Elections & Appointments
2027 Elections Information
For the upcoming elections (term starting January 1, 2027), the open positions will be President Elect and 2 Members at Large.
Deadlines - Nominations are due by Friday, August 28. The slate will be acknowledged by the board on September 4, 2026. A candidate's forum will take place on Thursday morning of the conference on September 17, and elections will open up after the conference.
For questions about OAPA Board Elections or to inquire about being part of the Elections Committee, email OAPA@oregonapa.org.
Open Board Position Descriptions
President Elect:
The President-Elect overlaps with the current President for one year and during that time is expected to attend monthly Board meetings and support the current President in overseeing Chapter functions and coordinating with standing Committee Chairs. This year allows time for the current President to mentor the President-Elect and help them prepare for their term.
At-Large Member
Board At-Large Members serve a two-year term and during that time are expected to support Board activities and represent OAPA membership through participation on committees. Specifically, expectations for this position include:
- Prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings (available virtually)
- Participate in committee(s) and/or individual Board projects as they arise
- Serve as a liaison between OAPA and member communities/networks to share OAPA news and help promote OAPA events
- Provide OAPA membership representation
- Support recruitment for OAPA membership
- Participate in OAPA trainings and support DEI efforts
- Attend conferences and/or other OAPA events
At-Large Members should have planning-related experience, capacity to devote time to the Board, and a passion for fostering good planning work in Oregon. They should be residing and practicing planning within Oregon. The time commitment for this position varies; persons considering this position should expect 5-7 hours per month on average.
General Elections Information
Elections to the OAPA Board of Directors take place annually. Terms for elected positions last two years (with the exception of Board President) and are staggered, so each year the roster of open positions changes. The election process is facilitated by the Elections Committee, which consists of the Board Vice President, Secretary, one At-Large Member, and one or two additional OAPA members.
To be eligible for the OAPA Board, candidates must be an OAPA member in good standing. Elected Board members must continue to maintain Chapter membership in good standing throughout the term of their office. If elected, candidates must also be available to attend monthly Board meetings during their time of service (meetings are typically virtual with an occasional in-person option).
The following are elected positions on the OAPA Board:
- President-Elect*
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- At-Large Members
*Serves one year as President-Elect, then serves as President for a two-year term, then serves one year as Past President.
Elections Process & Timeline
Candidates are typically self-nominated after a broad recruitment process; the Board also does targeted recruitment as needed to encourage diverse representation among candidates.
Elections take place via an online voting platform that is available to all current OAPA members.
The election process kicks off in late spring of each year and concludes in November after online voting has taken place and results are confirmed. Elected candidates begin their new position on the Board a couple of months later, after the start of the new year.
May - Establishment of the Elections Committee
June - "Soft” recruitment through newsletter, social, and other networks
July - Targeted recruitment as needed
August - Eligibility of candidates is confirmed, and Candidates prepare biographies and statements
September - Board “acknowledgement” of slate of candidates
September - Candidates’ forum at the annual OAPA Conference (participation encouraged but not required)
October - Elections conducted
December - Announcement of successful candidates. Individual Board orientation and onboarding packets
January - Assumption of office