Tiffany Williams

I am running for the board because I believe that the BHA is the backbone of our community and vital to maintaining many amenities and sustaining the quality of life we enjoy as property owners. The BHA is our voice and an important conduit for communication between what’s happening on the island and the significant issues that need to be addressed. I think we need to acknowledge that the ARC and the design guidelines are important for maintaining our property values and that there should be a level playing field for all property owners who are seeking approval through the ARC process. I also believe it’s important to recognize and continue to encourage the growth and reach of the other community-wide programs sponsored by the BHA, from the potluck dinners at the association building to the social and recreation programs that benefit BHI homeowners

Joel Michaels

My primary focus is for the Board of Directors to respect its role as a policymaking body and work within the established contours of the organization. This means the Board knows how to “stay in its lane.” There are at least two examples during this past year where this principle seems to be at issue.

The first is the resignation of 40% of BHA personnel plus a consulting architect in 2024 which incapacitated the organization and its ability to perform basic organizational functions. A Board of Directors “stays in its lane” when it sets policy for the BHA and its personnel with a structure that oversees the implementation of that policy and creates a safe and productive work environment for employees.  When those boundaries become compromised, staff morale quickly deteriorates.

The second is recognition of the important role of BHA Committees prior to Board action. This means that the Board follows organization protocols regarding the duties and functions of BHA Committees. An example of this issue is the way in which the Board recently interacted with the ARC on design guidelines and potential changes thereto. When the Board fails to follow the documented protocols and begins offering its own solutions before the committee has completed its work, questions arise as to whether the Board decision-making process is fair and even-handed.

If elected to the Board, I would:

1. Support Implementation of a personnel process where the Board oversees the performance of personnel as a unified policymaking body, without direct participation in day-to-day management of BHA staff.
2. Ensure that BHA committees have the opportunity to fulfill their functions before the Board takes further action on recommendations.
3. Insist on ongoing transparency with the BHA member community where members can have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in before Board action is taken. 

Victoria Lonker

As a member of the BHA Board of Directors, I will:

• Dig deep into the financial health of the organization and actively seek ways to reduce member costs, including those associated with the ARC process
• Create a lasting framework for frequent member input and dialogue on Association priorities, long term needs and areas of focus
• Actively seek to spread calm, not chaos and promote a culture of transparency, respect, urgency and inclusion such that resident and non-resident members feel they are part of a vibrant and uplifting community while recruiting the dedicated and capable volunteers vital to running a large association
• Identify modern tools (i.e. software) used by similarly situated HOAs, measure and improve response times to member requests, and communicate via multiple media
• Support the need to build new homes that are congruent in size and design with the neighborhoods where they are located while ensuring ARC guidelines are applied consistently and current building codes are considered. We should have a member-first approach and arm all parties with the knowledge and information needed to make optimal choices upfront that are fit for purpose and use on the specific property.  

Derek Crump

Fellow BHA Members, I am running for one of the two seats on the BHA Board and would ask that you consider voting for me. I have been coming to Bald Head Island for over 37 years, and remember when we had no grocery store and there was not a single house located on the east end of our island. I have watched our island grow, and I want to be a part of making sure that growth never takes away from the reason that most of us are here which is the beauty and serenity of our gorgeous island. As an attorney for over 36 years, and a mediator for the past 2-1/2 years, I have been involved in many conflicts, and adversarial issues, and pride myself on being able to listen and understand issues that may arise, and assist in reaching solutions that all parties can live with. If I have the privilege of representing the homeowners on the BHA Board, my top priorities would be as follows:

1. Analyze, examine and work diligently to streamline the entire ARC process so that all who submit applications are treated fairly and objectively and remove all subjectivity to the extent possible;
2. Improve communications throughout the membership so that truthful and accurate information is being provided;
3. Carefully analyze the current structure of the Association to determine whether it is being operated in a cost efficient and organized way, and to seek improvements where needed;
4. Seek constant input from association members on issues that would affect the members, and our island to make sure that we are considering all thoughts and opinions and to seek new ideas and alternatives;
5. Make sure that all structures that are being built on the island comply with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including setbacks; and
6. Keep your Association dues low and spend your money wisely.

Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the Board.

William Bourne

As a member of ARC for the past six years, I have seen firsthand how some investors are wanting to make changes that will degrade the island.  While some change is inevitable, it does not mean that we must compromise our constitution to preserving the island’s natural beauty. BHI’s charm, quality of life, quaintness and beauty are under attack by some wishing to make us into something we are not.  For example, our neighborhood charm and uniqueness will vanish if we allow homes to be built that are too large for the lot. As a board member I will be committed to maintaining the natural beauty and coastal charm of our community. We are Bald Head Island, unique in qualities and pace of life, let’s keep it that way for us and our new neighbors to come.