Less than a month after its second convention, Troy Boyle, co-founder and now former President of the National Atheist Party (NAP) has unexpectedly resigned. Boyle announced his untimely resignation from the party to the Board and on his Facebook page citing “An increasing lack of cooperation by the Executive Board, and a need to concentrate on my two careers of Law and Comics” as the reasons for his decision.

This of course comes not only as a shock to the staff and members of the party, but especially the Executive Board who had no warning of the decision. The ‘increasing lack of cooperation’ cited has also stunned the Executive Board as the Charter, written by Boyle, clearly spells out that “The President forms decisions on the basis of input and recommendations from the Advisory Council, Executive Board, and all VPs”.

Susi Bocks, newly elected Treasurer of the NAP said, “I am saddened that Troy’s life situations have to be his focus now and am surprised at the other comment as to the reason for his resignation, but can appreciate that his priorities are for himself and his family. The Executive Board wishes him well and much success with his completion of law school, his comic book venture and his upcoming position with Homeland Security in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, the stress of personal factors endured this last year and, in addition, an upcoming move to a new state has precipitated this decision, but we wish him much success.”

“With a heavy heart, the Executive Board has accepted the resignation of our President, Troy Boyle. We would like to thank Troy for his years of service spent shaping and defining this party, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors. His presence will be greatly missed, but we will continue working towards growing the party and focusing on secularism,” stated James Klawon, Vice President of Operations

Troy Boyle and Mark Smith co-created the party in March of 2011 by. With approximately 3,000 registered members and chapters in every state, the NAP has experienced several bumps in its 2-year history, but this is by far the biggest the party has faced to date.

The Charter, written by Boyle, states the process for bringing on new Executive Board members, but does not address this unique situation of the President resigning:

Section 2:

Elections, Appointing and Removal of Officers

C) Special Appointment of Officers

1. If an Executive Board officer’s position becomes vacant during the officer’s term, the National Atheist Party’s president shall make a special appointment of an active member to fill the vacancy. The special appointment to fill a vacancy shall require approval of the active membership by a 2/3 vote. The person appointed to fill an officer’s vacancy shall serve until the organization holds its election of officers, every four years to coincide with National elections.

This of course leaves a vacancy in the ranks, with 2016 initiating the next official election cycle. Based on Charter language as previously ratified by the membership, and with leadership directed to follow the approved Charter, the Executive Board cannot appoint nor fill this vacancy. This vacancy prompts action during the upcoming membership policy proposal voting cycle, which begins May 1. The Executive Board will propose new policies to be introduced as a Charter revision to address this particular situation as well as any other potential proposals introduced by the members to be voted on by the NAP membership. The NAP is, in effect, left without Presidential leadership until after the upcoming voting cycle and the remaining Executive Board members will continue to fulfill any Presidential duties until the membership votes on the language change of the Charter. This will ensure that the policy proposal change recommended by the Executive Board members will remedy this situation and allow us to nominate, appoint (with membership approval) and/or elect a new NAP President prior to the 2016 elections.

Ryan McCue, Vice President of Outreach added, “We’ve seen steadily growing numbers and increased interest in the party since our inception, but the last few months have been by far the best and most productive as percentages have risen across the board. The success of our convention in March and the inclusion of several new members in key positions have really gotten this party motivated. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened, but it will in no way keep us from moving this party forward.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ATHEIST PARTY

The National Atheist Party is a non-profit, 527 political organization devoted to issue advocacy and guided by the values of secular humanism and evidenced-based reasoning. The party seeks to politically represent U.S. atheists and all who share the goal of a secular government by gathering the political strength of secularists nationwide.

Bernard “Flash” Kellish

Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing / Executive Board Member

National Atheist Party

flash.kellish@usanap.org

(207) 991-8484

https://www.usanap.org/

https://www.facebook.com/National.Atheist.Party

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