The AAO is pleased to announce the open call for a key leader in the association’s governance: the Speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD).

Candidates are sought to succeed the current Speaker of the HOD, Dr. Luis Toro, whose term will expire at the conclusion of the 2027 HOD meeting. Applications for the position are now being accepted through the application deadline of January 15, 2026.

About the the Speaker of the House of Delegates

In accordance with AAO Bylaws, the Speaker of the HOD is the presiding officer at all meetings of the House of Delegates. The Speaker is elected by the House of Delegates for a term of three years and can serve a maximum of two non-consecutive three-year terms.

The annual HOD meeting takes place in conjunction with Annual Session, including two main sessions and separate reference group hearings. Each AAO regional constituent organization sends a delegation to the HOD meeting. Delegates review and consider resolutions and hear comments from interested parties, followed by debate and voting on new or updated policies, proposed member programs or services, the annual AAO budget and other association governance decisions.

The Speaker works closely with the AAO Executive Office on advance organization of the meeting and leads the live proceedings of the governance body. The Speaker also serves as an ex officio (non-voting) member of the AAO Board of Trustees and is the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates.

The Speaker will be nominated by a Nominating Committee, comprising one delegate from each constituent organization and the current AAO Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Richard Williams, who will serve as an advisor to the committee. The nomination for Speaker will be submitted to the 2026 House of Delegates for election. The Speaker-elect will be expected to observe Dr. Toro’s work over the course of the 2026-27 fiscal year and will be inducted as the new Speaker at the end of the 2027 HOD meeting.

Desired Qualifications for Speaker of the House of Delegates

AAO members are particularly encouraged to apply for the Speaker position if they possess the following preferred attributes:

  • Have served in the House of Delegates (representing any constituent organization) for at least five years.
  • Have served on at least one HOD Reference Committee.
  • Have held leadership positions at the constituent level, preferably having served as Delegation Chair.
  • Is comfortable in an authoritative speaking position, demonstrates competency in writing skills and the use of electronic methods.
  • Demonstrates successful interpersonal skills, treats everyone with respect, fairness and equality and can work behind the scenes without acclaim.
  • Has a strong working knowledge of AAO Bylaws and policy or be willing to study/learn them.
  • Is willing to continue to learn, and especially participate in practicums with the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedures (2nd edition) to become ever proficient in parliamentary procedure.

Eligibility Requirements

The Speaker of the House of Delegates, as a member of the Board of Trustees, shall be an Active Member of this Association.

As a condition precedent to nomination to the Board, the nominee for Speaker shall complete the AAO’s duality or conflict of interest disclosure form.

The Speaker is obligated to ensure fairness and the highest ethical standards for the HOD and will not enforce his/her will on issues before the HOD. The primary purpose is to facilitate the business of the HOD to arrive at decisions that comply with established rules.

Time Commitment
Candidates should ensure they are able to meet the required time commitment to serve on the Board of Trustees, including but not limited to:

  • In-person orientation in St. Louis, MO, if selected (date TBD in spring 2027) 
  • Three meetings per year in St. Louis, MO (August, November and February) 
  • One Board Planning Session held in the summer
  • Approximately nine days at the AAO Annual Session
  • Attendance at the AAO Professional Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC (February) 
  • Attendance at the AAO Leadership Development Conference with optional attendance at the AAO Winter Conference (January) 
  • Evening and/or daytime conference calls as needed

Expenses and Honorarium
In accordance with AAO policy, members of the Board of Trustees are reimbursed for economy class airfare, ground transportation and other actual reasonable business expenses for official AAO travel. This includes travel to Board meetings, as well as other meetings approved by the Board of Trustees. Travel expenses may also be reimbursed for a Board member’s spouse/guest to attend the AAO Annual Session and Board Planning Session. 

Each member of the Board of Trustees receives an honorarium in recognition of their commitment of time and magnitude of their responsibilities. Honorarium amounts are subject to change on an annual basis. The current honorarium for Speaker of the House of Delegates is $59,944, plus a telephone stipend of up to $1,250. 

Ready to Apply?
If you are interested in serving as the next Speaker of the House of Delegates, we invite you to complete our online application. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Lisa Chandler at [email protected].