AFA National Nominating Committee Seeks Qualified AFA Members for National Office

The AFA National Nominating Committee will meet at the end of April 2008 to select candidates for national officer and national board of director positions to be presented to the delegates to the AFA National Convention in September for election.

AFA is moving to a smaller Board that is more strategic in nature, focused on setting policy and strategic direction for three organizations: AFA as well as the AFA Veteran Benefits Association (AFAVBA) and the Air Force Memorial Foundation (AFMF). It is particularly important that the association find candidates with the following characteristics:

• A capacity to govern with vision, think strategically and understand the business management of the three organizations for which the Board is responsible.
• A willingness to give freely of their time and talent, to actively serve on committees and to personally support the fundraising and development objectives of the association.
• An understanding and appreciation of the AFA mission, vision, values and history, including the legacy represented by the Air Force Memorial

All officer positions are for one year terms and open to any member. The incumbent Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education, Secretary and Treasurer are eligible to run again. AFA is seeking a new Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board for Field Operations.

Board positions are for three years. One position is limited to candidates from the East Geographic area consisting of the following states: DE, MD, VA, WV, FL, CT, MA, NH, RI, VT, NJ, NY, PA, GA, NC and SC. In addition to being from this geographic area, candidates must have demonstrated field leadership experience. Those interested are advised to consult with the appropriate state and region president. Contacts are available on the Web at http://www.afa.org/members/rgnstlst.asp

There are two positions open to be elected on an “at-large” basis. These are open to any member. In evaluating potential candidates the nominating committee will consider field leadership experience and geographic dispersal.

A snapshot of AFA’s mission and current leadership team is available on the web at http://www.afa.org/AboutUs/default.asp . Descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of these offices are in AFA’s Operations and Procedures Manual at http://www.afa.org/members/OPM.pdf .

Deadlines:

Anyone who plans to submit their name and other required materials to the AFA Nominating Committee MUST indicate their intention to do so not later than February 29th. A one sentence e-mail or letter to the Committee through the staff (jsimpson@afa.org) stating their name and the position for which they intend to run is sufficient. This is a new requirement which will help the Nominating Committee conduct both its search and deliberative functions more efficiently.

The remainder of the requirements including one or more formal recommendations for candidates for these positions, candidate biographies and any additional information and endorsements should be sent to the Nominating Committee through the AFA staff and be received not later than March 21.

Please note that all candidates will be subject to a background check and will be required to grant permission for that when they submit their materials to the committee. Individuals selected by the committee to be sent forward to the delegates will also be required to provide a brief personal biography for inclusion in “Newsline” and the August issue of AIR FORCE Magazine and for a high quality “head shot” for the magazine as well.

Procedures for Making Recommendations to the Nominating Committee

Prospective candidates must insure a recommendation on their behalf has been submitted to National. Recommendations can be via an AFA Form (see below) or via personal e-mail (or letter) to the Chairman of the Committee (through the AFA staff). A recommendation form is enclosed. Forms are also available in the “Library” section of the “Field Resources” area of the AFA web site.

Each prospective candidate MUST also submit a signed AFA biographical form and answer a question concerning whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. Their signature gives AFA permission to conduct a background check and is also consent to serve in the position if elected. Additional sheets may be attached as desired. THE PHYSICAL FORM WITH A SIGNATURE MUST BE RECEIVED via mail or fax.

In addition to these required materials, prospective candidates may also elect to include a written biography and letters of endorsement. Any material received by the due date will be included in the package given to the Nominating Committee for their consideration.

ALL material should be sent to the Nominating Committee in care of Field Services/National Headquarters. If you have any questions, please contact either Jim Simpson (Ext. 5856) or Mary Nauheimer (Ext. 4821).
 

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