VMI executive committee updates on board vacancies, bylaws revisions and superintendent transition

The executive committee was briefed on governance matters, including an appeal filed with the Virginia Supreme Court in the preliminary injunction in the Johnson matter, temporary adjustments to committee membership and a near‑term transition to a new superintendent.

"We filed an appeal on the preliminary in Johnson with the Virginia Supreme Court," the board president said. The committee was told the court historically acts quickly but there is no firm date for action; the president said the board remains hopeful and will share updates when available. The president named several board members who are affected by the legal actions and said the board has been reduced in voting membership for the moment.

Because of the pending legal matter, the president asked Major General Ring to sit on the executive committee until the Supreme Court resolves the vacancies; Ring agreed to serve in the interim. The committee discussed committee assignments for the September board meeting and agreed to limit simultaneous committee meetings so all necessary committee business can be covered. The president said draft revised bylaws will be circulated next week and that the bylaws will include a traditional listing of standing committees and their responsibilities; any final text will be routed through the nominations and governance process, the executive committee and then the full board for a vote.

The committee also discussed adding nonvoting advisory members to committees to bring technical knowledge and continuity. The president said staff will review historical Board rosters to identify potential advisory candidates appointed by past governors and bring recommendations forward.

Finally, the committee welcomed the incoming superintendent, General Furness, who said he and his family are preparing to move and appreciated the staff support for a smooth transition. The committee offered thanks to General Clark for leading the institute during the transition period. No formal governance changes requiring board votes were adopted at this meeting; the committee recorded the appeal filing and temporary committee seat and asked that bylaws revisions be circulated for review and processing.