2025 Call For Nominations

2025 CALL FOR NASPAA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND VICE PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS

In August 2025, the NASPAA Nominating Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President RaJade M. Berry-James and including Jessica Sowa, Alka Sapat, Trevor Brown, and Pablo Sanabria-Pulido, will present its slate of nominees for:

Five members of the Executive Council
Vice President/President-Elect of the Executive Council

The Nominating Committee welcomes nominations from NASPAA member schools. Nominators should note that Council positions require a significant commitment of time and effort on the part of the individual and travel support from their home institution.

This is a time of great opportunity for NASPAA globally. This cohort of the Council will play a vital role in cementing NASPAA’s position as a global NPO and accreditor. In addition, this cohort of the Council will play a role in selecting the next Executive Director of NASPAA, so members with experience with hiring and/or nonprofit governance are encouraged to be nominated. The Committee seeks nominations of individuals who have diverse experiences and provide a unique vision for the worldwide role of NASPAA and to help chart its future. Individuals from all regions of the world are encouraged to consider nominating peers and colleagues who can serve NASPAA in this capacity.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

NASPAA’s progress in various areas relies on the nomination of dedicated individuals with the necessary skills to serve the organization. In 2025-2026, the Council will continue to support the organization’s strategic plan, overseeing several key initiatives:

Recruiting and selecting the next permanent Executive Director
Monitoring and evaluating progress on NASPAA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA) Plan–to include resource allocation and risk management
Marketing efforts for NASPAA’s teaching and learning platform
Supporting the Journal of Public Affairs Education (JPAE) editors
Developing the next generation of annual student simulation competitions
Enhancing career opportunities for graduates
Strategizing to serve member programs in a challenging policy environment

The Committee seeks nominees who possess:

A demonstrated enthusiasm for public service
Dedication to advancing public affairs education
A passion for promoting excellence in public service education and supporting NASPAA’s mission
Previous experience volunteering with NASPAA or serving on different committees is strongly encouraged

Individuals with these qualities support NASPAA in continuing to drive progress and achieve its strategic goals.

The Nominating Committee seeks diverse candidates who are well prepared to govern NASPAA as it "sets a global standard for excellence in public service education, leads the public affairs education sector, and strengthens governance and public problem-solving." The committee also prioritizes nominations of individuals with experience in teaching and learning, grant-seeking, international public affairs education, sustainable development, budgeting and finance, marketing, data, nonprofit management, and journal publishing.

The Nominating Committee strives to present a slate that reflects the diversity of NASPAA’s membership, considering program types, geographic representation (in alignment with NASPAA’s global mission), race, gender, and diversity broadly defined. Nominations are welcome from all NASPAA member schools. Council membership does not require NASPAA accreditation.

Council members serve in an individual capacity, not as representatives of their universities, and are expected to act in the best interests of NASPAA and its member institutions.

SERVICE DURATION

The Vice President will serve on the Council and Executive Committee for three years: one year as Vice President, then one year as President, and a final year as Immediate Past President. Past service to NASPAA, including in the Executive Council, is required.

Executive Council members serve a three-year term, which begins at the NASPAA Global Conference.

The Council meets in person twice a year: in October at the Global Conference and in March in Washington, D.C. The Council also meets several times per year via Zoom. Council members are expected to attend every meeting. The first meeting for incoming Council members will be in Flagstaff, Arizona on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

SUBMISSIONS

Submissions are due by 11:59 PM ET June 30, 2025 using this form. Click here to preview the form questions in advance. Self-nominations are permitted. Decisions will be shared with the membership by August 8, 2025.

Questions about the work and responsibilities of Council members may be directed to Martha Bohrt at mbohrt@naspaa.org or to current members of the Executive Council (membership with contact information is available here).

Join us in shaping the future of NASPAA—apply today!