Nominee Questionnaire

What Happens After a Person Is Nominated?

Nominees are given the opportunity to express their interest in one or more AIR leadership roles. They are then asked to answer a series of questions to help the Nominations & Elections Committee craft the slate of candidates put forth to the membership for election.

October 1, 2025: Nominees are sent a questionnaire
October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET: Nominee questionnaires due
November 2025: NEC reviews questionnaires and slates candidates
December 2025: Nominees are informed of the status of their candidacy; candidates are asked to provide materials for their candidate profile
February 2026: Election
May 2026: Newly elected leadership takes office at the AIR Forum

Unable to serve? Please let us know by selecting “No" on the questionnaire.

Review Nominee's Questionnaire

AIR Leadership Elections FAQs

Nominations and Elections Process

Questions Asked of All Nominees

The following questions are asked of all nominees:

Are you willing to be considered for an AIR leadership role?
All candidates for the Board of Directors and NEC must be a current member of AIR and have at least 3 years of prior membership in the association. Have you been a member for at least three years, consecutively or non-consecutively. Not sure? (Reach out)

Nominees do not self-select into a potential leadership role but are selected by the NEC through the review process. To ensure all nominees are aware of expectations of serving, please review and acknowledge the effort and practices of the Board of Directors and NEC below.

If selected as a candidate for the Board of Directors or Nominations and Elections Committee, please confirm your understanding and commitment to the following statements:
- I am aware of and agree to meet the commitments outlined in the Board Job Description (GP III) and commitments required by the NEC ( GP XIII).
- I am willing to learn and abide by the Carver Policy Governance model.
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors or Nominations and Elections Committee? (100 word limit)
Given the qualifications of Board and NEC service, what qualities will you bring to serve as a leader in the profession and support AIR’s mission? (200 word limit)
What different perspectives or diverse voices do you think are important for representation on the Board or NEC? And, how would you help foster a diverse and inclusive organization to ensure those perspectives and voices are heard? (300 word limit)
Outside of what you have shared above, is there anything else you would like us to know about your interest, background, or qualifications that makes you uniquely able to serve in a leadership role? (100 word limit)

AIR Leadership Elections FAQs

Q: Who is eligible to serve?
A: Candidates must be current AIR members with at least three years of prior membership (not necessarily consecutive). Membership can be individual, organizational, or a combination.
Q: What does the Board do?
A: The Board sets the direction of AIR by connecting with members and stakeholders, incorporating their values into “Ends,” and monitoring outcomes. It establishes policies, oversees fiscal controls and audits, and evaluates CEO performance.
Q: What does the NEC do?
A: The NEC recruits, screens, and nominates candidates for the Board and NEC, ensuring slates are both qualified and representative of AIR’s membership. It also oversees the election process and certifies results.
Q: How much travel is required for the Board?
A: Board members typically attend two face-to-face meetings per year (fall and spring) plus meetings at the annual AIR Forum. AIR covers travel and related expenses for meetings not at the AIR Forum and provides partial reimbursement for pre-AIR Forum Board-NEC training/meetings.
Q: How much travel is required for the NEC?
A: NEC members generally travel only for the AIR Forum, which includes orientation and crossover meetings. AIR provides partial reimbursement for pre-AIR Forum Board-NEC training/meetings.
Q: How long are the terms of service?
A: Board members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for one additional consecutive term. NEC members also serve three-year terms, with two members elected annually.
Q: Approximately how many hours per month of service does the Board/NEC require?
A:
- Board: ~4.5 hours/month for meetings, prep, and committee work, plus two multi-day meetings and time at the AIR Forum
- NEC: ~3.5 hours/month during active months, plus slate preparation, orientation, and AIR Forum meetings
Q: How does the Board govern?
A: AIR uses the Carver Policy Governance® model, which emphasizes organizational purpose (“Ends”) over operational details (“Means”). AIR’s Board focuses on strategic direction and accountability, leaving operational decisions to the CEO.
Q: What is the process for becoming a candidate on the election slate?
A: Members of AIR are invited to nominate colleagues or themselves to be considered for AIR leadership. All nominees are invited to complete a questionnaire, which is then reviewed and evaluated by the NEC. The NEC focuses on the eligibility criteria and desired qualities as outlined in Board policies, as they identify candidates who will appear on the ballot.
Q: In what ways does the NEC attempt to create a representative slate of candidates?
A: By reaching out broadly across the membership, the NEC seeks to ensure the slate reflects AIR’s varied perspectives, roles, and institutions.
Q: How many nominees are there typically? How many candidates make it onto the slate?
A: There are usually more nominees than ballot slots. The NEC must prepare at least two candidates per open Board or NEC position, meaning about half of the nominees are not slated.
Q: I was nominated previously but wasn’t elected. Should I try again?
A: Yes. It is not at all unusual for candidates not elected in one year to run again in a future election.

Please note that these answers were developed for the 2025-2026 election cycle and leadership year.