NOMINATION DEADLINE: November 20, 2026

To start a nomination, click "Begin Nomination" at the top of the page. 

 

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Association Forum Board of Directors.

Association Forum is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors made up of leaders from across the association community. Our Board brings together professionals who work directly for associations as well as leaders from organizations that support and serve the association sector.

Under Association Forum’s bylaws, at least 60% of the Board must be Regular Members, with Supporting Members comprising up to 40% of the Board. This structure ensures that Association Forum remains association-led while creating flexibility to build a Board with the experience, perspectives, and capabilities needed to advance the organization.

Board members serve three-year terms beginning April 1.

2027-2023 Board Opportunities

There are four vacancies for the 2027-2030 Board of Directors, including:

  • One Secretary-Treasurer position
  • Three Director positions

For the Secretary-Treasurer position, candidates must meet the officer eligibility requirements outlined in Association Forum’s bylaws.

The Nominating Committee will consider the Board's overall composition when developing the slate, including the required balance of Regular and Supporting Members, as well as the experience, skills, perspectives, and leadership capabilities the organization needs.

Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates must:

  • Be a member in good standing of Association Forum.
  • Demonstrate meaningful leadership and management experience.
  • Meet the membership and eligibility requirements established in Association Forum’s bylaws.
  • Be prepared to actively participate in the governance and strategic leadership of Association Forum throughout the three-year term. 
  • For the Officer position, a member must have served at least one year on Association Forum's Board of Directors and been a regular member of Association Forum for at least five years.

Nomination Process:

You may nominate yourself or another qualified Association Forum member.

If you or someone you know is interested in serving and meets the eligibility requirements, please complete the online nomination form.

Association Forum staff will review each nomination for eligibility. Qualified nominees will then receive a link to complete the Board application.

Applications for the 2027–2030 Board of Directors cycle must be submitted by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

What We Look For

The Nominating Committee takes a holistic approach to building the Board. Candidates are considered based on their leadership experience, involvement with Association Forum, strategic perspective, personal leadership characteristics, and the skills and experiences they would bring to the Board.

Key Selection Considerations

  1. Professional and Leadership Experience: What experience and perspective have you gained through your work in the association community or organizations that serve it? What leadership, governance, or board experience would you bring?
  2. Association Forum Engagement: How have you engaged with Association Forum? This may include membership, committees, programs, events, volunteer leadership, or other involvement with the Forum community.
  3. Leadership Characteristics: Do you demonstrate strategic thinking, sound judgment, strong communication skills, collaboration, and high ethical standards? Board members are expected to serve as leaders, ambassadors, and stewards of Association Forum.
  4. Board Composition and Perspective: Association Forum seeks a Board that reflects the breadth of the community we serve. We value differences in professional experience, background, organizational type and size, career journey, perspective, and lived experience. What perspective, capabilities, or experiences would you bring to the Board?
  5. Commitment to Active Leadership: Board service extends beyond attending Board meetings. Members are expected to actively engage in the life of Association Forum, including participation in key events, programs, strategic discussions, and other leadership activities throughout their term.

Timetable and Key Dates

  • Call for Board Nominations Opens: October 5, 2026
  • Nominations Due by 11:59 p.m. CT: November 20, 2026
  • Completed Board Applications Due by 11:59 p.m. CT: December 1, 2026
  • Candidates Selected for Interviews Notified: By December 18, 2026
  • Candidate Interviews Conducted Virtually: Mid-January 2027

 

To start a nomination, click "Begin Nomination" at the top of the page.