Nominations and Elections

TSHA Executive Board Nominations

Are you or is someone you know interested in a rewarding Executive Board position for the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association? 

In 2027, Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) members will elect a Vice President for Advocacy, Vice President for Educational and Scientific Affairs, and Vice President for Research and Development.

Members are encouraged to recommend qualified persons or to self-nominate for these offices. TSHA's Call for Executive Board Nominations is open through October 15.  

Submit a Nomination

Positions and Responsibilities

Positions and Responsibilities
 Elected members of the Executive Board are responsible for:

  • Oversight of the affairs of TSHA
  • Regulations and policies of the organization
  • Final authority over TSHA expenditures and the overall TSHA budget
  • Development, review, implementation, and evaluation of strategic priorities
  • Strategic oversight and support to select group of TSHA committees
  • Onboarding new committee chairs
  • Attending and participating in TSHA Executive Board meetings and discussions

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, role-specific responsibilities are outlined below.

Vice President of Advocacy 

  • Serve as the lead for activities relating to Texas legislation and regulation
  • Encourage affiliation between the Association and other persons or organizations having similar legislative interests and objectives
  • Work closely with Executive Director to facilitate the process of drafting TSHA’s Advocacy Agenda on a bi-annual basis, gathering input from TSHA members and the Executive Board
  • Share updates with the Executive Board related to TSHA’s progress towards advocacy goals

Vice President for Educational and Scientific Affairs

  • Develop, coordinate, and implement educational programs occurring at the annual convention for the membership
  • Support and guide the overall design of the TSHA Annual Convention, including programming, exhibition, and overall attendee experience
  • Review future site search location options, in coordination with TSHA staff, and make a recommendation to the Executive Board
  • Oversee planning efforts for student experiences and networking at the Annual Convention
  • Oversee efforts to provide TSHA scholarships for students and active members to the Convention
  • Oversee efforts to give back to the local community where the TSHA Annual Convention is hosted with a philanthropy project
  • Advise and provide feedback to TSHA staff on marketing efforts to attract meeting attendance

Vice President for Research and Development

  • Provide strategic guidance and support to committees who develop new topics of interest and ideas for TSHA year-round educational offerings
  • Support promotion of selected areas of interest which may include technology, administration, clinical technique, research, and education in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology
  • Serve as ASHA CE Content Consultant for all ASHA CE applications 
  • Review final draft of new/updated disability determination guidelines manuals prior to distribution, and identify if Executive Board approval is needed for any of the documents.

Requirements

  • Candidates for office shall have been members of TSHA for at least three years and must be current members of the association.
  • Candidates shall have at least two years of experience at the TSHA task force/committee or Executive Council level, serving in the capacity as chair or councilor on at least one occasion. Some exceptions can be made if a candidate served as a chair or councilor at a similar organization.
  • The nominator must receive the nominee’s permission to submit his/her name to the Nominating Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is qualified to run for a TSHA elected position?

Candidates must have been a member of TSHA for at least three years and have had at least two years of experience at the TSHA task force or council level, serving in the capacity of chair or councilor on at least one occasion. Special consideration may be made for individuals from other states to recognize reciprocal duties.

 

What is the time committment?

Each officer serves an “elect” time (approximately two-thirds of a year) to acclimate and learn Executive Board protocol and information. Each officer serves in the vice presidency for two years once they take office. Executive Board members attend the TSHA Annual Convention each year, Executive Board meetings every other month (typically virtual), and quarterly Executive Council meetings. Additionally, Executive Board members work closely with their committees and may attend committee calls or work on committeee/association business throughout the month. 

 

What happens on the Executive Board?

Executive Board members develop amazing ideas, enter into stimulating professional discussions, laugh and enjoy networking with friends from all over Texas, and provide outstanding professional opportunities to positively impact our professions.

 

How many nominees are slated per office?

Two candidates are slated per office by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

 

Can I self-nominate?

Yes! Please do. 

 

Do I have to ask the person I nominate if they are willing to run?

Absolutely! Everyone needs to agree to be nominated. 

 

Who can I contact to learn more?

TSHA Nominations and Elections Chair Angela Kennedy or Executive Director Katie Strang

 

Are there any rules that govern this process?

You can learn more about the nominations and elections process within the TSHA bylawas and Policies and Procedures, which is available at https://www.txsha.org/About/About-Us. Also, please note TSHA's Guidelines for Elections and Campaigning for TSHA Offices.