owner. 

    The Tour Advocate serves as a key liaison between the NWPA Board, players, venues, and partners. This role provides planning, collaboration, and operational support to ensure the success of the NWPA Tour. The ideal candidate is a respected member of the cuesports community—preferably a past NWPA competitor, experienced tournament director, or venue owner—who brings insight, advocacy, and enthusiasm to support women’s competitive pool.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Board Participation:

      • Attend and contribute to NWPA board meetings

      • Provide input on tour planning, policy updates, and strategic initiatives

    • Player Advocacy & Communication:

      • Serve as a voice for players, offering feedback and suggestions to the board

      • Help facilitate clear, timely communication with players regarding tour updates, and policies

    • Event & Venue Support:

      • Assist with coordination between the NWPA and host venues

      • Support venue setup, logistics, and troubleshooting during events

      • Help maintain strong relationships with venue owners and staff

      • Help coordinate hotel discounts for stops and communicate to players.

    • Sponsorship & Media Support:

      • Support sponsorship outreach and recognition efforts

      • Assist with facilitating year end raffle items.

      • Assist with social media, press, and promotional activities as needed

    • General Collaboration & Representation:

      • Represent the NWPA professionally within the pool community

      • Support various needs that arise during the tour season with a collaborative spirit

    Qualifications:

    • Strong knowledge of competitive pool and NWPA tour structure

    • Previous experience as a competitor, tournament director, or venue owner preferred

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

    • Reliable, organized, and committed to the growth of women’s cuesports

    • Willingness to attend events and dedicate time to tour-related support

  • The tournament director is esponsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the main event. This includes tasks like developing the tournament format, managing player brackets, officiating matches, and ensuring smooth overall tournament operations. The Tournament Director also handles disputes, enforces rules, and makes final decisions on any issues that arise during the competition.

  • The Tour Consultant plays a key role in supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of tour events. This role works closely with leadership, venues, partners, and participants to ensure each tour runs smoothly and reflects the organization’s standards and values. The Tour Consultant acts as a point of contact for logistics, scheduling, and on-site needs, helping create a positive and professional experience for all involved.

    Responsibilities include coordinating event details, communicating with stakeholders, assisting with timelines and budgets, and resolving issues as they arise. The Tour Consultant is organized, reliable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities are essential for success in this role.

SECTION 2: BOARD GOVERNANCE

  • The regular term of office of a Board member shall be five (5) years. Board members may be reelected and hold as many as 5 terms either consecutively or in sum. Each Board member, including a Board member selected to fill a vacancy or selected at a special meeting, shall hold office until expiration of the term selected and qualified and until a successor has been selected and qualified or until that Board member resigns or is removed in accordance with these bylaws. When a term limit has been reached, an existing Board member can be reelected if they receive a majority vote from the Board. The end of the term year coincides with the end of the fiscal year, December 31.   

    No Board member selected shall continue to hold office after the expiration of his or her term even if a successor has not been selected and qualified. Any current member of the NWPA is eligible to run for an open Board position (i.e., a different position or the same position for a second term). To apply, an NWPA member must supply the Board with a resumé and qualifications stating their ability to fulfill the requirements and duties of the open position. 

    To be selected as a NWPA Board member, a candidate must receive a majority vote from the Board. If a non-NWPA member applies for, and is selected by the Board for an open position, they must become a member of the NWPA prior to taking office.

    Vacancies either due to resignation, removal, or term limits will be either filled by existing board members or qualified candidates who have expressed an interest in volunteering will be given an opportunity to apply. A board member must be an NWPA member and it is preferable that they are also a player.

  • Board member resignation must be in writing with 30 days advance notice. Any Board member may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the President of the NWPA Board. Such resignation shall take effect 30 days from the date the resignation is given to the Board. The successor shall be selected pursuant to the “FILLING VACANCIES” section of this document.

  • Any Board member may be removed following notice and a majority vote of all members of the Board; provided, however, that the Board member who is the subject of the removal action shall not be entitled to vote on such an action or be counted as a member of the Board when calculating the required majority vote; and provided further, that each vote to remove a Board member shall be a separate vote on the sole question of the removal of that particular Board member.

    Before voting to remove a Board member, the Board must adhere to the following procedures:

    • Notify the Board member (in a written report) specific reasons why the Board is concerned about their ability to fulfill the duties required for the position

    • Give the Board member a probationary period of thirty (30) days (from the time the written report is issued) to amend their conduct

    • Allow the Board member to submit a written rebuttal, for the record, addressing the allegations

      • Notify the Board member that after the 30-days the Board will reconvene to determine whether the following criteria has been met:

      • Board member has addressed and corrected the issues, and can continue as a Board member of the NWPA

      • Board member is committed to, and making progress on, correcting issues and the probationary period has been extended for an additional thirty (30) days

      • Board member has not addressed issues and the Board has voted for dismissal

    Board members may be subject to immediate suspension by the President (circumventing majority board member vote) if they have found to have broken state laws, have stolen from the organization, a venue, or a partner, or have otherwise been deceitful and misleading to the board, a partner, a venue, or any federal, state, or local agency. An emergency board meeting will be held to vote on board member removal.

