The AAO is introducing new processes for selection and onboarding of a key leader in the association’s governance: The Speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD).

Candidates are sought to succeed the current HOD Speaker, Dr. Dennis Hiller, whose term will expire at the conclusion of the 2024 HOD meeting. Applications for the open position are now being accepted. The application deadline is January 15, 2023 (see below).

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 HOD Speaker works closely with the AAO Executive Department on advance organization of the meeting and leads the live proceedings of the governance body. The HOD Speaker is also a non-voting member of the AAO Board of Trustees.

The selection of the Speaker will now be attribute-based and fully open to the entire AAO membership, based on selection criteria.

The Speaker will be nominated by the Board of Trustees and elected annually by the House of Delegates, with the consecutive tenure limited to a maximum of five (5) one-year terms. The new Speaker-elect will be expected to observe Dr. Hiller’s work over the course of the 2023-24 fiscal year and will be inducted as the new Speaker at the end of the 2024 HOD meeting.

Applying for the Speaker Position
AAO members are particularly encouraged to apply for the HOD Speaker position if they possess the following preferred attributes, among others:

● 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.

View Additional Criteria of Interest for HOD Speaker Candidates

Interested members should apply by January 15, 2023 by submitting the completed application form and an up-to-date CV. Access the application form by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:
https://www2.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Speaker-of-the-House-Application-2022v2.docx

Send your completed application and CV to:

Ms. Lisa Chandler
Senior Specialist, Governance
American Association of Orthodontists
[email protected]