Leadership Opportunities: Call for Interest/Nominations

Are you ready to take the next step in serving our organization? We are seeking passionate, dedicated leaders to fill three vital executive board positions, and we encourage you to consider this opportunity to make an even greater impact. 

President-Elect (Elected Position)

We are seeking candidates for the position of president-elect, an elected role that represents a significant leadership opportunity within our organization. This is your chance to help guide our strategic direction and contribute to the important work we'll be leading over the next several years.

Key Details:

• Three-year commitment beginning in July 2027

  •  (president-elect, president, past president) 

• Responsibilities include board meetings, conference attendance, and other board obligations.

• Superintendent support is required. Candidates must have their superintendent's endorsement/letter, as this role requires dedicated time and commitment.

• This is an elected position. Selected candidates will run in our December election.

Professional Learning Chair (Elected Position)

The Professional Learning Chair leads the Professional Learning Committee, collaborates with the MEMSPA staff to support the planning of MEMSPA events, communicates opportunities that support the professional growth of our members and MEMSPA’s strategic plan, and fulfills the job description as approved by the Board of Directors.

Key Details:

• Three-year commitment beginning in July 2027

• Responsibilities include board meetings, conference attendance, and other board obligations.

• Superintendent support is required. Candidates must have their superintendent's endorsement/letter, as this role requires dedicated time and commitment.

• This is an elected position. Selected candidates will run in our December election.

State and Federal Relations Coordinator (Elected Position)

The State & Federal Relations Coordinator shall serve as chair of the MEMSPA legislative committee, as a key contact to NAESP, and attend state and national legislative meetings. The coordinator works with the Executive Director and designated lobbyist(s) on state and federal legislative issues, helps with lobby day, and fulfills the job description as approved by the Board of Directors. 

Key Details:

• Three-year commitment beginning in July 2027

• Responsibilities include board meetings, conference attendance, and other board obligations.

• Superintendent support is required. Candidates must have their superintendent's endorsement/letter, as this role requires dedicated time and commitment.

• This is an elected position. Selected candidates will run in our December election.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the desired position nomination form:

   1. President-Elect Nomination Form  

   2. Professional Learning Chair Nomination Form

   3. State and Federal Relations Coordinator 

2. Submit to your region president by Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

3. Region presidents will review submissions against established criteria and bring qualified candidates to the nomination committee meeting on Thursday, September 10th, to select up to two recommendations for each position. 

Why This Matters

We are committed to extending our reach and amplifying diverse voices at the board table. We're looking for candidates who will complement and strengthen our current board, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to the important work ahead. Your unique experiences and insights could be exactly what we need to lead our organization into the future.

If you've ever thought about deepening your involvement, this is your moment. We need leaders who are ready to serve, collaborate, and drive meaningful growth for our members and the communities we represent.

Selection Criteria:

• Strong leadership demonstrated within our organization

• Meaningful service record and contributions to our mission

• Commitment and availability for the three-year term (board meetings, conferences, and other obligations)

• Superintendent support confirmed and documented

• Ability to complement and strengthen our current board composition

• Diverse perspectives that will enhance our board's effectiveness

Additional Information:

The Board is exploring a president transition plan that would add a vice president role; it may go to the representative assembly in December. 

• The goal would be to give principals in the president role two years on the Board learning about the role prior to their year served as president. 

• This is the same model that NAESP, our affiliate, uses.

• If passed, it would transition the role of past president off of the Board. 

• It may also require us to elect an additional position this year.

• These and any bylaw changes would go to the Board of Directors in September to vote to go to the Representative Assembly in December, which would require a 2/3s (supermajority) vote. 

This will be reviewed and discussed more at our Leadership Retreat on September 10th. 

We encourage you to reach out to your region president or current board members with any questions about these opportunities.

Thank you for considering how you can contribute to our organization's continued success.

Sincerely,

The MEMSPA Team and Board