  • A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in the case of the resignation, removal or death of any Board member, or if a Board member has been declared of unsound mind by a final order of court or convicted of a felony or incarcerated for more than 90 days as a result of a criminal conviction (this does not include normal term limits). 

    Vacancies either due to resignation, removal, or term limits will be either filled by existing board members or qualified candidates who have expressed an interest in volunteering will be given an opportunity to apply.


SECTION 3: FISCAL MATTERS

  • The Board sets fees and charges for the services and benefits provided by the NWPA, with the goal of fully recovering the reasonable costs of the operation of the NWPA and establishing reasonable reserves for future expenses and contingencies reasonably related to the legitimate activities of the NWPA. Such fees and charges shall be fair and equitable, and once adopted, shall be published on the website in a sufficiently detailed manner so as to be readily accessible. NWPA fees are subject to change with a majority vote by the Board. The Board is required to publish fee increases sixty (30) days prior to the start of a new fiscal year.

  • The Board may authorize any Officer or Officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute or deliver any instrument in the name of, and on behalf of, the NWPA, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless authorized or ratified by the Board, no other Officer or agent shall have any power or authority to bind the NWPA or to render it liable for any debts or obligations.

  • All funds of the NWPA will be deposited from time to time to the credit of the NWPA in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board may select.

  • All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the NWPA for deposit in the corporate bank account can only be signed by the Executive Director, Treasurer, or the President of the NWPA.

  • The fiscal year is Calendar Year (January 1 - December 31).

  • At the end of the fiscal year, the books of the NWPA will be closed and audited by certified public accountants. The appointment of the fiscal auditors will be the responsibility of the President and Treasurer and reported to the Board.

  • All board members are volunteer-based and uncompensated with the exception of the Tournament Director who, unlike other board members, is required to attend each event and is therefore given a modest travel stipend of $300 per event for travel greater than 30 miles and $150 for events 30 miles or less.

  • The NWPA shall publish, at least annually, a report describing its activities, including an audited financial statement and a description of any payments made to Board members (including reimbursements of expenses). This report will be available for review by the membership.

  • The Treasurer and President shall prepare and, at least forty-five (45) days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year, and submit to the Board, a proposed annual budget of the NWPA for the next fiscal year. The proposed budget shall identify anticipated revenue sources and levels and shall, to the extent practical, identify anticipated material expense items by line item. The Board shall adopt an annual budget.

SECTION 4: MEETINGS & BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

  • Retrospective meetings will take place after every NWPA event to review event performance, resolve issues, and ensure preparation for the next event. These meetings will occur within two weeks of the event. All members of the board with the exception of the Tournament Director and Players Advocate are required to attend. 

    All standing Board Member meetings will be held no less than twice per calendar year and on dates to be determined by the Board. All Board members must be present for the entire length of each meeting, whether in person, via conference call or via video conference equipment.

  • Special meetings of the Board may be called by or at the request of one-quarter (1/4) of the members of the Board or by the President of the Board. In the absence of designation, special meetings will be held at the principal office of the NWPA.

  • Notice of time and place of all meetings will be delivered by electronic mail and/or phone/text and/or messaging application to each Board member by the President. The notice for a meeting must be delivered at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the meeting.

  • Members of the Board or any Committee of the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board through use of Zoom/Google Meet, or via phone. All meetings will be held remote due to distributed Board members. All meetings will be recorded and minutes will be distributed to Board members after each meeting.

  • A Board member present at a Board meeting at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent or abstention is entered in the minutes of the meeting, or unless such Board member files a written dissent or abstention to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof, or for- wards such dissent or abstention by registered mail to the Secretary of the NWPA immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent or abstain shall not apply to a Board member who voted in favor of such action.

  • Communication by electronic mail shall be considered equivalent to any communication otherwise required to be in writing. The NWPA shall take such steps as it deems appropriate under the circumstances to assure itself that communications by electronic mail are authentic.

SECTION 5: TRANSPARENCY

  • Every Board member shall have the right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records and documents of every kind, and to inspect the physical properties of the NWPA.

SECTION 6: AMENDMENTS

  • The bylaws will be reviewed every calendar year. Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the NWPA may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws adopted only upon action by a majority vote of all members of the Board.