Last Updated: 02/22/08

Bi-Monthly Open Board Meetings

The NELA Board of Directors holds open board meetings every other month throughout the year (see this year's dates). All NELA associates are welcome to attend these board meetings - they are an excellent way to meet the Directors, and to find out how to get more actively involved in NELA.

Please note: NELA board meetings are working meetings, so associates who are not members of working committees should plan to observe - rather than participate in - the meeting. If you have a particular topic you would like to introduce to the Board, please be sure to contact NELA's Chair, at chair@NELAonline.org, to request that your topic be included on the meeting's agenda.

Board Member Requirements

• Attend 10 of the 12 board meetings
• Introduce two speakers at events - if appropriate
• Attend all four major NELA functions: Pride, Associates Meeting, the two FFFs
• Respond to email within 48 hours during the week
• Notify the Board of extended travel plans
• NELA should be one's primary volunteer activity
• Abide by all NELA's policies and bylaws

NELA Board Members

RAE - Co Chair (rae@NELAonline.org)

Rae has been involved in the public leather scene for close to ten years. Before joining the board, she volunteered for NELA events as a way of reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. As one of the original organizers of the Kaleidoscope Munch, she continues to co-host what she hopes will become a successful munch/social outlet for leather People of Color in the New England area.

SCOTT - Co Chair (scott@NELAonline.org)

His knot tying education started at the age of 4 by many ole salts who had been boating for more than 40 years. When he came out at 21, he started applying the knots to bondage, and it has been fun ever since. He considers his leather journey a life long pursuit. Scott has been active with NELA over the past few years, and decided to join the NELA board in 2007.

Scott is an active Member of Fits Like a Glove, and a voting member of the Leather Archives & Museum, He held the title of Mr. Boston Leather in 2004. In 2003, Co-founded the Bay State Marauders, and served as the inaugural President from 2004 to 2005, and is now the current Vice President.

VIVIENNE KRAMER - Treasurer (vivienne@NELAonline.org)

Vivienne was Chair of the New England Leather Alliance from 2001 through 2006 and served as Treasurer from 1996 through 2003.  She also holds the position of Chair of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and was one of the Co-Chairs of Leather Leadership Conference - Seven held in April 03. In addition to her leather activism she squeezes time out to be the Treasurer of the Greater Boston chapter of NOW, something she's enjoyed doing since 1989.  Vivienne identifies as bisexual Jewish feminist and would like to be mistaken for Cher.  Barring that, she'll settle for being known as a dedicated sexual freedom activist.

DANNY - Board Member At Large (danny@NELAonline.org)

Danny joined the NELA board as vendor liaison back in 1999. In addition to being vendor liaison for NELA's Fetish Fair Fleamarket™, he has recently taken on the role of Internal Relations Director for NELA and remains a member of the PDL Steering Committee. Danny entered the public scene in 1989. His passion for bondage inspired him to make his own bondage equipment. It was the popularity of his unique Grip-cuff™ design that inspired him to start his own business, "Leather By Danny". Leather by Danny now carries a wide range of bondage equipment and can be found in shops around the country. Danny enjoys traveling the country vending as well as teaching classes on bondage.

JB SEGAL - Secretary (jb@NELAonline.org)

JB has been involved in the leather community - at least on the fringes - for approximately 17 years. While very little of that involvement has been as anything other than a player and as a generally helpful person, he finally decided to put his time and energy where his flogger is and joined the board of NELA.

SABRINA SANTIAGO, MSW - Director Of External Relations (sabrinasantiago@NELAonline.org)

Sabrina Santiago, MSW, has been active in the BDSM community for over 5 years. After attending a private play party in Attleboro, MA she helped to form the Paddleboro Defense League (PDL). She has been a NELA associate for over 3 years and is currently the Director of External Relations. She is also the office manager for Leather By Danny. Sabrina has recently completed her masters in social work with an emphasis on community organizing and program planning. Sabrina currently works at The Network/La Red, one of the few domestic violence programs in the country that offers services to people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, S/M, traditional, straight, monogamous, and polyamorous communities.

TIM S - Director of Associates (tim@NELAonline.org)

Tim has been in the leather community for well over twenty years and has been a NELA Associate for more than ten of those years. About 8 years ago, he wanted to become more involved with the leather community and began volunteering for NELA's twice yearly Fleamarket. From volunteer to Volunteer Coordinator for the Flea and other NELA functions Tim makes the job look easy. He has been part of the NELA Board as Director of Associates for the past three years.