Nominations for INFORMS Board of Directors Information Sheet

Information for INFORMS Board of Directors Positions (2025 Elections for 2026 Term)

The INFORMS Board of Directors comprises 16 members: five officers, ten vice presidents, and the Executive Director (ex officio). Volunteer members of the INFORMS Board of Directors are selected through a nominations and elections process.

The current Board positions open for 2026 are:

  • 2026 President-Elect
  • Secretary
  • Vice President – International Activities
  • Vice President – Practice

The position of Vice President of Chapters and Forums for 2026 is filled through an election by the Subdivisions Council. 

The election is planned for August/September 2025 with the positions commencing on January 1, 2026. If you are interested, please read the information below and complete the Expression of Interest form at Expressions of Interest. If you know someone who might be a good candidate, please encourage them to review this material and complete the Expression of Interest.  

While each Nominating Committee is unique, committee members generally value individuals with strong ethical integrity; proven leadership qualities; effective communication skills; a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; and past volunteer service. Please consider these qualities as you complete the expression of interest.

 
OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES   

All Board members are required to attend all Board meetings in a year (40 hours total, not counting preparation time) and read materials prior to each Board meeting.

  • Winter: ½ day (4 hours virtual)
  • Spring: 12 hours total – ½ day (4 hours virtual) and full day (8 hours in person at Analytics+ Meeting)
  • Summer: 12 hours total – Three ½ days (4 hours virtual each day)
  • Fall: 12 hours total – ½ day (4 hours virtual) and full day (8 hours in person at the Annual Meeting)

During months without Board meetings, there may be occasional discussions and votes. 

Each Board member is encouraged to attend the INFORMS Analytics+ Conference in the spring and the Annual Meeting in the fall. INFORMS can provide assistance with expenses upon request.

Title and Term Time Commitment Brief Description of Responsibilities
Candidates for the President-Elect position must be members in good standing.

President-Elect

Term: 3 Years
(1 year as President-Elect; 1 year as President; 1 Year as Past President)

  • Attend All Board meetings. 
  • 6–12 hours/month
  • Highly variable (more during year of presidency)
  • Monthly Executive Committee meetings (one hour/month)
  • Monthly or biweekly hourly meetings with INFORMS Executive Director

During year of presidency:

  • Serves as the chief volunteer officer of INFORMS during year of presidency.
  • Oversees and chairs Board meetings.
  • Represents INFORMS during conferences sponsored by INFORMS and related organizations.
  • Works closely with each Vice President.

As President-Elect, serves on multiple committees (e.g., Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Committee).

As Past President serves as Chair of multiple committees (e.g., Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Committee). 

All three years:

  • Works collaboratively with the INFORMS Executive Director and the Board Services Administrator to meet strategic goals and objectives.

More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures: Section 4.1

     

Secretary

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend All Board meetings. 
  • 4–6 hours/month
  • Monthly Executive Committee meetings (one hour/month)
  • Works collaboratively with the Executive Director and Board Services Administrator to manage minutes, consensus motions, elections, governance concerns, and various other duties.
  • Serves as the Board liaison to the development function, which includes meeting monthly with the development staff.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures: Section 4.2.
     

Vice President, International Activities

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend All Board meetings. 
  • 4–8 hours/month related to International Activities
  • Serves as Chair of the International Activities Committee and Board liaison.
  • Recommends products and services for non-U.S. members and advocates for their needs within INFORMS.
  • Serves as liaison to IFORS and NORAM representatives.
  • Works collaboratively with other Board members and with the Director of Membership and Subdivisions.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:  

VP of Practice

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend All Board meetings.
  • 8–12 hours/month related to Practice Activities
  • Serves as Chair of the Practice Strategy Committee and Board liaison for its subcommittees.
  • Recommends products and services for practice members and advocates for their needs with INFORMS.
  • Serves as the practice liaison and attends meetings of the INFORMS Roundtable Board, Analytics Certification Board, and practice-related entities.
  • Works collaboratively with the Director of Education and Industry Programs.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures: 

INFORMS strives for a diverse and inclusive Board of Directors. This is reflected in INFORMS’ Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

                  INFORMS values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the
                  membership and profession it represents. To achieve  this goal, INFORMS
                  is committed to providing an environment that encourages and supports
                  equal opportunity, free expression, freedom from discrimination, harassment
                  and retaliation, full participation in all activities and leadership, and collaboration
                  among people of different backgrounds.

Dates: Expression of Interest forms are due by January 16, 2025. Nominations received after this date may still be considered. The Nominating Committee will share the slate of nominees with the INFORMS membership on or before April 1, 2025.

Questions: If you have any questions or comments, please send a note to Grace Trent, Board Services Administrator, at [email protected].