Board Nomination Process
About the Board of Directors
The TSAE Board is comprised of 19 members and meets quarterly. The Board consists of the Chair, Chair Elect, Past Chair, as well as 11 elected members from the Association Professional member categories, four (4) elected members from the Affiliate member category, and the Executive Director of TSAE.
2025-2026 Nomination Process Timeline*:
| Dcember 3 | Nominating Opens |
| January 15 | Deadline for Nominations |
| January 15-17 | Candidates contacted to provide more information |
| January 27 | Deadline for candidates to submit information |
| February 7 | Deadline for the nomination committee to review and rank finalists |
| February 14 | Finalists contacted for interviews |
| March 12 | Nominating committee interviews finalists |
| March 26 | Board slate presented to Board of Directors |
| June 2025 | Board Orientation, Retreat and Installation of new members |
*Subject to change
Board Nomination FAQ
Who is the ideal board candidate?
There is no “ideal” board candidate. Instead, TSAE wants its board to include individuals with diverse work, life, social and educational backgrounds so that it can make well-rounded decisions that reflect its entire membership. TSAE seeks true diversity — in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, industry, location and work roles — in its board.
What do board volunteers do?
Board members are responsible for strategically thinking, planning and evaluating on behalf of the association. While association staff and volunteers typically execute TSAE programs, the board is responsible for envisioning the program, setting their direction and evaluating them for progress and success. As leaders, board members help set the agenda — for TSAE and for the entire association profession.
What do board volunteers get in return for their service?
Previous TSAE Board members have attested to the tremendous value of board service. In addition to impressive line items for their resumes, they have reported significant professional and personal benefits, including: the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from industry leaders; the chance to share their own knowledge, expertise and training with others; professional recognition that elevates their stature within their own associations and within the association community at large; valuable work experience that opens the door to new career opportunities; and relationships with new friends and lifelong mentors.
How much time does board service require?
Although board members must be willing to invest time in preparing for and thoughtfully participating in board meetings, the time commitment is not onerous. The TSAE Board meets four times a year for no more than a half-day and has a retreat in the summer. Finally, board members are expected to attend TSAE's Annual Conference, attend the two day summer strategic retreat, and encouraged to support TSAE educational programs and activities either through attendance themselves or promoting attendance within their own organization.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. TSAE members may nominate themselves for board service by following the same procedures they would use in order to nominate someone else.
What’s the nominating process?
TSAE’s nominating committee will call for board nominations in December-January each year. Nominated members will be asked to supply more information to the nominating committee by mid January. The committee will review the nominations based on the criteria and interview the finalists in mid March. The committee will then recommend one candidate per position for the slate which will be presented to the Board at the March Board meeting. The board of directors will vote on the board slate and it will be posted on the TSAE website later that week.
Review the Criteria for TSAE Board Member Selection
What if I’m nominated, but not selected?
There is always next year! And there are always a myriad of volunteer opportunities within TSAE.
How do I nominate a candidate?
If you know of an individual who meets the criteria, and who might be willing to serve on the TSAE Board, please complete the online nomination form when it goes live in the winter. TSAE will then contact the candidate with the link to the board application.
Who can answer other questions that I have?
For more information about the nominating process, or about nominating criteria, contact TSAE's Executive Director Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE at 512-444-1974.