At the risk of repeating myself, every problem I have seen since being on the board, is the result of a lack of qualification requirements for board members. The same applies to the insurance guy. There is some concern that the board will be interested in perpetuating itself or picking only its' friends for the board. This is not going to be the case. The system would have to be set up to benefit the IJA, not any individual person.
Most organizations use a nominating committee.
That should work. This is a procedure that is commonly used. Our current system is not commonly used. A nominating committee, consisting of 2 board members not up for election, would recommend candidates with specific expertise to the board. The board would agree or not, and then recommend these approved candidates to the membership.