Call for Nominations : AO TNA Representative on AO North America’s Board of Directors

As communicated on May 21, Dr. Mark Lee will assume the role of AO North America (AO NA) President on August 24, 2024, requiring him to vacate his position as the TNA representative on the AO NA Board of Directors.

 

In June, the TNA Board sought candidates to fill two member-at-large positions on the TNA Nominating Committee (TNA NomCom). Earlier this month, the TNA Board selected Dr. Terry Axelrod and Dr. Marilyn Heng as the two members-at-large. They join Dr. Lee, Dr. Coles, and me on this year’s TNA Nominating Committee.

 

On July 17th, the TNA NomCom met to review the position description for the TNA Representative on the AO NA Board of Directors, the election process, and the associated timeline. We agreed to initiate the process, as outlined in AO NA’s Amended and Restated Election Procedures, through this notice.

 

We are seeking nominations for the TNA Representative on the AO NA Board. If you would like to nominate yourself or another individual who meets the candidate qualifications, please ensure you submit the name and a brief rationale for the nomination to jones.jennifer@aona.org by the deadline, Monday, 5 August 2024. Jennifer will acknowledge your submission via email. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact her at 484.609.0211.

 

The TNA Representative on the AO NA Board of Directors will serve a four-year term beginning immediately upon election and concluding on December 31, 2028. Below are the position’s responsibilities, requirements, and time commitments.

Responsibilities     

  • Review, understand, and follow AO NA Bylaws.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Participate in discussions related to and approve AO NA’s strategic plan.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of programs and services consistent with AO NA’s mission.
  • Provide fiscal oversight and share fiscal responsibility for all AO NA-related funds and financial decisions; approve AO NA’s annual budget.
  • Support succession planning and the maintenance of a competent “Board”.
  • Ensure that AO NA is well maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interest of those that it serves.
  • Responsible for AO NA’s adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
  • Disclose conflicts that affect the Board position and abstain from voting or discussion as needed.
  • Review materials and be prepared for discussions. Support Board decisions. Explain the rationale for such discussions to different stakeholders as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality related to all Board discussions and decisions made as needed.
  • Follow “Roberts Rules”; listen carefully, respect fellow Board members’ opinions, and share perspectives openly to contribute to well-informed decision-making.
  • 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.
  • Serve as the point of contact and conduit for communication between the Board and the CD and their committees.
  • Participate in AO Trauma NA board and committee meetings to support the CD and serve as the information conduit to the AO NA Board of Directors.
  • Align with AO NA Board policies and protocols to effectively represent and advocate for the AO NA Board and the CD.
  • Liaison with key stakeholders to leverage personal and professional networks to benefit AO NA and its members.
  • Honor the Duties of Care, Loyalty, and Obedience, as outlined in association management’s best practices.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Demonstrated commitment to AO NA Trauma activities
  • AO Trauma member in good standing
  • Candidates can serve only one four-year term in this role.

 

Necessary Criteria

  • Trauma surgeon in an active practice.
  • Senior AO faculty member, defined as faculty at AO NA or AO Foundation courses with the last five years (industry or ORP courses do not qualify).
  • Should have international experience, participating in AO F projects as faculty or representing AO NA at the international level.
  • A recognized interest and proven ability in education (criteria are at the discretion of the AO Trauma NA Nominating Committee).
  • Completed the Faculty Education Program.
  • Business and financial acumen.

 

Preferences

  • Completion of advanced educational training (e.g., Chair Education Program and Leadership Education Program).
  • Served as a member of an AO TNA committee.

 

Time Commitment

  • Attend virtual Board orientation.
  • Attend all in-person AO NA Board meetings, typically three per year.
  • Attend all virtual AO NA Board meetings, typically two per year.
  • Attend “special meetings” of the AO NA Board when scheduled.
  • Attend 80% of AO TNA board meetings each year.
  • Attend the annual OneAO meeting.

 

General

  • Passion for AO NA’s mission and objectives.
  • Communicates effectively and actively listens.
  • Proven ability to work in multi-cultural environments, with the skills to lead and delegate tasks.
  • Team player who can collaborate and work with others to achieve goals.
  • Ability to provide objective and independent thought and oversight.
  • Ensures AO NA’s practices and policies are inclusive and equitable; values and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Handles conflicts and disagreements constructively and professionally; supports a positive and harmonious board culture.

 

The TNA NomCom is dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and transparent selection process. Once Jennifer verifies AO membership, she will request nominated individuals to submit a summary of their AO contributions, a one-page letter of intent, and a CV. Nominated individuals will have seven days to provide this information after receiving her request. The TNA NomCom will then verify the information and submit a list of vetted candidates to the TNA Board for consideration and approval. Following this, the TNA NomCom will create an electronic ballot, which will be sent to each eligible TNA member for voting. The elected candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes cast. If no candidate achieves this threshold, the TNA NomCom will conduct runoff elections until a candidate receives more than 50% of the votes.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer (jones.jennifer@aona.org or 484.609.0211) or me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brett Crist, MD

Chair, AO TNA Nominating Committee