Nomination and Election Process for the SOA Board of Directors

• The process begins with the Board of Directors identifying the issues facing the profession in the next few years based on strategic initiatives that are underway and priorities they have identified.

 

• The Leadership Development Committee identifies the skills and experience that would facilitate the work of the Board of Directors in addressing those issues.

 

• The Nominating Committee reviews the composition of the continuing Board of Directors and determines if reserved seats are needed. The Nominating Committee makes recommendations regarding reserved seats to the Board of Directors. The Board determines whether or not to approve the recommended reserved seats.

 

• The Board of Directors, Issues Advisory Committee, Strategic Action Teams, Sections, committee chairs, employers and staff, etc. are asked to submit names of members whose skills and experience seem to match. These names are added to the list of eligible candidates automatically generated each year, plus members who self-nominate.

 

• In addition to receiving information regarding Board of Directors service, all potential candidates are asked to complete a form indicating their interest.

 

• Using the interest forms received, staff creates a list of all interested candidates for the Nominating Committee.

 

• The Nominating Committee performs a blind review of interested candidates with the goal of winnowing down the list.

 

• People invited to continue in the process are sent additional information on Board of Directors service, are invited to participate in an informational webcast, and are asked to complete a questionnaire that asks about their experience, strategic thinking, core competencies and teamwork, etc. The questionnaire is developed by the Nominating Committee, with input from the Leadership Development Committee as needed. Information from the questionnaire is used to develop the ballot materials.

 

• Completed questionnaires are reviewed by the Nominating Committee using a blind process with the goal of winnowing down the list. The Nominating Committee uses the results of that review to determine the ballot of candidates, keeping in mind any reserved seat requirements established by the Board of Directors.