CIRCAC ousts Shavelson from board

The Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council said Sept. 1 that the group held a special board meeting to remove board member Bob Shavelson from the council.

“Robert Shavelson, who occupies the Environmental Interest seat, was removed for conduct that violated Cook Inlet RCAC policies,” the council said in a statement.

CIRCAC said its policies are based on the premise that “nonprofit corporation board members have an affirmative duty of loyalty to the corporation, which means the director must act in the best interests of the corporation and not the director’s own interests.”

“It is important for all of the special interest groups, including the environmental organizations, to have a voice on our Council,” said Council President Grace Merkes. “However, each Council member is expected to adhere to the rules of our organization.”

The Anchorage Daily News reported that Shavelson blasted fellow board members at a June board meeting for what he called lackluster oversight of the Cook Inlet oil industry by the council.

The council said environmental organizations which Shavelson represents have been notified of the board’s decision. An election process will begin in October to provide the organizations the opportunity to nominate and elect a new director. The individual elected will be seated at the council’s annual meeting in March.

—Petroleum News