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Leadership Nominations & Elections

Elections Overview:

Serving in an NAGC leadership role is a powerful way to shape the future of gifted education. Our Board Members and Network Chairs guide the programs, policies, and opportunities that affect gifted and high-potential students nationwide. NAGC depends on the knowledge and commitment of members like you to advance the field and support gifted children.

No matter how you entered the field or what role you hold, there is a place for your insights and expertise. Leadership service also offers the chance to strengthen your skills, expand your professional network, and collaborate with dedicated peers across the country—all while giving back to a field you value. 

The 2026 Nominations will be open January 5, 2026 - March 1, 2026. 

Preview the Application

Open Positions:

NAGC accepts nominations each year for open positions on the Board of Directors and in Network leadership, with specific roles varying annually. NAGC values the diverse talents and contributions of its members. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, roles, and perspectives.

Per policy, Board members may not hold any other NAGC leadership role (such as a Committee appointment or Network chair) during their term. If elected to the Board while serving elsewhere, members must resign from their current position before assuming the new role.

To broaden participation, members are encouraged to run for only one elected position per election cycle. If a member is elected as a Network chair while holding another leadership role, it is recommended they step down from their current position before transitioning into the new one.

Board Member Competencies & Dispositions
Competencies
Effective members of the Board of Directors share a combination of these competencies:

• Strategic Visioning & Direction Setting: Demonstrates the ability to define a clear vision for the future and contributes to long-term planning by anticipating changes in the field.

• Analytical & Systems Thinking: Applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess complex issues, identify patterns, recognize interdependencies.

• Advocacy and Influence: Strong communication and relationship-building skills to represent NAGC’s positions effectively.

• Engagement with NAGC and the Field of Gifted Education: Active involvement through research, presentations, volunteer work, advocacy, and other professional contributions.

• Leadership & Team Collaboration: Ability to lead within a formal and/or informal setting, foster collaboration, and navigate group dynamics.

• Financial Stewardship & Sustainability: Understanding of nonprofit financial management, or willingness to learn, and responsibility for fiscal oversight and sustainable resource development.

• Communication & Responsiveness: Ability to convey information clearly and concisely, meet deadlines, and maintain transparency.

• Ethical Judgement and Integrity: Ability to navigate ethical dilemmas, ensure transparency, and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

• Understanding of Gifted & Talented Learners: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted learners and stays informed on research, policies, and best practices in gifted education.

Dispositions
Board members are further expected to model the following dispositions:

• Commitment to NAGC’s Mission & Vision: Deep belief in and dedication to advancing gifted education.

• Adaptability: Demonstrates openness to new ideas, willingness to embrace change, and the ability to adjust approaches in response to evolving circumstances.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Passion for ensuring ongoing representation and fostering inclusive decision-making.

• Collegiality & Respect: Approaches discussions with an open mind and engages in constructive dialogue that fosters collaboration & consensus-building.

• Service Orientation: Commitment to serving the organization and its stakeholders, prioritizing their needs over personal or professional gain.

Board of Directors Open Positions
Governance Secretary

In addition to the general responsibilities as a board member, the Governance Secretary also:

• Serves as the chair of the Governance Committee,

• Reviews and identifies the policy needs of the Association and work with various stakeholders to develop policy,

• Reviews and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding proposed changes to existing policy and/or regulations and the creation of new policy, and

• Monitors the success of the Board itself and conduct a board self-assessment periodically.
Treasurer

In addition to general board member responsibilities, the Treasurer will also:

• Serve as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.

• Create and maintain policies related to the budget, audit, investment, financial controls, and fiscal management philosophies.

• Oversee, in consultation with staff, the budget development and monitoring process.

• Prepare reports for the meetings of the Board of Directors on the status of the current budget, investments, and any financial issues requiring Board review and/or approval.

• Meet annually, by phone or in person, with the NAGC auditor, without staff present.

• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the President or Board of Directors.

