Call for Board Nominations 2026-2027

SOAP is accepting candidates for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors now through February 11, 2026. We are seeking highly qualified and diverse leaders, ensuring the society is a welcoming environment for every member and reflecting our core values of diversity and inclusion. Available roles and other details are described below. 

Responsibilities

In addition to running high-level projects as leaders or members of various committees, general responsibilities of the Board include:

  • Leadership and governance
  • Strategy and policy development
  • Determination of key performance measures and results
  • Budget setting, resource allocation and risk mitigation
  • Stewardship, ethics and financial integrity

Positions Available

To be eligible, candidates must self-nominate (see below), provide all required information, must be current on dues, and must be ACTIVE members of SOAP. Previous service on a committee or other SOAP volunteer opportunity is preferred but not required. Candidates will be considered for no more than one (1) appointed position and one (1) elected position. Each role has specific required/recommended experience for prospective candidates to consider.

Appointed Positions

    • Secretary - appointed by the Board of Directors
        • This position is a three-year commitment, and serves simultaneously as the Governance Committee Chair.
        • The secretary oversees governance initiatives and governance policies, maintains the bylaws, works with the management staff to ensure that minutes are kept, ensures proper notice is provided for Board meetings and membership meetings, monitors parliamentary processes, helps hold leaders accountable for expected behaviors and responsibilities, and is the custodian of the society’s records and data, and assists staff in triaging questions on obstetric anesthesia from members and the public. 
    • Annual Meeting & Live Events Committee Chair - appointed by the Board of Directors
      • This position is a three-year commitment and chairs the Annual Meeting & Live Events Committee.
      • Prior service on the Annual Meeting & Live Events Committee or similar leadership service is helpful.

        Committee chairs are expected to:
        Develop an annual action plan to define committee activities and resource needs
        Report to the Board on committee activities, planned initiatives, and accomplishments 
        Maintain oversight of aligned subcommittees and task forces, if any
        Create visibility of the committee, subcommittees, and any work products 

Elected Positions

    • Vice President – elected by the membership
      • This position is a three-year commitment, including one year as Vice President, followed by one year as President, and one year as Immediate Past President.
      • Significant knowledge of SOAP and our strategic priorities is required.
      • The Vice President presides over meetings in the temporary absence or by request of the President and spearheads special initiatives as directed by the Board. The term as Vice President is an opportunity to gain understanding of and prepare for the responsibilities of the presidency. The Vice President automatically succeeds to the role of President after the completion of his/her/their term. The Vice President co-chairs the Nominating Subcommittee with the Secretary.
    • Director-at-Large for Academic Practice - elected by the membership
      • This position is a three-year commitment
      • Directors contribute in an important way by representing the perspectives of their peers—while still focusing on the best interest of the society. 
    • Director-at-Large for Community Practice - elected by the membership
      • This position is a three-year commitment
      • Directors contribute in an important way by representing the perspectives of their peers—while still focusing on the best interest of the society. 
    • Director-at-Large Less Than 15 Years in Practice - elected by the membership
      • This position is a three-year commitment
      • Directors contribute in an important way by representing the perspectives of their peers—while still focusing on the best interest of the society. 

How to Nominate

Self-nomination is required and demonstrates your willingness to engage as a leader. Please complete the self-nomination form on or before February 11. The form also requires a CV/bio sketch, a recent photo, brief responses to the following questions:

  • What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
  • Please describe the specific qualities and capabilities that will make you the best candidate for this role?
  • What makes our society’s mission meaningful to you?
  • Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors?
  • Describe your previous service to SOAP

You are welcome to express interest in more than one position. You will be eligible to be a self-nominated candidate for no more than one (1) appointed position and one (1) elected position. However, you can only apply once, so please give careful consideration to your responses and ensure all information is correct and complete before you submit the form. Only self-nominations are accepted; if you would like to support the candidacy of another member, please encourage them to apply and feel free to submit a letter of recommendation separately.

Apply Now (Active Members Only)

Timeline

The deadline to apply is February 11 at 11:59 pm Eastern. The Nominating Subcommittee will select a slate of candidates and notify candidates in February/March. A vote of SOAP members will be held by virtual means beginning in mid-March. 

Terms

Terms will begin July 1, 2026, and end June 30, 2029 (including the Vice President, as part of the three-year commitment to Vice President, President and Immediate Past President at one year each). 

Voting/Appointment Process

Step 1: Self-Referral
Use this form to select all positions in which you are interested. These may consist of any combination of elected and/or appointed positions. Answer the questions on the form for those positions.

Step 2: Nominating Subcommittee Review
The nominating subcommittee will review all prospective candidates according to the SOAP Policies and Procedures. They will present a prospective slate of candidates for each office, consisting of no more than:
     a. One candidate for each appointed position, and:
     b. Four candidates for each elected position
You will be eligible to be a nominated candidate for no more than one appointed position and one elected position.

Step 3: Board Approval
The Board of Directors vote to approve the slate of candidates.   
Step 3a: If you are selected for an appointed position, you will be asked if you accept this position and withdraw from any election to which you were nominated.

Step 4: Elections
Elections are held via electronic media. 

The Nominating Subcommittee will vet the candidates with a focus on a highly qualified and diverse Board, reflecting these attributes: 

  • Qualifications for and ability to contribute to the Board and specific role(s)
  • Demonstrated leadership, character, collaboration, and respectful discourse
  • Elements of diversity and inclusiveness