Elected Leader Information
Help Shape the Future of ASPS and The PSF
Serving in an elected leadership role is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the future of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF). The Nominating Committee oversees the process for identifying, evaluating and recommending qualified candidates for elected leadership positions.
Whether you're considering your first leadership role or preparing to advance your service within the organization, this page provides an overview of the nominations process and available leadership opportunities. Additional information, including detailed policies, procedures, position descriptions and related resources, is available through the links provided throughout this page and in the Nominating Committee Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Interested in serving? Review the available opportunities, eligibility requirements and application process below.
Leadership Opportunities
The Nominating Committee oversees the nominations process for a variety of elected leadership positions within the Society and the Foundation. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about each role and determine which may be the best fit for your interests and experience.
Position descriptions are available for each leadership position.
ASPS/PSF Board of Directors
- ASPS President-Elect (one annually)
- ASPS President (automatic succession upon completion of President-Elect term)
- ASPS Immediate Past President (automatic succession upon completion of President term)
- PSF President-Elect (one annually)
- PSF President (automatic succession upon completion of President-Elect term)
- PSF Immediate Past President (automatic succession upon completion of President term)
- Board Vice Presidents (2 or more annually)
- BVP Academic Affairs (PSF)
- BVP Development (PSF)
- BVP Education (ASPS)
- BVP Finance & Treasurer (ASPS)
- BVP Health Policy & Advocacy (ASPS)
- BVP Membership (ASPS)
- BVP Research (PSF)
Independent Advisory Committees
- ASPS Trustees (two annually)
- Judicial Council (one or two annually)
- Ethics Committee (two or three annually)
- Conflict of Interest Committee (as vacancies arise – two out of three years)
Audit Committee Appointments
The Nominating Committee also appoints the ASPS and PSF Members-at-Large to the Audit Committee. These positions are appointed rather than elected.
How to Apply
The nominations process consists of two phases.
Phase 1 – Current ASPS/PSF Board Vice Presidents with Expiring Terms
Phase 1 typically takes place October through January and is limited to current ASPS and PSF BVPs with expiring terms. During this phase, eligible BVPs may apply for consideration as ASPS or PSF President-Elect, for retention in their current BVP position or, when applicable, for another BVP position. The Nominating Committee evaluates applicants and provides recommendations to the ASPS/PSF Boards of Directors.
Phase 2 – Open Leadership Positions
Phase 2 usually takes place February through June and includes all remaining elected leadership positions under the Nominating Committee's purview. Qualified members are encouraged to apply during the annual Call for Applications, which is generally open during February and March.
The Society and the Foundation encourage qualified members from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, practice settings and geographic regions to apply for leadership opportunities. The Nominating Committee is committed to fostering a leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of the Society's membership. Learn more about the Society's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Applicants should be prepared to submit:
- Completed application, including narrative responses
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two required letters of recommendation
- Supplemental COI Disclosure*
- BVP positions only: 360 evaluations*
*Staff will provide instructions for completing these following verification of eligibility
The application period is currently closed. Stay tuned for an announcement when the application is open again.
Nominations Process Overview
The Nominating Committee conducts the nominations process in two phases. While the activities differ slightly between phases, both follow a structured review process to identify and recommend qualified leaders. The timeline below is typical and may vary from year to year.
Phase 1 – Current ASPS/PSF Board Vice Presidents
- Applications (October)
Eligible current BVPs with expiring terms submit applications for consideration as President-Elect, retention in their current position or, when applicable, another BVP position. - Review and Interviews (November-January)
The Nominating Committee reviews application materials and interviews eligible applicants. - Recommendations (January)
The Nominating Committee provides recommendations to the ASPS/PSF Boards of Directors. The Boards may accept, reject or modify the recommendations before approving the Phase 1 slate presented to the membership.
Phase 2 – Open Leadership Positions
- Call for Applications (February-March)
Qualified members are invited to apply for open leadership positions. - Candidate Review (March-April)
The Nominating Committee reviews applications and supporting materials. - Interviews (May-June)
Selected candidates participate in interviews with the Nominating Committee. - Candidate Slate (June)
The Nominating Committee finalizes the recommended slate of candidates.
Membership Election
Following completion of the nominations process, the combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 slate is presented to eligible members for election in accordance with the ASPS and The PSF Bylaws. The election is typically conducted in July.
Nominations Process Overview
Unless otherwise provided for in the Bylaws, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Active Member in good standing
- Must disclose any prior or pending disciplinary action, including investigation, by any state/provincial medical licensing authority, plastic surgery organization, healthcare organization or any healthcare delivery facility
- Must understand and agree to comply with the Conflict of Interest Policy
- Signed and submitted the confidentiality agreement
- Presidents-Elect candidates must understand and agree that they may not hold a direct financial relationship with commercial entities during their term as President-Elect, President and Past President, and may not hold the position of President in another plastic surgery organization during their term as ASPS or PSF President
The Nominating Committee also considers critical elements in their decision-making process including leadership experience such as Society leadership programs like Essentials of Leadership (EOL), external leadership positions, programs and training, relevant volunteer service, donation history and diversity. You may view the full critical elements list in the Nominating Committee SOP.
Candidate Expectations
To ensure a fair and transparent nominations process, all applicants are expected to comply with the Candidate Conduct Policy.
Among other requirements, candidates:
- May not contact members of the Nominating Committee regarding their candidacy.
- May not campaign or lobby for support.
- Must conduct themselves professionally throughout the nominations process.
Allegations of violations should be reported to the Nominating Committee Co-Chairs and the staff liaison. Confirmed violations may result in disqualification.
Meet the Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is composed of volunteer leaders from across the Society who are responsible for evaluating candidates and recommending a slate of qualified individuals for elected leadership positions.
Interested in serving on the Nominating Committee? Learn about the committee election process, eligibility requirements and how to become a candidate on the Nominating Committee Elections page.
Important: Prospective candidates are reminded that the Candidate Conduct Policy strictly prohibits candidates from contacting members of the Nominating Committee regarding their candidacy during the nominations process.
Questions?
For questions regarding the nominations process, please contact nominations@plasticsurgery.org.
Resources
Nominating Committee Resources
- Nominations and Appointment Policy
- Nominating Committee Standard Operating Procedures
- Nominating Committee Job Description
Compliance Resources
- Conflict of Interest Resources
- ASPS Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement
- Ethics and Compliance Resources
- Presidential Line COI Restrictions Summary
Board Policies
- Board Code of Conduct
- Board Policy on Corporate Opportunities
- Confidentiality and Committee Work Product Agreement
- Policy on Onboarding and Performance Management