Skip to Main Content

Governance

Neotoma is a database of databases.

An abstract illustration of tan and green shape with brown brush strokes

The overall database consortium is governed by a 14-person Leadership Council (which includes two early-career representatives). The Leadership Council sets policy and receives input from Constituent Databases and their Data Stewards, the External Advisory Board, and the scientific community. The Leadership Council has authority in the establishment of Constituent Databases and modifications to the Neotoma data model. The Council also sets priorities for informatics, fundraising, recruitment, education and outreach initiatives. The Council facilitates communication among working groups and among Constituent Databases.

Five members of the Leadership Council (including one early career representative) take a more active role as the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day operational management, coordination, and planning of Neotoma, its working groups, and its Constituent Databases.

Each constituent database is governed by a database ‘lead’ that is empowered to make database-specific decisions.

You may contact all members of the Executive Committee at neotoma-contact@googlegroups.com or visit our people page to contact one of them individually.

Read more about governance via our full bylaws.

View Our Leadership Council, IT Team, and Constituent Database Leads

Code of Conduct

The Neotoma Paleoecology Database is committed to providing a safe, respectful, productive, and welcoming environment for all database members, workshop or meeting participants, and staff. All participants, including, but not limited to, Neotoma members, stewards, attendees, speakers, and others are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Neotoma workshops, meetings, tele/video conferences, and other events, including Neotoma events during meetings sponsored by organizations other than Neotoma, in public or private facilities. The Neotoma Code of Conduct was modified from AGU’s Meeting Code of Conduct.

Elections

Leadership Council members typically serve 4 year terms (ECR terms are 2 years), so roughly 25% of the Leadership Council spots are up for election each year. To become involved in governance of the Neotoma database, please join the Neotoma database community.

Congratulations!

Annika Herbert and Quinn Asena joined the Neotoma Leadership Council in January 2024, and Phil Buckland and Dana Reuter stepped down from Leadership. We thank Phil and Dana for their service to the community!

Upcoming Elections

  • December, 2024

Documents

Code of Conduct

The Neotoma database activities are governed by an official Code of Conduct, adopted by the Leadership Council on December 5, 2018

Neotoma Mission, Bylaws, & Governance