At the AAO, we believe that diversity is our strength. Bring your strength to help the AAO by applying for the 2023 AAO Trustee At-Large position. The AAO Board of Trustees is looking for one new member who will bring diverse viewpoints and strengthen the volunteer leadership team.

Why We Need Your Strength

  • A diverse board will improve the association’s ability to respond to external influences that are changing the environment for those served and in which it is working.
  • Better decision-making: A diverse collection of board members enable the board to have a broader perspective and capacity to identify the full range of opportunities and risks.
  • When an association board reflects the diversity of the membership it serves, the organization will have more connections to the community and its needs.

January 15 is the Trustee At-Large Application Deadline
If you are interested in serving in this capacity, we hope you will take time to complete and return the application with your curriculum vitae via email.

Application contact:  Ms. Lisa Chandler at [email protected].

The deadline for receipt of applications is 6 p.m. Central Standard Time on January 15, 2023. Finalists will be selected and interviewed by the Board of Trustees on March 24, 2023 via Zoom. Trustee At-Large members will be appointed for up to a three-year term.

Qualities That the Board Will Seek in a Trustee At-Large
Key background for at-large trustee candidates is demonstrated leadership commitment through past or current involvement with orthodontic, dental, and other nonprofit entities including local community organizations.

Additional desired skills and knowledge include:
● Demonstrated ability and possession of the following basic leadership skills:

  • The ability to lead and motivate volunteers; managing is secondary
  • Long-term horizon in their thinking; should have strategic thinking skills
  • Work within a team setting by looking into the future with a shared vision
  • Ability to inspire and empower both volunteers and staff
  • Build teamwork among peers and different needs and interests

● Ability to guide the Association in the future through a shared vision.

● Understand the difference between “governing” and “managing.”

● Ability to guide peers from micromanaging to leadership governance.

● Relevant expertise in the disciplines of nonprofit management including branding, fundraising, component/constituent relations, international and organizational alliances.

● Possess sufficient technological expertise, including the use of social networks, file sharing programs, email, text, video conferencing and other electronic communication tools.

● Supports routine performance feedback by fellow board members and reports of performance to constituent organization.

●Understands that the time commitment required includes the following, but not limited to:

  • Three meetings per year in St. Louis: August 17-20, 2023; November 16-19, 2023 and February 15-18, 2024 (travel days included)
  • One (1) Board Planning Session held in the summer: June 22-25, 2023 in Quebec City, QB
  • Ten (10) days at the AAO Annual Session: April 17-25, 2023 in Chicago, IL
  • Attendance at the Professional Advocacy Conference: February 27-28, 2024 in Washington, DC; the Leadership Conference: January 25, 2024 in San Antonio, TX with optional attendance at the AAO Winter Conference: January 26-28, 2024 in San Antonio, TX
  • Evening and/or daytime conference calls as required
  • Subcommittee work using electronic communication tools
  • Attendance at constituent ad interim and fall meetings

● In addition, the Trustee At-Large candidate should be committed to:

  • Advocating for the values, intents, and interests and actions of the AAO.