AO CMF call for applications
AO CMF has opened the call for applications for the position of the AO CMF International Board Chairperson.
The first term of office of current AO CMF International Chairperson Amir Elbarbary, Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Ain-Shams Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt ends on June 30, 2027.
Therefore, AO CMF is beginning the election process for the position of AO CMF International Board Chairperson this summer 2026, and invites candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria to submit their applications by August 31, 2026, at 11:59pm Central European Summer Time (CEST).
Open position: AO CMF International Board Chairperson
AO CMF is looking for a highly motivated individual of international repute and excellent global scientific and clinical recognition. The successful applicant will lead the AO CMF International Board by overseeing and managing all board activities. The applicant needs to be able to work in a multicultural environment with no travel restrictions and is expected to have the vision to lead and contribute to AO CMF, to help set new standards, and position AO CMF as a global leader in craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery.
Start date: July 1, 2027
End date: June 30, 2030
Term: Three years (with option to be reelected for one additional term)
Our commitment to equal opportunities for all
At the AO Foundation, we welcome applications from all, believing that diverse perspectives drive innovation and foster our mission to improve patient care and outcomes.
How to apply
Applicants who meet the criteria outlined under Requirements in the job description are invited to submit their applications—including their CV and letter of intent—via the online submission system. Links to apply can be found in the Open position section. Completed applications, including a description of the candidate’s top five priorities if elected (to be entered directly into the submission system under Motivation), must be submitted to AO CMF between July 10, 2026, and August 31, 2026, by 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Election process
Applications from candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be reviewed by the NomCom and subsequently submitted to the AO Foundation Board for pre-approval. The list of qualified candidates will then be made available to the electorate which consists of:
- Voting members of the AO CMF International Board
- Voting members of the 5 regional AO CMF Boards: NA, AP, LA, ESA and MENA
- Voting members of the 3 global AO CMF Commissions: Education, Community Development, Research
- AO CMF members of the Assembly of Trustees (excluding honorary trustees)
For the position apply:
- Candidates running for election have no voting right
- Each voting member has one (1) vote
- Voters must have a valid membership by the time of the election (renew your AO CMF membership by September 15, 2026, midnight CET)
Election mechanism
The mechanism for determining the recommendation of the AO CMF IB to be submitted for election by the AO Foundation Board is based on a first-past-the-post system using anonymous electronic voting. A multiple run-off electronic voting process will be applied. If a candidate achieves an absolute majority in any round, that candidate is declared the winner. In each round, the candidate receiving the fewest votes is eliminated. Additional voting rounds will be conducted until a candidate obtains an absolute majority.
If a candidate stands for a second term and no other candidate applies for the position, a qualified majority of votes (75% plus one vote) is required.
The successful candidate will be formally elected at the AO Foundation Board meeting in December 2026 and is expected to assume the role of Chairperson in July 2027. The election result will be announced no later than December 2026.
Nomination Committee
Stefano Fusetti (lead), Ana Catalina Tobon and Gregorio Sanchez Aniceto.
If you have any questions or issues accessing the online submission system, please contact Shoshana Geronimi via email: shoshana.geronimi@aofoundation.org.