Nominations open for the next Chair of the APPA Board of Directors 

The APPA Board of Directors invites members wishing to serve in a key volunteer leadership role to submit applications and expressions of interest for the elected position of Chair of the Board. 

This is an exciting time to be in educational facilities management! Change is sweeping over educational facilities exactly when education is critical. As a result, the educational facilities profession and APPA have never been more in the spotlight. At this moment of profound industry-wide change, APPA and its Board of Directors are at the center of re-envisioning and remaking educational facilities management. In addition, APPA now has a new President & Chief Executive Officer to lead the 110-year-old professional association. As such, the Chair will work closely with the rest of the Executive Committee and APPA’s President & CEO to re-imagine the association’s programs and services as the premiere choice for educational facilities professionals. 

As a member of APPA’s Executive Committee, the Chair serves as a close, strategic partner in leading and advancing the direction of the association—in alignment with APPA’s Strategic Plan—as it supports the professionals who design, plan, manage, and maintain the physical campuses of colleges, universities, and other educational institutions around the world. Along with the Board Vice Chair and Treasurer, the Chair represents the association at local, state, national, and/or international association events as needed, pursuing and maintaining strong strategic alliances between the APPA Board and association members for mutual benefit and shared interests. 

APPA’s 2020 visionary strategic framework requires strong volunteer leadership, as the challenges impacting the education sector will also affect the association industry. Candidates interested in meeting these challenges while serving as APPA’s Chair should address this topic in their application materials. 

Candidates are encouraged to review APPA’s Strategic Plan to evaluate their interests and prepare their application. A complete list of duties and responsibilities for APPA elected officers is available in Article VII of APPA’s Bylaws. 

Time commitment and term length: As a member of the APPA Executive Committee, the Chair is expected to attend monthly executive committee meetings, quarterly board meetings, and monthly regional presidents’ meetings – which meet via video conferencing. Two of the four board meetings are held in person (Spring & Fall), with a virtual attendance option available. Additionally, the chair, in collaboration with the executive committee, may attend in-person APPA regional and international alliance partner conferences. The Chair will serve a two-year term with the possibility of one renewal. 

Please complete and submit the Chair nomination application by February 14, 2025. If you have questions, please contact current APPA Board Vice Chair Bobby Aldrich or APPA Board Chair Dave Irvin. 

Thank you in advance for your interest in serving APPA and your fellow members by applying for the Chair of the APPA Board position. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Membership: Nominees must be active APPA institutional members and commit to maintaining the institutional membership throughout their term. 

Engagement: Candidates should have a record of active involvement in APPA programs, regions, chapters, events, or committees. They must also be willing to commit to attending board and executive committee meetings both virtually and have their institutional support travel for in-person meetings and conferences. 

Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience within their institution’s facilities role.  

Vision: Commit to advancing APPA’s strategic goals and fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment. 

Nomination Process 

Submit a Nomination Application: Complete the official nomination application https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=1055&clientkey=77B30E23478B9EDF3A18D2331E25BFF9 

Provide Supporting Documents:  

• Resume 

• Letter of intent (Cover Letter) 

• Letter of support from a supervisor 

• 3 professional references 

Deadline: Submit all materials by Friday, February 14. Applications received after the deadline may or may not be considered. 

Selection Process 

The structured and inclusive process ensures that the selected Chair embodies the vision, leadership, and dedication needed to guide APPA into the future. Once applications are received, they will undergo a rigorous review and selection process: 

Review by the Nominations Committee: The committee, led by APPA’s current Vice Chair, Robert Aldrich, and four other board members, will evaluate all applications. 

Interviews: Short-listed applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the Nominations Committee and others as identified by the Committee. 

Recommendation to the Board: The committee will recommend the final candidate(s) to the APPA Board following the interviews. 

Board Ratification: The APPA Board of Directors will review and ratify the committee’s recommendation. 

General Membership Ratification: The selected candidate will be presented to the APPA general membership for final ratification, ensuring full transparency and alignment with our members’ vision. 

Why Nominate? 

Serving as Chair of the APPA Board of Directors is a tremendous opportunity to: 

• Lead APPA’s mission to elevate facilities management across the education sector. 

• Collaborate with passionate professionals to address challenges and seize opportunities in the field. 

• Make a lasting impact on APPA’s growth and the advancement of our profession. 

We strongly encourage you to nominate yourself or a leader who will inspire and guide our organization. 

For questions or further information, please contact: [email protected] 

Let’s identify and support the next visionary Board Chair for APPA! 

Sincerely, 

Robert Aldrich 

Vice Chair, APPA Board 

APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities