
Nominations for CA Academy Election Ballot
Background
The California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (CA Academy) holds annual elections for positions on the CA Academy Executive Board, Nominating Committee, and Delegate Council. Members can nominate themselves or other eligible candidates to run for an elected officer position. Candidates must submit an application and it will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee to ensure that each candidate meets the specified qualifications. Once approved, candidates will be placed on the ballot for general member voting. Voting typically occurs concurrently with the national Academy elections during the first two weeks of February.
Nominations and Elections
Nominations for the CA Academy 2024 ballot is now open! We are seeking innovative and dedicated individuals who can progress the dietetic profession forward and support bringing unique services to our members. Eligible candidates can apply by completing the CA Academy Nomination Application 2024 Ballot form. Members are welcome to nominate themselves! The deadline to apply is Friday, October 13, 2023 at 5 pm Pacific Standard Time.
Qualifications for CA Academy Elected Officers Positions
All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for all elected officer positions. Review the General Qualifications for CA Academy Elected Officer Positions document before submitting a nomination application.
Contact Information
Questions regarding nomination applications can be directed to the Nominating Committee at nominatingcommitee@dietitian.org. Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.
Elected Officer Open Positions – Descriptions and Qualifications
President-Elect (3 year term) 6/1/24 -5/31/27
Description: The President-Elect position is a three-year term that begins with serving as President-Elect for the first year, President the second year, and Immediate Past President the third year. All positions begin June 1st. As President-Elect, your main role is to plan and co-chair the Annual Conference Planning Committee, alongside the Executive Director. As President, you will serve as the Chief Elected Officer of the CA Academy and Chair the Executive Board. Your primary responsibilities included but not limited to providing visionary guidance to CA Academy, supporting councils, committee, districts, and regions, and ensuring that services are being delivered to members using a diversity, inclusion, equity, and access lens. As Immediate-Past President, you will be the ex-officio advisor for the Nominating Committee and Awards Committee and oversee the Awards nominating process.
Qualifications: Candidates running for President-Elect must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, or an appointed Region Chairperson.
- Must be able to dedicate 8-16 hours per month towards CA Academy related work.
- Must be able to dedicate time to travel, approximately 10-15 days.
- Must be able to attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Must be able to assume some non-reimbursable expenses.
- Possess good organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Experience with allied health organizations and an understanding of public policy is desirable.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
President-Elect
- Serves as a member of the Executive Board, the Human Resources Committee, and the Finance Committee.
- Serves as Co-Chair of the Annual Conference Program Planning Committee. Including:
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- Developing annual conference theme, agenda, and coordinating pre-conference workshops
- Assisting with conference promotional and outreach activities (e.g., social media, newsletter)
- Seeking sponsors that abide by the Sponsorship Prospectus
- Organizing speaker Request for Proposals review process
- Soliciting volunteers
- Coordinating with speakers, moderators, and vendors
- Assisting with obtaining continuing professional education units (CPEUs)
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- Performs functions of office in absence of the President.
- Assumes responsibility for Alliances and other committees and task forces as assigned by the President.
- Submits an annual end-of-the year report of President-Elect’s activities and accomplishments of assigned goals/objectives of the CA Academy Action Plan, as well as future recommendations, by June 15th to the President.
President
- Plans and presides over all meetings of the California Academy and Executive Board; assumes general powers of supervision and active management.
- Attends meetings as budgeted and required by the Academy. Represents the CA Academy at Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo™ (FNCE®)
- Responsible for appointments for Strategic Planning and Bylaws, or as needed. Replaces persons unable to fulfill their responsibilities on any committee or board to which they have been appointed by the President, subject to approval of the Executive Board.
- Serves as an ex-officio member of all councils and committees, including California Academy Foundation Board
- Ensures that the Executive Board reviews conflict of interest policy yearly.
- Supports all efforts to measure and monitor, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, diverse, throughout CA Academy.
