Community Advisory Board

In 2004, Tulane National Primate Research Center director, Dr. Andrew Lackner,  created a permanent Community Advisory Board (CAB) to establish better communication with the local community in relation to the activities of the TNPRC.

Purpose

To create and maintain an atmosphere of public trust and confidence between the TNPRC and the community.

Mandate

The Community Advisory Board provides an ongoing opportunity for the discussion of and sharing of information between the TNPRC and its various stakeholders.

Objectives

The objectives of the Community Advisory Board are:

• To provide guidance to the director on possible opportunities for enhanced communication, outreach, and community relations; 
• To serve as a vehicle for proactively providing accurate information to the community in order to foster a greater understanding of the activities of the TNPRC; 
• To provide an ongoing forum for public input and a sustained information exchange; 
• To convey information leading to mutual understanding on issues of public concern associated with the TNPRC.

Roles and Responsibilities of Members

The CAB members are responsible for providing guidance on TNPRC activities that may have a real or perceived impact on the community. They review, as necessary, activities, incidents and programs, and provide feedback on any concerns. 

Committee Membership and Structure

The CAB is comprised of a balanced representation of the community, consisting of at least ten and no more than twelve participants drawing one from each of the following stakeholder groups:

• the local government
• three neighborhoods in close proximity to the TNPRC
• the business community
• the medical community
• the veterinary medical community
• the educational community
• the community at large
• and the COO of the TNPRC, who serves as Committee Chair

Terms of Appointment

Committee members serve for one-year terms and are replaced or re-appointed annually, with the exception of the COO of the TNPRC. The CAB will invite nominations from the community for members. Following a review of the nominations, nominated members will be recommended to the Director of the TNPRC. 

Scope

• The committee supplements the TNPRC's ongoing communications and interaction with the community, stakeholders, media, and regulatory agencies.
• The committee provides guidance on appropriate and effective ways of communicating with the community. This information is provided to the Director of the TNPRC.
• The process and operation of this committee is considered private information and is communicated in closed sessions.