AAFP Board of Directors nominations
Bring your unique set of skills and experiences to the table
Learn what it takes to make the board of the nation’s leading family medicine organization.
The AAFP nominating committee is inviting applications for nomination to the AAFP Board of Directors. Potential nominees may submit applications themselves, as well as by chapters, member constituencies and member interest groups on behalf of a potential nominee.
Applicants should have a record of active involvement with the national AAFP and their chapter; leadership qualities and experience that meet the organization’s needs; and the ability to represent the AAFP in diverse arenas.
The 2026 slate of nominees were announced in March 2026, and the submission process is currently closed. The Congress of Delegates will elect board members from this slate or from those who may be nominated from the floor.
Information needed for application
Completed nomination application form (submitted online)
Three letters of recommendation describing the applicant’s qualifications and potential contributions (submitted via email to leadershipnominations@aafp.org)
Biographical sketch (submitted via email to leadershipnominations@aafp.org)
Photo/headshot (submitted via email to leadershipnominations@aafp.org)
Current curriculum vitae (submitted via email to leadershipnominations@aafp.org)
Completed AAFP Conflict of Interest form (submitted online)
Desired Board member skillset
- Strategic planning
- Visionary thinking
- Goal setting
- Decision making
- Prior service to the AAFP (commissions, chapters, etc.)
- Financial analysis (organizational finances)
- Budget oversight
- Financial statements understanding
- Independent (solo/small group; direct primary care)
- Academic
- Administrative (health system administration, medical director, etc.)
- Rural
- Hospital-based
- Governmental practice (VA, IHS, etc.)
- Employed (health system or other large group)
- Family physician payment and practice finances
- Understanding of the AAFP’s organizational governance structure and practices
- Understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on family medicine
- Effective listening
- Clear and concise communication
- Building consensus
- Facilitation skills
- Awareness of diversity issues and commitment to inclusive practices
- Ethical conduct
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Commitment to the AAFP’s mission
Desired vice speaker skillset
- Organizational and leadership skills: The vice speaker will need to manage and lead various initiatives and projects, including serving as chair of the Resolution Subcommittee of the Board. The vice speaker must have previously attended an AAFP Congress of Delegates at least twice.
- Public speaking and communication: Excellent public speaking skills are crucial as the vice speaker will preside over meetings of the Congress of Delegates and may assist the speaker in planning and conducting the annual meeting
- Knowledge of parliamentary procedure: The vice speaker should have demonstrated knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the ability to make accurate and contemporaneous interpretations on parliamentary issues. The vice speaker should have previously served as speaker, vice speaker, presiding officer, chief of staff with a similar organization, or a member of a parliamentary membership organization.
- Strategic planning: The ability to engage in strategic planning and contribute to the long-term goals and vision of the organization is important
- Financial oversight: Understanding and managing financial aspects, including budgeting and financial planning, is necessary for this role
- Organizational governance: Knowledge and experience in organizational governance, including understanding bylaws, policies and procedures, are essential
- Collaboration and teamwork: The candidate should be able to work collaboratively with various departments and stakeholders. The candidate should be prepared to mentor other members serving in governance/leadership roles.
- Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities is crucial
- Diversity and inclusion: Recognizing and promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization and its initiatives is important
- Problem-solving skills: The candidate should have strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges and find effective solutions
Time commitment
Board members attend in-person and virtual meetings, serve on commissions, attend chapter meetings as needed, attend other non-AAFP meetings as needed and conduct work through email and online community collaboration. Please refer to the position description for details on the approximate time commitment.
Answers to FAQ
What is the purpose of the nominating committee?
The nominating committee is responsible for identifying and vetting applicants for the AAFP elected leadership positions of president-elect, director, speaker and vice speaker. The slate of candidates nominated by the committee is presented to the Congress of Delegates for a vote.
How does the nomination process work?
The process begins in the fall with the identification of desired attributes and skillsets for Board members. In December, the call for nominations will open with a deadline in mid-January. The nominating committee then reviews applications in February and announces a final slate by March 31.
What is the nomination process timeline?
- December - Call for nominations open
- January 15 - Nomination application deadline
- Late January- Virtual candidate interviews
- By March 31 - Candidate slate announced
- April - Candidate Orientation and Development Program (occurs in Kansas City, MO in conjunction with the AAFP Leadership Conference)
- May - Candidate webpages launch
- July - Candidate campaign emails sent
- August - Virtual Candidate Q&A
- October - Congress of Delegates (includes candidate hospitality event, candidate forum (speech and Q&A), meet the candidates session, and Board elections.)
Can a candidate not selected by the nominating committee run for a leadership position?
Yes. Any candidate who was considered but not selected by the nominating committee may be nominated by any chapter within two weeks following the release of the nominating committee report. Candidates submitted by a chapter through this pathway will be subject to the same campaign rules as the candidates named by the nominating committee and will participate in all candidate activities at the expense of the nominating chapter.
In addition, any member of the AAFP otherwise qualified for office but not included in the nominating committee slate of candidates may self-nominate or be nominated from the floor of the Congress of Delegates by a seated delegate at the first session of its annual meeting. Candidates nominated via this pathway will have the opportunity to distribute the same information to the Congress of Delegates as all other candidates and will participate in all candidate activities at the meeting.
What support does the AAFP offer to candidates?
The AAFP provides the following support (subject to annual budgetary review and approval by the Board of Directors) for all candidates nominated by the nominating committee for elected leadership positions on the Board of Directors, and discourages any other support by other AAFP entities, such as chapters, commissions and member interest groups:
- Candidate orientation and development program
- Candidate website
- Campaign email to all delegates and alternates
- Online Q&A session for any announced candidates, either in real time or asynchronously
- Meet the Candidates session at Congress of Delegates (COD)
- Candidate hospitality event at COD
- Candidate forum at COD
- Reimbursement of travel expenses to the AAFP Leadership Conference and COD
Are there any restrictions on external support for candidates?
Yes, any other support by external AAFP entities, such as chapters, commissions, member interest groups, or other organizations is discouraged.