08/11/2026

Call for FLARE Board Nominations

Deadline for nominees is September 8

It is time to solicit nominations and self-nominations for the FLARE Board of Directors. Two of our Founding Members, Anita McBride and Katie Sibley, are cycling off the board. Additionally, Chris Leahy is stepping down as Vice President to devote his full attention to the Journal of First Ladies Studies.

Open Positions

• Vice President (one-year term, will succeed the President in 2028)

• Member-at-Large (two-year term)

If you know someone who fits either of these open categories, please nominate them. You are also welcome to place your own name in nomination.

How to Submit a Nomination

Send nominations to the chair of the Nominating Committee: Nancy Kegan Smith - nksnancy@aol.com

Full position descriptions are available in the Call for Nominations document.

Important Dates

Board Elections

• Nominations close: September 8 (four weeks from opening)

• Reminder email: One week before deadline

• Ballot goes live: October 5 via SurveyMonkey

• Voting closes: November 2 (four weeks of voting with reminders)

Bylaws Review

Our Bylaws require that any recommended changes be submitted to the membership four weeks before the ballot goes live. The Bylaws changes will appear on the same ballot as the board elections.

• Bylaws distributed for review: September 1

• Questions or suggested revisions due: September 29

• Board reviews suggestions and adjusts as needed

• Explanation of changes included on ballot

Committees

Nominating Committee

• Chair: Nancy Kegan Smith

• Mary Brennan

• Jill Hummer

• Tracy Davis-Butros

• Chris Leahy, ex officio

Bylaws Committee

• Chair: Nichola Gutgold

• Myra Gutin

• Elizabeth (Jody) Natalle

We encourage all members to participate in this process and help shape the future of FLARE.