Help shape your national association by identifying and nominating potential candidates for open positions on the Academy’s Board of Trustees. Elections will be held in November 2008. The Academy’s Board of Trustees values diversity and the benefits that different perspectives bring to its board. In this regard, the board is particularly interested in seeking prospective candidates who will increase diversity among the membership and urges those making nominations to give strong consideration to the factor of diversity.

Mission and Composition of the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees, chaired by the past president, seeks nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee consists of eight members in accordance with the Academy's Bylaws. The Committee will decide if any nominees should be recommended to the full board for consideration. The Board of Trustees is required to send one candidate per open position to the general membership for a vote.

The Nominating Committee for the 2008 election is C.P. Wilkinson, MD, chairman; Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD; H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr MD; David A. Durfee, MD; Andrew J. Packer, MD; James B. Ruben, MD; Edward J. Holland, MD; Paul Sternberg Jr., MD.

Qualifications for a Candidate

Nominees are required to be Fellows of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Board nominees should be able to demonstrate experience in performing fiduciary duties at the non-profit level and making high-level budgetary, contractual or other executive decisions. Board nominees should be available to attend several meetings held annually.

There are three ways to become a candidate for an open position on the Board of Trustees:

1. Be nominated by the Board of Trustees, based on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee
2. Self-nominate through the Nominating Committee
3. Nominate by petition**

**Nominations for the Board may be made without the Nominating Committee's participation by presenting a petition signed by at least fifty (50) voting fellows and members and filed with the Executive Vice President at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the Annual Business Meeting (Sept. 9). Signed statements of support should be sent to electionhelp@aao.org in order for the petitioning candidate to be nominated.

Nominating Candidates for the Board of Trustees

Nominees are required to be Fellows of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Submit their names through the Board of Trustees Nomination form (PDF 524K) and fax or e-mail the chair of the Nominating Committee, fax to 415.561.8526 or e-mail to nominate@aao.org.

Announcement of Nominations

The official slate of candidates, recommended by the Nominations Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees, will be announced with notice of the Annual Business Meeting in accordance with the Academy's Bylaws.