2025 Call for Candidates
Apply by May 30
Nominations are open for ABM leadership positions, with service beginning in November 2025. All candidates must be prepared to attend one in-person Board meeting, five virtual meetings, and additional ad hoc meetings as needed each year. The in-person Board meeting is held in conjunction with the Annual International Conference. Please consider the following leadership service opportunities:
President-Elect
1 Position for 2-year terms for each: President-Elect, President, and Past President
This individual will manage the organization and act as the official representative. The length of the term is as follows: 2 years as President-Elect, 2 years as President, and 2 years as Past President, for six years total on the Board. Specific responsibilities include leading Board and Executive Committee meetings and setting the agenda; regular review of committee and Board activities; appointing task force/committee chairs; assigning Board liaisons to task forces, committees, and other organizations; representing ABM at meetings of external organizations, leading membership meetings, setting agendas, writing a column for Breastfeeding Medicine. Members eligible for this position must be continuous members of the Academy for the last five years and must be physician-level members in Category 1, 2, 3, Gold, or Lifetime members. Candidates for president must have served on the Board of Directors within the past five years.
Treasurer
1 Position for a 2-year term
This individual will coordinate the financial management of ABM to assure financial stability and will oversee the custody of the organization’s funds and budget development. Specific responsibilities include oversight of ABM’s financial accounts, payments of expenses, financial statements, and accounting systems through the actions and work of the ABM staff. The treasurer will report on ABM’s financial status at the annual member meeting, ensure that reporting to the IRS is complete, and ensure that the insurance policies and bonding for all signatures on bank accounts are maintained through the actions of the ABM staff. The treasurer, through the executive director, prepares and presents the annual budget for approval from the Board. The treasurer chairs the finance committee. Individuals in this position must have financial literacy, a history of consistent meeting attendance, and successful work outcomes in previous leadership roles, and must be legal U.S. residents. Members eligible for this position must be continuous members of the Academy for the last three years and must be physician-level members in Category 1, 2, 3, Gold, or Lifetime members. Individuals interested in serving in this leadership position must present a documented history of volunteerism in ABM and/or other professional associations.
Director
Up to 5 positions for a 3-year term each
This individual will participate in collaboration with the duly elected officers in the general management of the affairs of the Academy. They will uphold the precepts, mission, and goals of the organization and provide oversight of the strategic goals of the Academy. They must serve as “Goodwill Ambassadors” at the Annual International Meeting and other designated activities. Directors will liaise with committees and task forces as assigned and participate in policy-making decisions for the Academy. Members eligible for this position must be continuous members of the Academy for the last three years and must be physician-level members in Category 1, 2, 3, or Gold or Lifetime members. Individuals interested in serving in this leadership position must present a documented history of volunteerism in ABM and/or other professional associations.
General Qualifications
- Must be a physician member in Category 1, 2, 3, or a Gold or Lifetime member. Consecutive years of service vary by position; please see the fact sheet for each position. Fellows, residents, students, and affiliates cannot hold office or serve on the Board.
- Must present a documented history of volunteerism in ABM and/or other professional associations.
- Ability to travel to the ABM Board in-person meeting, held in conjunction with the Annual International Meeting (Ideally in person but virtually if needed).
- Ability to attend five virtual Board meetings throughout the year.
Competencies
Utilizing best practices in Board recruitment, ABM will seek input from applicants on their leadership, strategic, and multi-representational competencies. The focus is to create a well-rounded, inclusive, and diverse leadership body. We also welcome nominees who can help us achieve ABM's strategic growth priorities.
A full list of leadership and strategic competencies is available. We invite all potential candidates to review and reference the list before submitting their application.
The Process
The full nominations process involves three large steps: identifying the need, recruitment, and selection.
Sample Candidate Application
This example is intended to offer guidance on the type of information you may wish to include when describing your qualifications, leadership experience, and goals for serving on the Board. While each statement should reflect your unique perspective and contributions, we hope this sample serves as a helpful reference as you complete your application.
Please note: The sample is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual candidate.
The Call for Nominations closes on May 30, 2025.
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