SERVING ON THE BOARD

The IAATE Board of Directors consists of twelve volunteers who each play an important role in making decisions about the functioning of the organization. The board members are involved in planning and running the annual conference, maintaining the organization’s finances, updating position statements, and increasing benefits for the membership. Board members adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics, the Board Member Expectations, and work to achieve the organization’s mission. 

Board members are elected to specific positions by simple majority by the voting membership each year, depending on their role. To learn more about Board Elections, visit our Elections page.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

The Executive Committee consists of six officer positions. To be eligible for these positions, it is preferable that a member have already served one 2-year term on the Board:

  • President (2 years of 6-year term)
    Presides at all meetings of the members and the board, sees that resolutions are carried out, and signs documents on behalf of IAATE. This position is not directly elected, but serves immediately after having served as President-Elect, and will serve a further term as Past President.
  • President-Elect (2 years of 6-year term)
    Oversees the nominations and elections of other board members. This term is followed immediately by serving as President and then as Past President.
  • Past President (2 years of 6-year term)
    Conducts an annual review of the by-laws, and reports on legal and ethical issues that may affect the membership. This position is not directly elected, but serves immediately after having served as President and President-Elect.
  • Vice President (3 years)
    Acts as the program chair for organizing the annual conference.
  • Secretary (3 years)
    Responsible for overseeing records of IAATE membership, as well as taking minutes at board meetings.
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (3 years)
    Responsible for keeping records of IAATE’s finances and disbursing funds as directed by the Board.

The International Board Member (2 years) is a member of IAATE living and working primarily outside of the United States, and participates in the policymaking and leadership of IAATE, as well as chairing committees. This board member also chairs the International Committee.

The General Board Members (2 years) are responsible for participating in the policymaking and leadership of IAATE, as well as chairing committees. There are currently 5 General Board Member positions.

In order to become a member of the Board of Directors, you must first be nominated for a specific position, and then run in the next election for that position.
  • Any member in good standing can nominate a candidate for any role — including yourself! The executive committee reserves the right to decline nominations. Fill out the nomination form
  • If your nomination is successful, you will be contacted by the President-Elect with instructions about your candidacy and the election process.
  • Have questions first? Head over to the Contact Us page.

Review the Board Member Expectations document to become more familiar with the requirements of serving on the board.
Note for first-time candidates: If you have never served on the IAATE Board of Directors before, it is preferred that you are nominated for a General or International Member position rather than an Executive Officer position.

OUR

VALUES

BEST PRACTICES

We foster the highest standards of physical, behavioral, and social wellbeing of birds in our care and their role in inspiring caring attitudes and conservation action through quality public programming. Rooted in data-driven science and continuous practical experience, we commit to share this valuable knowledge within our community.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING

We recognize the application of our skill directly impacts the quality of the lives of the birds in our care, and therefore we encourage constant learning and embrace an attitude of openness to feedback and improvement. IAATE is committed to providing resources and facilitating opportunities for professional development through conferences, publications, personal interactions, and mentorship.

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIONS

We are a global network of individuals united by a shared passion for enhancing the wellbeing of birds in human care and deepening the connection between humans and the natural world. We provide an inclusive support system to achieve these goals by fostering trusting relationships among our members through collaborative efforts and open communication.