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Nominations Committee Call for Volunteers

Overview

The ABM Nominations Committee plays a vital role in shaping the Academy's future by identifying and supporting strong candidates for the ABM Board of Directors. The Committee ensures that ABM’s leadership reflects the diversity, expertise, and values of our membership, and that the nominations and election processes remain fair, transparent, and aligned with ABM’s bylaws.

ABM is currently seeking one member-at-large to serve a two‑year term on the Nominations Committee. This is an important opportunity to contribute to governance and leadership development within the Academy.

Purpose of the Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee is responsible for:

• Overseeing the annual Board nominations and election cycle
• Maintaining a pool of eligible prospective leaders
• Implementing a fair and competency‑based review process
• Presenting an annual slate of Board candidates for member ratification
• Collaborating with the Governance Committee on conflict‑of‑interest reviews
• Ensuring that ABM leadership reflects the breadth and diversity of our community

This work fulfills the responsibilities outlined in ABM’s governance policies and supports leadership continuity year over year.

Key Responsibilities

Preparing for the Call for Applications

• Review Board role descriptions and fact sheets annually
• Maintain and update the “hotlist” database of eligible members
• Review the Board competency matrix to identify leadership gaps
• Assess Board rotation and term expirations
• Collaborate with staff to prepare the call for nominations and timeline
• Notify eligible members of the application window (60‑day notice period)

Candidate Review & Selection Process

• Evaluate applications using a designated scoring rubric
• Review candidates’ Conflict of Interest disclosures
• Identify candidates to advance to the interview phase
• Conduct interviews and evaluate applicants using structured criteria
• Request references and supervisor support letters as required
• Finalize the recommended slate

Slate Approval & Member Ratification

• Present the slate to the ABM Board of Directors for approval
• Provide members with candidate profiles and a 30‑day petition window
• Verify petition signatures, when applicable
• Conduct an election if petitions are submitted
• Present the final slate for member ratification

Eligibility

Service on the ABM Nominations Committee is open to medical doctor–level members, in accordance with ABM’s bylaws. Eligible membership categories include:

• Category 1 Members
• Category 2 Members
• Category 3 Members
• Gold Members
• Lifetime Members
• Medical Fellowship Members

This opportunity is for a single volunteer who will serve a two‑year term.

ABM deeply values contributions from all professional backgrounds. While this specific task force requires eligibility aligned with ABM’s governance structure and medical doctor‑level responsibilities, there will be additional opportunities for broader volunteer participation in other working groups and projects in the future.

Time Commitment

The selected volunteer will serve a two‑year term and participate actively in the annual nominations cycle, including:

• Review of candidate applications
• Participation in committee meetings
• Candidate interviews
• Slate deliberations and decision‑making
• Occasional communication with prospective candidates

The most concentrated work occurs during the months leading up to the Board election and member ratification.

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience with leadership development, selection processes, or governance
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and representative leadership
• Strong communication and evaluation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a structured process
• Familiarity with ABM’s mission, values, and community

Why Serve?

Volunteering on the Nominations Committee offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future leadership of ABM
• Strengthen ABM’s governance and long‑term strategy
• Support a fair, equitable, and competency‑based nominations process
• Promote representative leadership across the Academy
• Deepen engagement within ABM’s governance ecosystem

Apply to Serve on the Nominations Committee

ABM invites eligible members to apply for this two‑year volunteer role. Your service supports a strong and vibrant future for the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.

Apply to Join the Nominations Committee

Contact ABM Executive Director, Nicole Wallace, at nwallace@bfmed.org with any questions about this opportunity.

Conflict of Interest and WHO Code Compliance

ABM volunteers must comply with the principles of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions. Committee members may not have any current or recent financial, advisory, or promotional relationships, nor engage in activities with entities that manufacture or market products covered under the WHO Code, including but not limited to breast-milk substitutes, feeding bottles, and teats. This includes direct employment, consulting arrangements, honoraria, speaking engagements, research funding, or other material or financial support.

Committee members must fully disclose any past affiliations and potential conflicts of interest, and their appointment will be contingent upon alignment with the organization's policies on conflicts of interest and WHO Code compliance.