7. a. The board of directors of the association shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine members, who shall be representative of the member organizations, serving terms as established in the plan of operation. The members of the board of directors shall be selected by a vote of the member organizations, subject to the approval of the commissioner, with each member organization entitled to one vote. Vacancies on the board of directors shall be filled for the remaining period of the term in the same manner as the initial appointment.

b. To allow for the selection of the initial board of directors and the organization of the association, the commissioner shall give notice to all member organizations of the time and place of an organizational meeting no later than 30 days following the effective date of this act. If the member organizations have not selected a suitable board of directors no later than 30 days following the organizational meeting, the commissioner may appoint the initial members of the board of directors.

c. In approving or appointing members to the board of directors, the commissioner shall consider, among other things, whether all member organizations are fairly represented. No representative of an association member that is exempt or becomes exempt from assessments pursuant to subsection e. of section 9 of this act shall be eligible for membership or remain on the board.

d. Members of the board of directors may be reimbursed from the assets of the association for reasonable expenses incurred by them as members of the board of directors, but shall not otherwise be compensated by the association for their services.

L.2000,c.12,s.7.