2025-2026 AOCS Governing Board Application

AOCS is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 AOCS Governing Board year, which will begin immediately prior to the 2025 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo in Portland. The term of service is two years, ending at the 2027 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo.

Governing Board members are elected to serve AOCS and its members by investing their time, expertise, and efforts to assist in the effective stewardship of the society. Collectively, they engage in strategic thinking and planning to set the organization’s direction, mobilize resources, and provide oversight to ensure AOCS’ progress in achieving its mission.

How to Apply

An AOCS Governing Board Application should be completed by any AOCS member who wishes to serve on the AOCS Governing Board. Interested members should review the position summary and requirements and submit an online application by Friday, June 28, 2024.

Complete the online application

Applications will be provided to members of the AOCS Nominating and Election Committee for consideration. Completion of this form does not, in any way, guarantee service on the AOCS Governing Board.

Applicants should also read and understand the AOCS By-Laws and Code of Ethics.

AOCS Governing Board Member Position Summary

Governing Board members are elected to serve AOCS and its members by investing their time, expertise, and efforts to assist in the effective stewardship of the Society. Through active engagement and participation at board and Society events, Governing Board members work collaboratively with AOCS staff, committees, volunteers, and members to address issues and develop goals, strategies, policies, plans, and budgets that ensure AOCS is successful, sustainable, and serving its mission.

Governing Board members are the Society’s fiduciaries who also assist in the development of sound, ethical, and legal governance, and financial management policies.

The Governing Board’s fiduciary responsibilities impart three legal duties on each member, as well as the board as a group. These duties are:

Duty of Loyalty

Governing Board members must put the interests of AOCS above other personal or financial interests.

Duty of Care

Governing Board members must act prudently and diligently to protect and enhance the assets of AOCS and further its mission.

Duty of Obedience

Governing Board members must obey the law and act in accordance with AOCS’ bylaws and policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As a Governing Board member, individuals are expected to

• prepare for, attend, and actively participate in all Governing Board meetings and conference calls
• actively participate in board working groups, as assigned
• handle assigned duties and responsibilities professionally and dutifully
• abide by the AOCS Code of Ethics and AOCS By-Laws
• maintain a working knowledge of the affairs, policies, and activities of the Society
• actively, professionally, and enthusiastically advocate, support, and enhance the mission and image of the Society
• professionally express one’s opinion during Governing Board deliberations and debates, but then speaks with one voice regarding final decisions by the Governing Board
• ensure confidential information is treated responsibly and is not disclosed

In collaboration with the Governing Board as a whole, members are expected to

• decide matters of Society policy, direction, and strategy
• identify and address short- and long-term opportunities, threats, and issues
• establish committees, tasks forces, and working groups
• ensure adequate financial resources are available and allocated, and manage those resources by providing effective financial governance and oversight
• review and approve the annual budget
• oversee the Society’s organizational governance structure
• guide membership policies
• determine the Society’s position on matters of public policy
• select and support the CEO

Qualifications and Experience

Prospective Governing Board members should meet the following criteria:

• employed by and/or currently serving in a position that can influence other members and stakeholders of the Society
• has a future stake in and commitment to the profession, industry, and the Society
• has a broad view and perspective of the sectors related to the interests of the Society, including a line of sight on emerging and disruptive technologies or trends that could create opportunities or changes for AOCS
• is willing and able to fulfill all of the essential duties and responsibilities and has full commitment from their employer to do so
• professional and collaborative working style that garners respect
• able to work professionally and collaboratively with all levels of individuals across the Society
• An understanding of financial principles is important in serving on the Governing Board; however, it is not an absolute requirement

Time Commitment

Being a member of the AOCS Governing Board requires a commitment of time, talent, and expertise. It is critical that those seeking to serve on the Governing Board have support from their employer and colleagues regarding the time and financial commitment required.

By becoming a member of the Governing Board, you commit to the following:

• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in three Governing Board meetings each year, the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo, and other board calls as needed
  • There are two in-person meetings scheduled each year. Each meeting is typically 1,5 days
    • The weekend prior to the Annual Meeting & Expo
    • Chicago Fall Meeting, typically in October or November
  • There is one virtual meeting scheduled in late March each year
  • Additional Governing Board calls may be scheduled as needed

AOCS Governing Board Nominating Process

The AOCS Nominating & Election Committee is responsible for developing a slate of candidates for election to the Governing Board in accordance with the Society’s policies. The Committee evaluates information submitted by applicants and interviews top candidates believed to be the best fit based on current needs of the Society. The Committee recommends a slate of candidates to the Governing Board for approval at their fall meeting.

In December 2024, the final slate of candidates is presented to the AOCS membership for ratification by February 15, 2025. Candidates receiving more than 50% support from ballots cast will be installed as new members of the Governing Board during its meeting that takes place during the 2025 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Contact Information

If you have difficulty completing the online application, please contact Steph Adams, Manager, Member Programs and Governance, at steph.adams@aocs.org.