09/25/2023

FLARE 2023 Call for Nominations for Board Members

Call for Nominations

First Ladies Association for Research and Education

The 2023 FLARE Nominating Committee solicits from any member of the Association names of possible nominees for FLARE Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and two At-Large Board Members. The Nominating Committee will review and narrow the slate of nominees who will be listed on the general election ballot. The Nominating Committee will not be limited in its deliberations to the list of nominees. All nominees must be a member of FLARE at the time of nomination and must agree to maintain membership during the term of office. After Board approval, the slate of nominees who will appear on the general ballot will be announced in late October. The general election will be conducted in late October-early November. Election results will be announced the first week of December, and new officers will begin their terms on January 1, 2024. For more on FLARE and the election process, see the by-laws on our website at: https://www.flare-net.org/aws/FLARE/pt/sp/bylaws

Nominations are due Monday, October 16. Send nomination information and/or any questions electronically to Committee Chair, Nancy Kegan Smith, at nksnancy@aol.com. 

Vice President

The elected nominee will assume office as Vice President on January 1, 2024. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President during such time as the President is unable or unwilling to perform the same; shall serve as Chair of the Program and Events Committee and ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Council. The Vice President shall, after a two-year term, succeed to the office of President. The Vice President is a member of the Executive Council and is expected to attend Council and general Board meetings. The Vice President is central to the leadership team of FLARE and is expected to participate in the guidance of the Association with creativity, integrity, and competence. 

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• A record of ongoing involvement with FLARE.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An understanding of and expertise in the field of first ladies studies  from one of the broad range of backgrounds that compose FLARE membership .
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Self-nominations are encouraged.

Treasurer

The elected nominee will assume office as Treasurer on January 1, 2024, shall perform all duties incidental to the office (collecting dues, writing checks, collecting contributions, providing regular financial statements), shall submit records for audit, and shall file tax documents as appropriate for FLARE’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The position is a two-year term with the option of two additional consecutive terms with a maximum service of six years. The Treasurer is a member of the Executive Council and is expected to attend Council and general Board meetings. 

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• Prior experience in a similar role.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An ability to understand finances and non-profit opportunities.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.
• An ability to work with the website manager regarding financial matters.

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Self-nominations are encouraged.

Secretary – The incumbent secretary is standing for second term.  

The Secretary shall perform all duties incidental to the office of Secretary including taking minutes, handling correspondence, and maintaining the board book, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Council. The Secretary shall serve as Chair of the Network Committee. The Secretary shall serve a two-year term with the option of two additional consecutive terms before reaching the maximum consecutive service term of six years.

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• Prior experience in a similar role.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.

Nomination materials must include, if not previously submitted:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Two At-Large Members of the Board

The 2 At-Large Members of the Board are elected to a three-year term to begin January 1, 2024.The Board is composed of at-large members who represent the scope of first lady study and practice. Board members may serve for a maximum of six consecutive years. A Board Member is expected to promote the Association as appropriate, lend credibility and visibility to the mission, have fiduciary responsibility, be involved in attracting new members, and participate in fundraising opportunities. Board members often serve on committees and assist with FLARE educational and outreach activities in addition to attending Board meetings and participating in the governance of the Association.  

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An ability to understand, or experience with, fundraising and non-profit opportunities.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Self-nominations are encouraged.