Lana Verran – Running for President (nominated by Sharmila Setaram)
Personal Statement:
Currently a Director on the Board, I am privileged to be serving my third, non-consecutive, term. I have
been a member of AI for over 15 years, a Board member for four years, and was also elected to serve on
our 2015 ICM delegation.
By running for the position of President, my intention is to offer continuity and strength in a year where we
are seeing a number of long term Board members move on, combined with changes at the Senior
Management level, with the retirement of our Executive Director later this year.
I am currently a member of our Search Committee for a new Executive Director, Senior Management
Evaluation Committee and Finance and Audit Committee. Like all my colleagues on the Board we share a
commitment to grow AI Canada through our members and financial position.
With more than 25 years leading and managing teams, including a certificate in Human Resource
Management, I have extensive experience in change management and leading through change.
Communication, driving operational excellence, collaboration and building consensus, are strengths I
offer and that will help further the goals of our 2020 Vision and the broader AI Strategic Goals.
I am passionate about ensuring our democracy is put into action, to ensure the best human rights work
possible.
With your vote I look forward to supporting our work toward achieving even-greater levels of human rights
impact.
Sincerely
Lana Verran
Results of Competency Self-Assessment

Activism and Advocacy - Understanding and experience in global human rights. – I have a solid
understanding of national and international human rights issues
“As a member of AI, Director on our Board and ICM delegate, I ensure that the issues that impact human
rights across the globe and here at home are known to me. Participation in Regional Meetings, AGM's
and Film Festivals also build and awareness and understanding along with a diverse and sometimes
intimate perspective when hearing directly from human rights defenders and torture survivors.”

Human Resources – I have direct experience and leadership in providing strategic oversight and
guidance on the development, implementation and monitoring of HROD policies and practices
nationally across an organization
“Most of my experience in HROD is from my professional life as I have spent most of the past 20 years as
a consultant, with a focus on HR and governance issues, strategic planning and stakeholder
engagement. I have also been in NGO and health sector positions with responsibility for more than 200
staff...from policy development to direct management. I am currently assisting a board with developing
policies and practices around human resources and with their relationship to their new Executive Director
(reporting, monitoring, performance review, mentoring).”

Fundraising - I have participated in fund-raising activities at the professional and leadership level
“I have worked in sales and marketing for over 25 years. In addition to my work with AI Canada, I have
taken courses in Essentials of Fundraising as well as Major Gifts and Capital Campaigns. I also led our
Board Alumni team in raising funds for Write for Rights in 2014, the year where we saw a record number
of dollars raised.”

Human Resources - I have a good tactical understanding of how national HROD policies and
practices are developed, implemented or monitored, but lack depth and extensive practical
experience of having done this in practice.
“I have a certificate in Human Resource Management and although not directly responsible for HR policy
creation, I have been involved in numerous HR related strategies including; organizational change,
compensation policy, performance management, employee development and recruitment. I have also
worked in the area of training and development.”

Governance Experience – I have over 5 years of governance experience as a Board member of
national board
“I served on the Board of AI Canada (English Speaking) for four years (2009-2013) and was elected in
2014 as a member of the 2015 ICM delegation. My contributions through multiple Board committee's over
these years has added to the deepening of my governance experience. Serving at an ICM and being able
to witness and work with global sections as they collectively represent a member based organization of
over 7 million people helps to demonstrate what is a unique governance model and democracy at work.”

Institutional Knowledge of Amnesty International Canada English Section - I have a good
understanding of AI Canada's priorities for the period 2016-2020. I have attended one or more
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and have a good understanding of decisions made at recent
AGMs. I have held a leadership position within my local Amnesty group/network and have been
actively engaged in conversations related to national and international governance issues with my
group. I have served on one or more national-level committees within AI Canada (e.g.
Nominations Committee, Fieldworker Coordinating Council, Coordinators Council, ICM
Delegation, AICES Board etc.).
“In 2014 I was elected to serve on the 2015 ICM. The opportunity and learning from both preparing for
and participating as a delegate was invaluable. Being part of the election for International Board
members, working with other global delegations in and out of working parties to navigate issues that
impact AI sections in unique and diverse ways and seeing our governance model work at its highest level
was a powerful experience.”