Serving the American Orchid Society

To fellow members of the American Orchid Society: Below please find the official call for nominations for officers and trustees to stand for election to the Board of Trustees of the AOS in the spring of 2010. The Nominating Committee will meet in October 2009 at the Members Meeting in San Marino, California, to begin its deliberations, and will complete its nominations early in 2010, with a ballot to be mailed prior to the Spring Members Meeting in Oklahoma City April 28-May 2, 2010. All members of AOS in good standing are eligible for election and members may nominate themselves or others.

Nominations should be made through a letter addressed to the Nominating Committee and sent to the e-mail address listed in the call or mailed to me. These letters should include the biographical information sought in the call for nominations as well as a personal statement as to why the nominee is considered a suitable candidate for office. Trustees attend at least two face-to-face meetings per year as well as participate in conference calls and occasional special additionally called live meetings. Trustees are required to pay their own expenses for travel and lodging and credibly represent the mission, vision and goals of the AOS. - Harry A. Gallis MD, AOS Trustee and Chair, Nominating Committee (e-mail orchild@bellsouth.net).

Call for Nominations for the Board of Trustees and Officers of the American Orchid Society

This document outlines the qualities and skills most desirable in nominees for AOS Trustee. Please note that, while these competencies may not be a requirement, they will be used in screening candidates for the final slate that will be proposed to the membership for election.

Foundation Competencies: These characteristics and skills will be sought in all candidates: Membership in AOS, integrity and ethical behavior, strong interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of orchids, history of service to the American Orchid Society or history of service to other orchid organizations (local and regional orchid societies, regional and specialty alliances, universities and orchid conservation and research).

Strategic Competencies: These skills, while not required, would be highly desirable and will be used prominently in the selection of candidates: knowledge and experience in finance, business or investment strategies; non-profit governance experience; information technology; marketing; fundraising/development. In addition, the board is currently lacking sufficient representation from members in Hawaii and on the west coast, individuals who are not AOS Judges, and members with experience in the development and implementation of strategic planning processes. Please note that lack of strength in the strategic competency areas will not preclude the nomination of candidates who have a history of strong service in orchids.

Each letter of application should contain a brief personal biography or résumé of activities pertinent to the call for nominations and, where applicable, should fully delineate the candidate's skills and experience in the foundation and strategic areas outlined above.

Procedure for Nomination: Interested individuals may nominate themselves or others. Letters of application should be sent to Harry A. Gallis MD, Chair, Nominating Committee, 19401 Mary Ardrey Circle, Cornelius, NC 28031, or sent via e-mail (nominating_committee@AOS.org). For questions or discussion, call 704-883-4077. In addition, candidates or persons interested in making nominations may directly contact other members of the Nominating Committee: Aileen Garrison, Art Moore, Steve Beckendorf, Deane Hall, Jim Butler, David Horak and Tim Brooks. - Nominating Committee of the American Orchid Society.