Our AO VET NA Representative on the AO North America (AO NA) Board of Directors, Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, will conclude his term on December 31, 2024. To ensure a seamless transition, the AO VET NA Board has formed a Nominating Committee (VET NomCom) to oversee the election process for selecting our next representative.
The VET NomCom comprises:
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Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS (outgoing representative);
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Kyla Ortved, DVM, DACVS (Board representative);
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Katherine Barnes, DVM, MS, DACVS (member-at-large); and
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Elizabeth Collar, DVM, PhD, DACVS (member-at-large).
As Chair of the AO VET NA Board, I will serve as Chair of the VET NomCom. I am writing to invite you to submit nominations for this vital role. You may nominate yourself or another individual. To submit a nomination, please provide the candidate’s name along with a brief rationale for the nomination by Friday, October 25, 2024, to jones.jennifer@aona.org. Upon submission, Jennifer will confirm receipt via email; if you do not receive confirmation, kindly contact her at 484.609.0211.
The AO VET NA Representative on the AO NA Board will serve a four-year term, commencing on January 1, 2025, and concluding on December 31, 2029. Below are the position’s responsibilities, qualifications, and time commitments.
Responsibilities
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Review, understand, and follow AO NA Bylaws.
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Have a complete understanding of the Clinical Division’s (CD) Terms of Reference (TORs) and support the CD to ensure compliance with the TORs and the Bylaws.
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Periodically review and update, if necessary, AO NA’s statement of mission and purpose, which articulates AO NA’s goals, means, and primary constituents served.
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Participate in discussions related to and approve AO NA’s strategic plan.
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Monitor the effectiveness of programs and services consistent with AO NA’s mission.
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Provide fiscal oversight and share fiscal responsibility for all AO NA-related funds and financial decisions; approve AO NA’s annual budget.
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Support succession planning and the maintenance of a competent “Board”.
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Ensure that AO NA is well maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interest of those who it serves.
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Responsible for AO NA’s adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
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Disclose conflicts that affect the Board position and abstain from voting or discussion as needed.
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Review materials and be prepared for discussions. Support Board decisions. Explain the rationale for such discussions to different stakeholders as needed.
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Maintain confidentiality related to all Board discussions and decisions made as needed.
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Follow “Roberts Rules”; listen carefully, respect fellow Board members’ opinions, and share perspectives openly to contribute to well-informed decision-making.
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Be well-informed about issues that may come before the Board; participate in Board meetings and actions; and bring to the Board’s attention any issues that the members believe will have an adverse effect on AO NA, or those AO NA serves.
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Serve as the point of contact and conduit for communication between the Board and the CD and their committees.
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Participate in AO VET NA board and committee meetings to support the CD and serve as the information conduit to the AO NA Board of Directors.
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Align with AO NA Board policies and protocols to effectively represent and advocate for the AO NA Board and the CD.
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Liaison with key stakeholders to leverage personal and professional networks to benefit AO NA and its members.
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Honor the Duties of Care, Loyalty, and Obedience, as outlined in association management’s best practices.
Eligibility Requirements
Necessary Criteria
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VET surgeon in an active practice.
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Senior AO faculty member, defined as faculty at AO NA or AO Foundation courses within the last five years (industry or ORP courses do not qualify).
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Should have international experience, participating in AO F projects as faculty or representing AO NA at the international level.
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A recognized interest and proven ability in education (criteria are at the discretion of the AO VET NA Nominating Committee).
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Completed the Faculty Education Program.
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Business and financial acumen.
Preferences
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Completion of advanced AO educational training (e.g., Chair Education Program and Leadership Education Program).
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Served as a member of an AO VET NA committee.
Time Commitment
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Attend virtual Board orientation.
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Attend all in-person AO NA Board meetings, typically three per year.
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Attend all virtual AO NA Board meetings, typically two per year.
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Attend “special meetings” of the AO NA Board when scheduled.
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Attend 80% of AO VET NA board meetings each year.
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Attend the annual OneAO meeting.
General
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Passion for AO NA’s mission and objectives.
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Communicates effectively and actively listens.
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Proven ability to work in multi-cultural environments, with the skills to lead and delegate tasks.
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Team player who can collaborate and work with others to achieve goals.
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Ability to provide objective and independent thought and oversight.
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Ensures AO NA’s practices and policies are inclusive and equitable; values and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Handles conflicts and disagreements constructively and professionally; supports a positive and harmonious board culture.