• Fulfill all responsibilities of an at-large Board member in addition to the duties specific to the officer role.
Network Representative

General Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and annual monitoring of NAGC’s strategic plan;

• Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the fiscal health of the organization;

• Attend four (4) NAGC Board meetings per year; one in early fall, one at the annual convention each November, the third scheduled in March, and the final held virtually in July. Expenses for Board meetings are eligible for some reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts;

• Serve on at least one Board Committee at the request of the President;

• Represent the best interests of the organization on all issues raised in Board meetings, based on careful analysis of agendas and supporting material;

• Know and uphold the regulations, policies, and procedures of the organization;

• Represent NAGC positions to individuals and groups with whom the Board member interacts (e.g. open doors to potential donors, make visits, or identify key alliance partners);

• Adhere to conflict of interest policy of NAGC;

• Agree to refrain from simultaneous service on Organizational Committees for the duration of the term of office;

• Make an annual cash or in-kind contribution to NAGC during the term of office;

• Make up to two (2) presentations each year to relevant groups on behalf of the organization as part of the Expert Speakers Program (ESP); and,

• Recruit new members for the organization.
School/District Representative

General Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and annual monitoring of NAGC’s strategic plan;

• Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the fiscal health of the organization;

• Attend four (4) NAGC Board meetings per year; one in early fall, one at the annual convention each November, the third scheduled in March, and the final held virtually in July. Expenses for Board meetings are eligible for some reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts;

• Serve on at least one Board Committee at the request of the President;

• Represent the best interests of the organization on all issues raised in Board meetings, based on careful analysis of agendas and supporting material;

• Know and uphold the regulations, policies, and procedures of the organization;

• Represent NAGC positions to individuals and groups with whom the Board member interacts (e.g. open doors to potential donors, make visits, or identify key alliance partners);

• Adhere to conflict of interest policy of NAGC;

• Agree to refrain from simultaneous service on Organizational Committees for the duration of the term of office;

• Make an annual cash or in-kind contribution to NAGC during the term of office;

• Make up to two (2) presentations each year to relevant groups on behalf of the organization as part of the Expert Speakers Program (ESP); and,

• Recruit new members for the organization.
At-Large Member

General Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and annual monitoring of NAGC’s strategic plan;

• Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the fiscal health of the organization;

• Attend four (4) NAGC Board meetings per year; one in early fall, one at the annual convention each November, the third scheduled in March, and the final held virtually in July. Expenses for Board meetings are eligible for some reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts;

• Serve on at least one Board Committee at the request of the President;

• Represent the best interests of the organization on all issues raised in Board meetings, based on careful analysis of agendas and supporting material;

• Know and uphold the regulations, policies, and procedures of the organization;

• Represent NAGC positions to individuals and groups with whom the Board member interacts (e.g. open doors to potential donors, make visits, or identify key alliance partners);

• Adhere to conflict of interest policy of NAGC;

• Agree to refrain from simultaneous service on Organizational Committees for the duration of the term of office;

• Make an annual cash or in-kind contribution to NAGC during the term of office;

• Make up to two (2) presentations each year to relevant groups on behalf of the organization as part of the Expert Speakers Program (ESP); and,

• Recruit new members for the organization.
Network Leadership Open Positions
Arts Network Chair-Elect

Network Chair-Elect Responsibilities:

• Network chairs shall submit annual plans and reports of activity in accordance with the NAGC Board reporting calendar.

• Network chairs shall provide oversight for programming, Network member benefits, and Network activities.

• Network chairs shall assist in establishing vision and activities and projects for the Network.

• Network chairs must attend NAGC’s annual convention during their tenure of office.

• Network officers, chairs, and chairs-elect shall participate in Network training as established by the Network Liaison to the Board and NAGC.

• Network chairs and chairs-elect will work in partnership with the National Office regarding how to manage Network finances, recruit members, and election of officers.

• Fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for the welfare of the Network. Chairs and chairs-elect who fail to fulfill these responsibilities for a period of at least six months will be required to resign from the position. The decision and notification to the chair or chair-elect would come from the Network Representative in consultation with the NAGC National Office.
Computers & Technology Network Chair-Elect

Network Chair-Elect Responsibilities:

• Network chairs shall submit annual plans and reports of activity in accordance with the NAGC Board reporting calendar.

• Network chairs shall provide oversight for programming, Network member benefits, and Network activities.

• Network chairs shall assist in establishing vision and activities and projects for the Network.

• Network chairs must attend NAGC’s annual convention during their tenure of office.

• Network officers, chairs, and chairs-elect shall participate in Network training as established by the Network Liaison to the Board and NAGC.

• Network chairs and chairs-elect will work in partnership with the National Office regarding how to manage Network finances, recruit members, and election of officers.

• Fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for the welfare of the Network. Chairs and chairs-elect who fail to fulfill these responsibilities for a period of at least six months will be required to resign from the position. The decision and notification to the chair or chair-elect would come from the Network Representative in consultation with the NAGC National Office.
Gifted Coordinator Network Chair-Elect

Network Chair-Elect Responsibilities:

• Network chairs shall submit annual plans and reports of activity in accordance with the NAGC Board reporting calendar.

