MORE ABOUT HOUSTON BURNERS

WHAT is the organization?

a Texas nonprofit corporation for charitable and educational purposes a federal 501©(3) corporation for tax purposes

WHERE does it exist?

The greater Houston region Online

WHO is Houston Burners?

The community
Burners in the greater Houston region
The burner curious
Anyone who wants to participate
The organizing board is Collaborative Houston Art and Performance Society (CHAPS)
Facilitating organization that shepherds some activities within the community
The board’s registered dba is Houston Burners

WHY is the organization set up this way?

To achieve Community benefits
Liability protection for individuals
Protection from state sales tax (w/some limitations), state franchise tax & federal tax
Community ownership of physical assets and intellectual property
Eligibility for some local grant programs for arts organizations
Nonprofit structure ensures all donations and assets always benefit the community as a whole

ORGANIZING ORGANIZATION (aka the board)

The organization of Houston Burners is vested in its all-volunteer board of directors

Current Board: Elizabeth Johnson, Forrest Rattray, Heidi Lehto (Secretary), Kathleen Keahey (treasurer), Kyle Lafkoff, Mike Eros (President) and Sheila Dixon
2020 directors: Elizabeth Johnson, Forrest Rattray, Heidi Lehto (Secretary), Kathleen Keahey (treasurer), Kristin Kring, Kyle Lafkoff, Mike Eros (President) and Sheila Dixon
2019 directors: John Garcia, Heidi Lehto (Secretary, Event Liaison), Kathleen Keahey (Treasurer), Kristin Kring, Kyle Lafkoff, Mike Eros (President), and Sheila Dixon
2018 directors: Andrew Lin, Andy Brown (Secretary), Greg Goodman, Heidi Lehto, Kathleen Keahey (President), and Mike Eros
2016-2017 directors: Andrew Lin, Andy Brown (Secretary), Greg Goodman, Kathleen Keahey (President), Laurette Canizares, and Mike Eros

Rules governing the HB Board are the minimum necessary to meet legal requirements for a Texas nonprofit

Board decisions are generally made by consensus
Average member tenure as of Oct 2020 was 2 years
A succession plan for board members regularly was established Dec 2018
Additional information about Houston Burner’s organization: See FAQ & Bylaws
Board Member Annual Commitment is renewed annually and includes
Expected time commitments
Preparation and participation expectations
Training commitments
Strategic planning requirements
The next recruiting period for new board members is expected to be in the fall/winter of 2020

Houston Burners Wiki