NAVTA is now accepting applications for the association’s Board of Directors. There will be two Director seats open in January 2027.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to attend (or watch a recording of) the “Board Applicant Orientation Session” on September 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET. Click HERE to register.
Deadline for receipt of applications is 12 Noon Eastern Time, Monday, September 21, 2026.
An ideal board member will combine a passion for NAVTA’s mission, integrity, strategic judgment, governance awareness, relevant expertise, and a willingness to actively contribute time, talent, and relationships to advance NAVTA’s goals.
Only Credentialed Veterinary Technicians who have been members of NAVTA for at least one year and remain NAVTA members in good standing, are eligible for consideration for election to the Board. All Credentialed Veterinary Technician Members in elected or appointed positions must remain in good standing for the entirety of their terms.
Pursuant to Article VIII, Section 5 of NAVTA’s bylaws, in order to be considered for the seat of Director, the Credentialed Member must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Served two terms on a NAVTA Committee in the last five years, or
- Served as an Officer (President, President-Elect, Secretary, or Treasurer) of a state Veterinary Technician association in the last five years, or
- Served as an Officer (President, President-Elect, Secretary, or Treasurer) of a Veterinary Technician Specialty academy in the last five years, or
- Obtained and submitted letters of nomination indicating support for the candidate for the position being sought. Letters must be from Credentialed Veterinary Technician Members in good-standing whose places of residence represent at least two-thirds (⅔) of the NAVTA Districts.
In addition, the Board of Directors has identified the following ten items as highly desirable skills and attributes for board members:
1. Commitment to the Mission
A strong candidate believes in the organization’s purpose and is willing to advocate for it. NAVTA will look for someone who:
- Understands and supports the mission
- Has a passion for the profession
- Is willing to act as an ambassador for the organization
- Demonstrates alignment with the organization’s values
2. Integrity and Ethical Judgment
Board members are fiduciaries and must always act in the best interests of the organization. NAVTA will look for:
- Strong personal and professional ethics
- Good judgment in difficult situations
- Transparency and accountability
- Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
3. Strategic Thinking
The NAVTA Board focuses on the organization’s future, not day-to-day operations. Strong candidates will:
- Think long-term
- Identify opportunities and risks
- Understand governance versus management
- Ask thoughtful questions rather than micromanaging
4. Financial Literacy
Not every board member needs to be an accountant, but every board member should understand basic financial concepts. Desirable capabilities include:
- Reading financial statements
- Understanding budgets
- Recognizing financial risks
- Supporting financial sustainability
5. Sound Governance Skills
Good board members understand their legal and fiduciary responsibilities. They should:
- Know, understand, and respect board policies and processes
- Understand oversight responsibilities
- Support compliance and risk management
6. Relationship Building
NAVTA’s strongest asset is its ability to create and maintain valuable relationships with organizations and individuals in the profession. A strong board member will enhance that ability by having:
- A willingness to support fundraising efforts
- The Ability to open doors to donors, sponsors, or partners
- Strong community relationships
- Comfort representing the organization publicly
7. Time and Engagement
An excellent candidate has sufficient time to participate meaningfully in at least six board meetings (two in-person) and numerous email votes and conversations. A strong candidate will:
- Consistently attend and participate meetings and emails
- Be preparation before meetings
- Be responsive between meetings
8. Collaborative Leadership
Strong board members work well with others and contribute constructively. NAVTA will look for candidates who:
- Listen respectfully
- Support collective decisions
- Manage disagreement professionally
- Foster productive board discussions
9. Independence and Courage
A good board member is willing to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions when necessary. NAVTA will look for someone who:
- Can provide objective oversight
- Thinks independently
- Is comfortable expressing dissenting opinions
- Avoids conflicts of interest
10. Diversity of Perspective
High-performing boards benefit from diversity. NAVTA is looking for variety in:
- Professional backgrounds
- Skills and expertise
- Demographics
- Geographic representation
- Community connections
- Lived experiences
All applicants are strongly encouraged to attend (or watch a recording of) the “Board Applicant Orientation Session” on September 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET. Click HERE to register.
Members of the Board of Directors serve terms of two (2) years beginning with the Association’s Annual General Membership Meeting, which will be no later than January 31, 2027.
All applicants must complete NAVTA’s Conflict of Interest form, submit answers to mandatory candidate questions, and supply NAVTA with their resume/CV, a short biography, and a photograph suitable for publication. All information supplied to NAVTA becomes the property of NAVTA and will be made public to NAVTA members should the applicant be included on a ballot for election. Applicants may be interviewed by the Nominating Committee to determine eligibility for the Board seat.
Click HERE to begin your application process.