Anchor Institutions Task Force (AITF)

Concept

The idea for a new Anchor Institutions Task Force Subgroup for Emeritus leaders of anchor institutions emerged out of discussions in AITF’s Higher Education Presidents Subgroup. As various leaders of anchor institutions retire from their positions, there is a need for a home through which these leaders can draw upon their wisdom, engage with each other, and stay connected to a continually evolving field. This Subgroup would include retired Chief Executives/Presidents/Chancellors from various fields. While the idea of the group originated in discussions among higher education leaders, this new Subgroup would intentionally include retired leaders from a wide range of fields representative of the local ecosystems of organizations in which the engagement of anchor institutions flourishes.

Rationale

Many anchor leaders with substantial experiences and insights are retiring. As AITF has persistently highlighted, leaders of anchor institutions can play a crucial role in prioritizing an institution’s commitment to its locality along with other AITF values. A new structure would keep emeritus leaders connected to the field and leverage their significant wisdom for the benefit of the field going forward.

Often, retired leaders are not maximized for their experiences and insights. In some instances, there is a tendency to discard retirees, and move on without taking advantage of the practical knowledge that comes from the work that retired anchor leaders have done over the years. Particularly leaders who have subscribed to AITF’s values possess substantial useful knowledge. They might know how to engage in the community, and know who to talk to in the community, local government, local business, etc. These lived experiences have tangible value that should be harnessed in order to sustain and build upon commitments to AITF's values in particular anchor institutions and in community partnerships that involve anchors.

Functions

Similar to other AITF Subgroups, this formation would include a regular meeting format. The members of the Emeritus Subgroup would meet in a virtual exchange format twice per year. These meetings would provide an opportunity for continuous learning exchange in a community of practice. AITF Subgroup discussions tend to inform the development of strategies and resources that further advance the anchor institutions movement. Over the years, various Subgroups have produced tools and publications on a range of topics.

Participants in Subgroups are members of AITF, and among AITF’s most active members. They are invited to various events and expected to attend AITF conferences, and sometimes asked to speak. Overall, the Emeritus Subgroup would take on the characteristics of other AITF Subgroups.

However, distinct from other AITF Subgroups, this particular group would include a consulting/advisory wing through which members of the Subgroup would be called upon as needed to provide consultations to others in the field. Longer term consultations would be in the form of paid contracts via Marga Inc./AITF out of which a portion would be paid to the member or members providing consulting services.

Dues

The dues to participate in the Subgroup would be up to $2500 per year, recognizing that there might be significant variation in the amounts given the range of circumstances among the members. For example, some might have budgets attached to their institutions while others might not have any at all. The actual dues per members would have to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.