- Collaboratively develops new programs and practices that effectively increase diversity, and provides support to various councils, districts, and members to achieve inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
- Supports the co-supervision of the California Academy Executive Director and chairs the Annual Performance Evaluation as chair of Human Resources Committee.
- Writes an annual end-of-the year report of accomplishments of the CA Academy Executive Board and Councils, by June 15th. The President will forward each council’s reports to the following years’ Executive Board.
Immediate Past President
- Serves as a member of the Executive Board, Human Resources Committee, and the Finance Committee.
- Serves as ex-officio Advisor to the Nominating Committee
- Serves as ex-officio Advisor to the Awards Committee; oversees the award process and presents to the Executive Board.
- Serves in an advisory role on the Annual Conference Program Planning committee.
- Serves in an advisory role to the delegates in the Academy Awards packet preparation for California Academy members.
- Performs special functions as requested by current President.
- Coordinates District Presidents/President Elect Committee as directed by the President.
- Maintains contact with past leaders of California Academy and districts.
- Submits an annual end-of-year report of Immediate Past President’s activities, accomplishments and recommendations based on the assigned goals/objectives of the California Academy Action Plan, by June 15th to the President.
Secretary-Treasurer (2 year term) 6/1/24-5/31/26
Description: The Secretary-Treasurer position is a two-year term that combines the roles of a Secretary and Treasurer. As Secretary, you will be responsible for recording meeting minutes and disseminating them to the Executive Board and other designated members. As Treasurer, you will be responsible for ensuring an accurate account of receipts and disbursements from financial records. You will also Chair the Finance Committee.
Qualifications: Candidates running for Secretary-Treasurer must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, appointed Region Chairperson, or served as an elected officer for other nutrition/health-related volunteer organizations (e.g., American Diabetes Association or American Public Health Association)
- Must be able to dedicate 8-10 hours per month towards CA Academy related work.
- Must be able to dedicate time to travel, approximately 5-10 days.
- Must be able to meet short-term deadlines for distributing meeting minutes and budget information.
- Must have demonstrated fiscal and budgeting skills.
- Must have demonstrated written communication skills.
- Must be able to attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Must be able to assume some non-reimbursable expenses.
Major Duties and Responsibilities as Secretary:
- Serves as member of Executive Board.
- Assumes responsibility for minutes of all meetings of the membership and Executive Board.
- Arranges for Executive Board’s review of minutes prior to each meeting.
- Provides for dissemination of the minutes electronically or other to Executive Board and other designated individuals within 3 weeks of the meetings.
- Submits a complete set of minutes with a summary of Exhibits, Action Items, and relevant attachments to the Executive Director.
- Submits reports of Executive Board meetings, as appropriate, to BULLETIN / E-News Editors in a timely fashion.
- Submits an annual end-of-year report of Council’s activities, accomplishments and recommendations based on the assigned Goals/Objectives of the CA Academy Operational Plan, by June 15th to the President.
- Actively seek, develop, and pursue at least two potential CA Academy candidates for this position while serving in this capacity for succession plan.
Major Duties and Responsibilities as Treasurer:
- Serves as a member of the Executive Board and the Executive Committee of the Board.
- Approves a full and accurate account of all receipts and disbursements from financial records belonging to California Academy.
- Ascertains that all bills are paid promptly based on the budget allocations.
- Presents current written statements of financial status of Association as necessary for Executive Board meetings according to the Procedures.
- Approves an annual financial report which is published for Members as soon as possible after fiscal year end.
- Hold authorization to be on bank signature cards with one additional signature – President and to co-sign checks over $5,000 with the Executive Director.
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, prepares a budget to be presented to Executive Board for approval according to Budget Policies.
- Responsible for analyzing budget and making recommendations to Executive Board of any desirable changes therein or the disposition of any surplus funds.
- Advises upon all financial matters affecting California Academy, as requested by its officers, or outside contractors or governmental agencies, boards, or committees.
- Operates the organization under the basic guideline of 6 months operating reserves.
