Governance and Operations

Greetings from the President

Kathie S. Sheperd

Hello! Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to visit our Poindexter Descendant’s Association website. We are a group of like-minded “cousins” who share a passion for exploring our Poindexter/Poingdestre/Puddister family history. What makes our background truly special is our connection to the Isle of Jersey – a fascinating island, rich in culture, heritage and history.

Although our surnames may differ, we are united by a common thread: Poindexter! This shared lineage is something we deeply value. Together, we celebrate our roots, explore the fascinating stories of our ancestors, and work to preserve the Poindexter legacy for future generations.

We warmly invite you to join us on this journey. Becoming a member is simple — and it all begins here.

Our Mission

The Association provides resources to educate and support the members of the Poindexter family and the public in pursuit of understanding and preserving the family’s rich history and genealogy.

Our Vision

The Association researches and preserves family history and educates and promotes fellowship among members and the public.

History

Founded in 1982, the PDA was founded by a group of family genealogists that found each other and met for the first time. They discovered that sharing research information proved beneficial and agreed to form an organization. The PDA was originally incorporated in 1984 in Oklahoma.

Goals of the Association

The goals vary with each committee based on established purposes of the Association:

To stimulate and promote a spirit of kinship among descendants of the Poindexter Poingdestre, Pendexter, Puddester family hereafter known as Poindexter.
To educate, research, preserve, and publicize the heritage and traditions of the Poindexter family.
To stimulate and inspire among its members the pride and spirit of their ancestors, with particular emphasis on the ancestry of the members as it pertains to the surname of Poindexter.
To establish a repository for family genealogical data, when the Association is of sufficient size and stature to make this feasible.
To establish a museum for family memorabilia, when the Association is of sufficient size, stature, and has monetary worth to make such a project possible.
To encourage young Poindexters to become interested in their ancestry and to take an active part in family reunions.
To locate, list, refurbish, and maintain Poindexter cemeteries, when the Association is of sufficient size and stature to appropriately administer such a program.
To sponsor a Poindexter Reunion no more frequently than once a year, but at least every two years, at which a meeting of the Association shall take place. If there are unforeseen circumstances in which the annual reunion cannot be held at least every 2 years, a reunion will be scheduled as soon as circumstances permit.
To establish and maintain an international registry as we are descended from the Poingdestre family of the Channel Islands and Normandy to Virginia in 1657 and other countries worldwide, when the association has a member willing and capable of certifying such information.
To establish a quarterly family newsletter.

Governance

The PDA is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. The Board of Directors oversees the organization's mission and vision. The Executive Committee (elected officers) manages the daily operations of the organization, and committee chairs and members focus on their specific goals. Board and committee members volunteer their time. A set of Bylaws, Incorporation Document, and policy and procedure documents govern the management of the association.

The President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary, and the Treasurer are officers elected by the membership. The President also nominates a number of members of the Board from committee chairpersons and others contributing their efforts, with approval by the Board.

Committees

Many members volunteer to serve or lead a committee where much of the activities are accomplished. Members who are interested in joining a committee, use the Connect email link below.

Audit
Bylaws
Elections (seek nominations and run elections)
Family History Research (archivist, repository, genealogy database, DNA Project, research and member assistance, online data storage)
Fundraising & Outreach Campaigns
Future Reunion Planning, and Reunions Hosts
Investment
Online and Publications (newsletter, web site, Facebook, email Announcements)
Youth and Young Adults