Be Part of Our Board

Members elected to the SACNAS board of directors take office the January following the election. SACNAS board members serve as leaders in the continuing development of the society through participation in board meetings, board committees, and fundraising. Board members further support the organization by establishing contacts with potential partners and promoting the society within their field, institution, and/or affiliate organizations.

Board of Directors Responsibilities

Board members are required to attend all of the four board meetings per year. Board members do not receive financial compensation for their volunteer work on the board, however, expenses for participation in board meetings and the SACNAS National Conference are covered by the organization.

2012 Board Meeting Dates

  • February 3-4 – Washington, DC
  • April – Santa Cruz/San Jose, California
  • June – Seattle, Washington
  • October 9-10 – Seattle, Washington

Board Committees
In addition to participation in board meetings, members serve on a least one active board committee. Throughout the year committees communicate regularly regarding matters pertaining to their charge and report to the full board at meetings regarding their progress (e.g., National Conference Program Committee – develops themes, reviews session propo sals, collaborates with SACNAS staff in preparing the conference agenda). 

Election Process

All current SACNAS professional annual or lifetime (Life Member or Friend of the Society) are eligible to vote for general board members and the president-elect. Current SACNAS student annual or lifetime (Life Member or Friend of the Society) are eligible to vote for the student board members. Elections results are published on the SACNAS website and announced to the membership via email.

Elections Timeline

Nov. 7, 2011 Candidate nominee application deadline
Nov. 20, 2011
Slate of candidates reviewed & selected by Nominations Committee
Nov. 21-Dec. 15, 2011 Voting by SACNAS membership
Jan. 3, 2012 Membership notification of election results
Jan. 3, 2012 New board members begin terms


Meet our current Board of Directors

SACNAS strives for a diverse board membership. Individuals with experience in industry, government, and foundations, as well as a background in the physical sciences, mathematics, geosciences, engineering, computer sciences, science education, or law are particularly encouraged to apply. SACNAS is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.