- Assures completion of annual financial reports, audit and filing of taxes for the immediate past year upon completion of each year in office.
- Submits an annual end-of-the-year report of the Treasurer’s activities and accomplishments of assigned Goals/Objectives of the California Academy Operational Plan, as well as future recommendations, as scheduled.
- Acts as teller for Delegate Council and tallies votes for annual Delegate Co-Chair selection.
- Assures an audit and taxes are done annually or as needed.
Vice President, Public Policy (2 year term) 6/1/24-5/31/26
Description: The VP, Public Policy is a two-year term position who is responsible for leading all legislative, regulatory, and advocacy issues related to dietetics/nutrition at the local, state, and federal level. In this position, you will Chair the Public Policy Council, which includes Public Policy Representatives from both districts and regions and maintaining/recruiting council members. As VP, you will collaborate with the CA Academy’s lobbyist in seeking state bills and other regulations that are aligned with the Academy/CA Academy’s legislative priorities. The VP, Public Policy leads the planning for CA Academy’s Advocacy Summit. In addition, you will be required to attend the Academy’s Advocacy Summit and other events/webinars as mandated by the Academy. Other tasks may include collaborating with the Executive Board in educating and disseminating public policy information to the CA Academy members (e.g., virtual townhall, social media, newsletter, etc.) and answering questions from members on pertinent public policy issues.
Qualifications: Candidates running for VP, Public Policy must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, appointed Region Chairperson, or served in an appointed position within the CA Academy’s Public Policy Council for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Must be able to dedicate 12-16 hours per month towards CA Academy related work.
- Must be able to dedicate time to travel, approximately 10-15 days of travel.
- Must have attended at least (1) CA Academy Advocacy Summit in Sacramento or participated virtually; and attended at least (1) Academy Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., or participated virtually.
- Must have demonstrated a broad understanding of state and federal public policy issues and understand California and federal government structure and function.
- Must be able to attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Must be able to assume some non-reimbursable expenses.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serves as member of CA Academy Executive Board.
- Supports all efforts to measure and monitor, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access throughout CA Academy and specifically all advocacy efforts.
- Appoint qualified members to serve on the Public Policy Council and mentor members to perform their duties.
- Submits budget for anticipated expenses for Public Policy Council.
- Build and maintain a strong Council to include Public Policy Representatives from all districts and regions.
- Maintain regular communication with the Executive Board and other CA Academy Councils regarding important state and federal public policy issues.
- Mentor members to become candidates for VP Public Policy.
- Hold regular meetings of the Public Policy Council.
- Communicate regularly with CA Academy lobbyists to discuss strategies to advance policies that support CA Academy’s vision and goals.
- Attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025)
- Assist with planning the CA Academy Advocacy Summit.
- Submits an annual end-of-the year report of VP, Public Policy’s activities and accomplishments of assigned goals/objectives of the CA Academy Action Plan, as well as future recommendations, by June 15th to the President.
Vice President, Membership Benefits and Services (2 year term) 6/1/24-5/31/26
Description: The VP, Membership Benefits and Services is a two-year term position who facilitates the advancement and promotion of the CA Academy membership. This position will be responsible for actively recruiting members, in collaboration with the Executive Board, districts, and regions, and developing new programs and services that enhance the CA Academy membership. In this position, you will Chair the Member Benefits and Services Council and will be responsible for maintaining and recruiting council members.
Qualifications: Candidates running for VP, Membership Benefits and Services must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, appointed Region Chairperson, elected officer for other nutrition/health-related organizations, or has been an active participant on the CA Academy’s Membership Benefits and Services Council for a minimum of (2) years. Candidates must demonstrate “active” participation by submitting a signed recommendation letter from VP, Membership Benefits and Services, and one other supporting documentation, such as council meeting minutes. Candidates must use the CA Academy recommendation letter template– no other letters will be accepted.
- Must be able to dedicate 8-12 hours per month towards CA Academy related work.
- Must be able to dedicate time to travel, approximately 10-15 days.
