The Online News Association is pleased to call for nominations for the six seats open for the 2016-17 Board of Directors.
Participation on the ONA Board of Directors is a unique opportunity for digital professionals to help guide the world’s largest organization of digital journalists in shaping the future of media and building a stronger industry. Board participation is a chance to grow personally and professionally, and to develop skills, experience and connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals.
Breakdown of the open seats
There are a total of 15 seats on the ONA Board. Eight members are in the middle of their terms and not up for re-election, including one appointee. Seven directors will be at the end of their two-year terms or appointments, creating seven open seats.
One of those seats will be filled by appointment to address immediate or future needs determined by the Board, leaving six open seats for election.
New this year: To support young journalists, give them a voice and hear first-hand their concerns, we’re happy to announce that the Board will also appoint one ONA Student member as a non-voting member. In August, a committee will set criteria and eligibility requirements and begin the recommendation and selection process, choosing from within the ONA community. The new student appointee will be announced in October, when the full board, with newly elected and appointed members, will be in place, and will join the Board at its January 2016 meeting.
The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 14.
To be considered for a seat on the ONA Board of Directors, you must be an ONA member in good standing, nominated by another ONA member in good standing. Click here to join or renew.
What you should know before choosing to run
Before you decide to run, please read over the following material carefully. There are very specific eligibility requirements and responsibilities that board members are fully expected to meet to run and to serve. Listed below are the criteria used to decide whether to forward nominees to the membership for a vote, as well as the responsibilities of a board member.
- Nomination and Election Process and Important Dates
- Nominee Criteria
- ONA Board of Directors Responsibilities
- ONA’s Mission
Once you have reviewed this information, you and your nominator must fill out the following to be considered:
- Nomination Form (to be completed by the ONA member nominating the candidate)
- Candidate Form (to be completed by the ONA member running)Nomination FormCandidate For
Once reviewed and approved, the final nominees will be notified, and the full slate posted on journalists.org, along with photos, bios and stated qualifications for the seat, as submitted during the nomination process.
During the period leading up to voting, nominees can feel free to reach out to members via social media or other communications platforms. They also will be introduced at an open forum at ONA15, the Online News Association Conference & Awards Banquet in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Voting will begin at ONA15 and results will be announced in October.
We look forward to seeing your applications.