As anyone who was a member this time last year may recall, the DAA Board created a new election process for the 2011 election. It proved to be a good decision and the same process will be in place for the 2012 election.

To help refresh everyone’s memory and given the tremendous growth in membership during the last year, the DAA Board of Directors wants to ensure there is a full understanding of the purpose for the changes and how the process works.

With the goal of an effective Board composition to meet the ever-changing opportunities and challenges of the DAA, the Board researched the best practices of successful associations and how Boards of Directors are selected by for- and non-profit organizations. The research was very clear that the process should focus on a Slate of qualified candidates reflecting the most desirable mix of capabilities supporting the organization’s direction.

Previously, Board candidates were based solely on random submissions from the membership and not on any established organizational direction or need. The new process includes both a Slate and At-Large positions and any member who is interested in serving on the Board will have the opportunity to submit their name for consideration by the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee is approved by the Board and is comprised of DAA Board Directors Emeriti, an officer of the Board who would not be on the ballot and a few members at-large. No one may serve on the Nominating Committee and seek election in the same year. The Nominating Committee is approved by and acts independently of the Board.

The purpose of a Slate is to select candidates who are strategic thinkers with solid leadership skills, to create Board level diversity in geography and an appropriate balance of membership sectors and experience. A recommended Slate will provide the DAA with a Board that is selected to meet current challenges and to ensure that the Board has the experience and knowledge to address the changing environment.

The major benefits of the new nomination and election process are:

• Reduces the impact of election transition
• Enhances the recruitment of qualified Board candidates
• Provides continuity for strategic initiatives facing the organization
• Enables a pathway to strong leadership for the organization
• Targets the required skills or experience for strategic initiatives
• Allows for a controlled approach to change and succession planning
• Ensures a balanced board that has the appropriate cross section and amount of practitioners, vendors, and consultants.
• Allows for the inclusion of strong candidates who may not be well known to all members
• Complies with association industry best practices

The 2012 election process will be as follows:

The ballot sent to members will include a Slate of candidates nominated by members, vetted by the Nominating Committee and approved by the DAA Board of Directors. The number of seats on the Slate will be based on the number of positions which are open for election each year.

In 2012, there are five Board seats up for election. Three of the board seats that are open will be filled with candidates selected from the Slate and two from At-Large positions.

The Slate will be voted as a block with members voting either for the Slate or against the slate (by abstaining from voting for the slate). Members will also vote for any of the individual "at large” positions apart from the Slate.

Board composition:

Candidates for both the Slate and At Large positions will be selected from a list of qualified candidates who inform the Nominating Committee that they want to run.

All At-Large candidates must have a minimum of one year of DAA service either serving on a DAA committee or working on behalf of DAA on an approved activity.

All board members have a term limit of three two-year terms or a maximum of six years. After the term limit has expired, a minimum of one year off of the Board is required before former Board members are eligible to serve again.

At-Large candidates with the highest number of votes pursuant to existing election guidelines and policies will be elected to the Board of Directors.