- Possess good organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Must be able to attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Must be able to assume some non-reimbursable expenses.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serves as member of the CA Academy Executive Board.
- Supports all efforts to measure and monitor, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access throughout CA Academy and specifically all member benefits activities.
- Collaboratively develops new programs and practices that effectively increase diversity, and provides support to Member Benefits council to achieve inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
- Communicates regularly with CA Academy members, District Presidents, and Region Chairpersons on Academy/CA Academy membership benefits.
- Holds regular meetings with Member Benefits and Services Council; recruits volunteers for council positions as needed.
- Attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Develops and executes an annual member survey.
- Prepares Council budget and submits to California Academy Secretary/Treasurer. Monitors Council adherence to established budget.
- Submits an annual end-of-the year report of VP, Member Benefits and Service’s activities and accomplishments of assigned goals/objectives of the CA Academy Action Plan, as well as future recommendations, by June 15thto the President.
Delegate (3 year term) 6/1/24-5/31/27, Number to Elect: 1
Description: The Delegate is a three-year term position who serves as the liaison between CA Academy members and the Academy. The primarily role of the Delegate is to proactively communicate and seek continuous input from members on issues affecting the profession and sharing this information with the Academy’s House of Delegates, with the goal of identifying and developing solutions. As part of the Delegates Council, you will work collaboratively with the other CA Academy delegates to appoint Delegate Liaisons to all CA Academy councils and provide general guidance to VP of Councils. The Delegate Council also meets to discuss member issues, distributes, and encourage members to complete surveys for member feedback, and review/analyze survey results.
Currently, there is 1 delegate vacancy. The number of delegates is determined by the Academy every three years. Delegates are nominated and are elected by the entire membership on a rotating basis to fill vacancies, typically for four delegates, each with a three-year term. There will be one new delegate the first year, one new delegate the second year, and two new delegates the third year. The Academy currently has allocated four delegates from California to participate in the House of Delegates to function on behalf of the total membership.
Qualifications: Candidates running for Delegate must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, appointed Region Chairperson, or an elected officer for other nutrition/health-related organizations.
- Must be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours of virtual and/or in-person meetings per month. Additional hours will be required to attend district and region meetings.
- Must be able to attend and assist with the CA Academy Annual Conference (spring 2025).
- Must be able to assume some non-reimbursable expenses.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Communicate and clarify issues and actions of the Academy to members through district/region communications, council meetings, state meetings and through other means of communication.
- With four delegates and 10 districts/regions, each delegate will attend an average of five district/regional meetings per year. These meetings can be in-person or virtual and can be board meetings or member meetings. Delegates will meet monthly to assign delegates to attend upcoming district/region meetings.
Nominating Committee (2 year term) 6/1/24-5/31/26, Number to Elect: 3
Description: The Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that the CA Academy nomination and election process is equitable, efficient, and seeks to elect qualified members from underrepresented groups. Currently, there are 3 open positions on the Nominating Committee. In total, there are five elected members on the Committee – three members are elected in odd years and two members are elected in even years. The candidate who receives the most votes will be the Nominating Chair during their second term.
Qualifications:
- Must have previously served in an elected position for the Academy, CA Academy, District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, or appointed Region Chairperson,
- May not hold any other office in the Academy, the CA Academy, a District, Dietetic Practice Group, Member Interest Group, or an appointed Region position at the time of assuming office.
- Members currently serving on the nominating committee cannot run for any elected office.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Review and update the nomination application process to ensure that each open elected officer position description is aligned with the current CA Academy Policy and Procedures.
- Review all nomination applications and verify that each candidate meets the minimum specified qualifications.
- Collaborates with Executive Director to prepare candidates information summary.
- Post-election, the Committee notifies all candidates of results.
Nominations for 2024 Election Ballot open Monday, September 11 and close Friday, October 13, 2024 at 5 pm PST.
2024 Voting will be held concurrent with Academy elections from February 1-15, 2024.