Your Chance to Lead: Shaping AIR’s Future Through Board and NEC Service

As newly-elected members of the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC), we are excited to encourage our fellow members of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) to consider stepping into a leadership role. Whether on the Board of Directors (Board) or the NEC, serving in these roles is a unique opportunity to directly shape the direction, priorities, and progress of our professional community.

Why Your Leadership Matters

AIR thrives through the active participation and diverse perspectives of its members. Guided by the Carver Policy Governance^® model, AIR clearly defines the roles of elected leaders and professional staff. The Board focuses on the "Ends"—the overarching purpose and mission of the association, while AIR’s Executive Director manages the "Means" of reaching those goals.

The Board connects directly with members and stakeholders, translating community values and priorities into strategic objectives. Board members ensure the association operates according to its Bylaws and is responsive to membership needs, while overseeing progress toward defined outcomes.

The NEC plays a critical role by recruiting and nominating qualified candidates for both the Board and the NEC. The Committee ensures AIR leadership reflects the diversity, breadth, and values of its membership, while upholding open and transparent governance.

Why Service Is Worth It: Professionally and Personally

Volunteering within AIR is more than a résumé boost, it is an investment in your growth and in the future of our field. Serving in a leadership role allows you to:

Shape the field: Influence policies, elevate institutional research, and support the use of data to promote equity and student success.
Develop leadership skills: Gain experience in governance, strategic planning, collaboration, and public service.
Expand your network: Connect with leaders from across the country and diverse institutional types who share your professional focus.
Grow personally: Contribute to meaningful change, gain a broader perspective, and find fulfillment in giving back to the community.
Create opportunity: Ensure AIR's leadership is representative and future-focused.
Serve as a mentor: Demonstrate leadership and provide constructive guidance to positively impact the development of future AIR leaders.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome nominations of members who reflect the diversity of AIR’s membership and are committed to service. Successful leaders in AIR’s governance model demonstrate:

A strong interest in the ongoing developments and future direction of institutional research, as well as the evolving role of AIR
The ability to collaborate effectively while respecting group decisions
An understanding that individual authority is exercised only through the collective governance body
A commitment to advocating for all AIR members
Willingness to learn and operate within the Carver Policy Governance model
For NEC candidates specifically: A thoughtful approach to inclusive, equity-centered candidate recruitment

Eligibility: Candidates for the Board and the NEC must be current AIR members with at least three years of total membership (consecutive or non-consecutive, individual or institutional).

Take the Next Step

Nominate yourself or a colleague whose perspective will help lead AIR into the future. Nominations close September 2025.
Share this opportunity broadly; diverse leadership begins with wide outreach.
Encourage others, especially those who might hesitate. Sometimes all it takes is a nudge.

Your Leadership Journey Begins Now

AIR is evolving in a time of complexity and opportunity. We need leaders who are visionary, inclusive, and committed to service. Whether you are ready to lead today or wish to elevate someone else’s voice, this is your chance to make a difference.

If you’d like to learn more about the Board or the NEC roles, explore the AIR Leadership Elections page or reach out to air@airweb.org to get in touch with the NEC. We welcome your questions and look forward to supporting your leadership journey.

A warm reminder that: “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” —Jane Goodall

Warmly, Mel Jenkins-Simpson & Linli Zhou 2025–26 Nominations and Elections Committee Members