• Network chairs shall provide oversight for programming, Network member benefits, and Network activities.

• Network chairs shall assist in establishing vision and activities and projects for the Network.

• Network chairs must attend NAGC’s annual convention during their tenure of office.

• Network officers, chairs, and chairs-elect shall participate in Network training as established by the Network Liaison to the Board and NAGC.

• Network chairs and chairs-elect will work in partnership with the National Office regarding how to manage Network finances, recruit members, and election of officers.

• Fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for the welfare of the Network. Chairs and chairs-elect who fail to fulfill these responsibilities for a period of at least six months will be required to resign from the position. The decision and notification to the chair or chair-elect would come from the Network Representative in consultation with the NAGC National Office.
LGBTQ+ Network Chair-Elect

Network Chair-Elect Responsibilities:

• Network chairs shall submit annual plans and reports of activity in accordance with the NAGC Board reporting calendar.

• Network chairs shall provide oversight for programming, Network member benefits, and Network activities.

• Network chairs shall assist in establishing vision and activities and projects for the Network.

• Network chairs must attend NAGC’s annual convention during their tenure of office.

• Network officers, chairs, and chairs-elect shall participate in Network training as established by the Network Liaison to the Board and NAGC.

• Network chairs and chairs-elect will work in partnership with the National Office regarding how to manage Network finances, recruit members, and election of officers.

• Fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for the welfare of the Network. Chairs and chairs-elect who fail to fulfill these responsibilities for a period of at least six months will be required to resign from the position. The decision and notification to the chair or chair-elect would come from the Network Representative in consultation with the NAGC National Office.
Special Schools & Programs Network Chair-Elect

Network Chair-Elect Responsibilities:

• Network chairs shall submit annual plans and reports of activity in accordance with the NAGC Board reporting calendar.

• Network chairs shall provide oversight for programming, Network member benefits, and Network activities.

• Network chairs shall assist in establishing vision and activities and projects for the Network.

• Network chairs must attend NAGC’s annual convention during their tenure of office.

• Network officers, chairs, and chairs-elect shall participate in Network training as established by the Network Liaison to the Board and NAGC.

• Network chairs and chairs-elect will work in partnership with the National Office regarding how to manage Network finances, recruit members, and election of officers.

• Fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for the welfare of the Network. Chairs and chairs-elect who fail to fulfill these responsibilities for a period of at least six months will be required to resign from the position. The decision and notification to the chair or chair-elect would come from the Network Representative in consultation with the NAGC National Office.

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Election Process & Timeline:

1
Applications Open
January 5
2
Applications Close
March 1
3
Review of Nominees
Late March - Early April
4
Board Votes on the Slate
April 2026
5
Voting Opens
April 28
6
Voting Closes
June 1
7
Election Results Announced
June 2026
0
Election Results Announced
Late March - Early April
January 5, 2026
Nomination Period Opens
Applications are open to apply for an open position or to nominate an individual.
March 1, 2026
Nomination Period Closes
Applications close.
Late March - Early april
Review Conducted by the Elections Committee
Nominee materials go to the Elections Committee for review.
April 2026
Slate Sent to the Board
The recommended slate from the Elections Committee is sent to the Board of Directors to vote for approval.
April 28, 2026
NAGC Election Voting Opens
The candidate information is published on the NAGC website. Four emails will be sent to NAGC voting members to cast their votes. One of the benefits of NAGC Premier and Lifetime membership is electing future leaders of NAGC!  All eligible member will receive an email with instructions and a link to their ballot. Not a member? Join today to cast your vote!
June 1, 2026
NAGC Election Voting Closes
Last day for voting members to vote on candidates for the election. Voting closes at 11:59 pm PT. One of the benefits of NAGC Premier and Lifetime membership is electing future leaders of NAGC!  All eligible member will receive an email with instructions and a link to their ballot. Not a member? Join today to cast your vote!
June 2026
NAGC Election Results Announced
The elections results will be announced to NAGC members.

Suggest a Peer:

If you know someone who would be an outstanding leader, you can also uplift their voice through our Leadership Invitation form. Share their name and contact information, and we’ll reach out to them directly with details about the open positions and how to apply. Helping identify emerging leaders is another powerful way to strengthen our community and broaden who gets a seat at the table.

Suggest a Peer

Apply for an Open Position:

Thank you for your interest in a leadership role with NAGC! 

Applications for positions will be open January 5, 2026 - March 1, 2026. You can preview the 2026 NAGC Leadership application here.