Governance

We thank all our members who submitted their interest to serve in new Committees and positions in office.

The next Call for Nominations will be in fall 2025.

Eligibility:
• Be a member of the COA in good standing
• Have a good understanding of the COA’s strategic direction 
• Proven leadership skills and professionalism

Candidates may self-nominate or nominate a colleague with their consent.

How to Apply for 2nd President Elect:
Prepare to answer the following questions in the application prior to applying:

1. Outline previous experience with the COA
2. State the nominee’s vision for the COA during the presidential mandate
3. State what areas merit improvement in the COA and why
4. Write 250 words on ONE of the two topics: Improving sustainable funding opportunities or Advancing advocacy initiatives for COA
5. Forward an updated and abbreviated CV to chelsea@canorth.org
6. Submit complete application by April 4, 2025

How to Apply for Committee Chair positions:
Prepare to answer the following questions in the application prior to applying:

1. Outline the nominee’s previous experience with the COA
2. State the nominee’s vision for the COA during Chair mandate
3. Forward an updated and abbreviated CV to chelsea@canorth.org
4. Submit complete application by April 4, 2025

How to Apply for Committee Member positions:
Prepare to answer the following question in the application:

1. Why is the nominee the right fit for this role?
2. A CV is not necessary for Committee Member positions.
3. Submit complete application by April 4, 2025

• An open call for nominations is issued annually.
• Voting COA members* can nominate colleagues or themselves by completing the nomination form.
  • *Active or Active International membership categories are considered voting members.
• A single nomination for an eligible candidate is all that is required to be considered for office. Multiple nominations or letters of support sent directly to the COA or Nominating Committee will not improve or influence a nominee’s candidacy.
• Completed nomination forms are submitted directly to the COA head office. After the submission deadline, the list of candidates is sent to the Nominating Committee for review and selection.

Members in COA leadership positions (Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Committee Chairs) are strongly recommended to complete the following implicit bias and cultural safety training modules during their term.

All COA members are encouraged to complete these same modules at their own discretion.

1. Harvard Implicit Association Test – Countries, Skin-Tone, Gender, Weight, Sexuality, Race, Age (Free)
2. CIHR Unconscious Bias in Peer Review and Research – Applicable for Practice (Free)
3. Indigenous Cultural Safety Training – Healthcare Module (Payable by COA for Board & Committee members upon request)

• Candidates are contacted by the COA to confirm their interest in being considered for the role, and to submit a copy of their CV when applicable.
• Completed nomination forms and corresponding CVs are sent to the Nominating Committee for review.
• A short list is compiled by the Nominating Committee. Short-listed candidates may be contacted for additional information or questions.
• The Nominating Committee selects final candidates from the short list.
• To become final, the Nominating Committee’s recommendation will be first voted on by the Board of Directors, followed by a vote from the general membership at the Your COA business meeting held at the COA Annual Meeting in June.
• Short-listed candidates for 2nd President Elect are automatically considered in the following year’s iteration (unless withdrawn).

• The COA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are seeking candidates who reflect the broadest range of COA membership, including but not limited to diversity of leadership experience, geography, gender, age, race, cultural heritage, seniority, practice setting and subspecialty interest.
• We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in any of the following areas:
  • Leadership development/mentorship
  • Principles of equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Continuing professional development
  • Advocacy

COA Organogram