Board application and slate development process FAQs

Applicants are encouraged to prioritize clarity, completeness and thoughtful reflection when preparing their materials. Strong applications clearly address each question, provide specific examples of leadership experience and impact, and demonstrate how the candidate’s skills, experiences, and perspectives align with IDSA’s mission, strategic priorities and governance needs. 

Helpful practices include: 

• Fully responding to each application question 
• Providing clear examples of accomplishments, leadership experience and contributions 
• Highlighting experience relevant to governance, strategy, collaboration, fiduciary oversight, or organizational leadership 
• Demonstrating engagement with IDSA and the infectious diseases profession, where applicable 
• Explaining how your background, expertise, and perspective would contribute to the effectiveness and diversity of the Board and how your unique attributes would enable Board progress in achieving IDSA's strategic objectives 
• Reviewing materials carefully for completeness, accuracy and clarity before submission 

Candidates should also consider the responsibilities and time commitments associated with Board service and reflect on how they can contribute to advancing the organization’s mission and strategic goals. 

The Leadership Development Committee is responsible for reviewing applications and proposing a slate of candidates for Board approval each election cycle. Members of the LDC include: 

• Daniel McQuillen, MD, FIDSA, Chair 
• Steven K. Schmitt, MD, FIDSA, Vice Chair 
• Barbara D. Alexander, MD, FIDSA  
• Grace M. Lee, MD, MPH 
• Bonnie Word, MD, FIDSA 
• Thomas M. File, MD MSC, FIDSA 
• Michael L. Butera, MD, FIDSA 

Our goal is to provide a fair and thoughtful process that honors our inclusion, diversity, access and equity principles and the breadth of membership expertise. The LDC begins with the Board’s vision for a composition that aligns with IDSA’s strategic priorities and reflects a broad range of skills, experiences and perspectives. 

Applicants are evaluated holistically, through the lens of overall Board composition, including: 

• Engagement with IDSA and relevant experience with other organizations, such as those with similar priorities 
• Expertise and skills aligned with current strategic priorities 
• Leadership qualities needed for effective governance (as outlined in our Ideal Characteristics Model) and inclusion, diversity, access and equity guiding principles 
• Perspectives and lived experiences that strengthen the Board’s ability to serve the communities and stakeholders connected to our mission 
• Any gaps or needs identified by the Board that will help ensure our leadership represents the needs of our diverse membership and patients. Categories considered include geographic location, gender identity, ethnicity, specialty, professional activity, employment setting and age. Additional IDSA demographic information is available within each annual IDA&E Progress Report.  

No single factor determines selection. Decisions are made based on the full candidate pool and the organization’s needs, which may vary from cycle to cycle. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.

Board service requires ongoing commitment of time, preparation and engagement throughout the year. At a minimum, Board roles require in-person attendance at three multiday meetings each year (March, June, and October or November), plus additional virtual meetings as needed. 

In addition to meetings, Board members are expected to: 

• Review meeting materials and reports in advance of meetings 
• Respond to emails, votes and requests for feedback in a timely manner, including occasional short-turnaround approvals 
• Participate in additional strategic discussions as needed 
• Serve as ambassadors for IDSA and support our mission and strategic priorities 

Time commitments may vary depending on the role, committee assignments, and organizational priorities during a given year. 

Most Board roles carry a three-year term, while the vice president role is a four-year commitment. The vice president role includes one year each as vice president, president-elect, president, and immediate past president. As an executive committee position, it typically involves additional virtual meetings throughout the year and ongoing collaboration with Board leadership and staff throughout the year.

Yes. Candidates who are not selected for the slate may request feedback from the Leadership Development Committee regarding their application and candidacy. Feedback is intended to help candidates better understand the committee’s considerations and strengthen future applications. 

Selection decisions are based on a variety of factors, including the overall needs of the Board, desired competencies and perspectives, leadership experience, and succession planning considerations for a particular cycle. As a result, not being selected in one year does not preclude future Board service opportunities.  

The Leadership Development Committee strongly encourages interested candidates to reapply in future cycles, as organizational priorities and Board composition needs evolve over time. 

No. Prior service on IDSA’s Board as a director is helpful, but it is not required to apply for an officer role. The Leadership Development Committee considers the full range of a candidate’s leadership experience, professional background, governance experience, skills, and alignment with the responsibilities and needs of the role. 

Candidates may demonstrate relevant leadership experience through service in other volunteer leadership positions, professional organizations, committees, executive roles, or other governance and strategic leadership experiences. 

 IDSA typically receives between 25 and 35 applicants each year.  

Application materials and candidate information are treated confidentially and are shared only with staff and volunteer leadership directly involved in the review, evaluation, and selection process. 

Individuals participating in the process are expected to maintain the confidentiality of applicant information and deliberations. Information submitted through the application process is used solely for purposes related to Board and officer recruitment, evaluation, and slate development.

This cycle includes openings for three director roles and one vice president role. 

The election will open at noon ET on July 8 and close at 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 5. Election results will be shared on Aug. 12. 

Yes. Prospective candidates who have questions about the application process, Board service expectations, or how to prepare a strong application are encouraged to reach out for guidance. 

Please contact governance@idsociety.org, and we will connect you with an appropriate staff member or volunteer leader who can answer questions and provide general guidance about the process and expectations for Board service. 

While staff and volunteer leaders can provide information about the application process and Board roles, they cannot guarantee selection or provide individualized coaching regarding slate decisions.

 IDSA welcomes and encourages reapplication. Candidates may apply multiple times for board or officer roles, and prior applicants are given full consideration in each application cycle. 

Board and officer selection decisions are influenced by a variety of factors, including the organization’s evolving strategic priorities, desired skills and experiences, board composition needs, succession planning considerations, and the overall applicant pool in a given year. As a result, a candidate who is not selected in one cycle may be a strong fit for a future opportunity.

IDSA offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for members interested in contributing their expertise, developing leadership experience, and supporting the organization’s mission beyond Board service. Opportunities include: 

• Serving on a committee, subcommittee, Community of Practice, task force, or advisory group. Committee and subcommittee volunteer opportunities are typically announced annually through a formal call for volunteers. This year’s call for volunteers will open June 26. Additional off-cycle opportunities are posted on our website throughout the year as organizational needs arise.  
• Participating in the Member Advocacy Program, which engages members in advocacy efforts through both synchronized and asynchronous actions related to public policy and issues impacting the infectious diseases field.  
• Contributing content, perspectives, or expertise to the ScienceSpeaks blog, publications, educational initiatives, or other communications efforts.  
• Serving as an abstract reviewer or participating in scientific programming activities for IDWeek and other educational events. 
• Participating in mentorship opportunities.  

Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year, and members are encouraged to regularly review IDSA communications and the volunteer opportunities section of the website for updates and announcements. 

HIVMA follows a process that is similar to the IDSA process.  Below is the roster for the 2025-2026 Leadership Development Committee. 

• Susana Keeshin, MD, Chair  
• Marwan Haddad, MD, MPH, Vice Chair  
• Ume Abbas, MD  
• Allison Agwu, MD, MSc, FIDSA  
• Rachel Bender Ignacio, MD, MPH, FIDSA  
• Kevin Carmichael, MD, FIDSA  
• Barbara M Gripshover, MD, FIDSA  
• Elizabeth Sherman, PharmD 

Please email the HIVMA Executive Director Andrea Weddle with questions or for more information.