ASHA Board of Directors Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The ASHA Board of Directors (BOD) is the single governing body of the Association. Guided by the Strategic Pathway to Excellence (ASHA’s strategic plan) and the Association Bylaws, ASHA BOD members work collaboratively amongst themselves—and with the ASHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Chief Staff Officers (CSOs); Association staff; ASHA Committees, Boards, and Councils (CBCs); volunteers; and members—to ensure that the Association is successful, growing, and serving its mission. ASHA BOD members are the Association’s fiduciaries who also assist in the development of sound ethical and legal governance as well as sound financial management policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advocate, support, and enhance the mission and public image of ASHA and the professions
Facilitate and support culturally and linguistically appropriate practices across professional settings
Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in quarterly BOD meetings and additional scheduled conference calls/virtual meetings throughout the year
Review, consider, and vote on all motions and resolutions within the established time frame
Accept and participate on assigned BOD subcommittees
Make appointments to ASHA CBCs as a member of the Committee on Committees
Serve as a BOD liaison to assigned CBCs
Prepare and present information at one to three state association meetings per year
Provide a visual leadership role model through attendance at the ASHA Annual Convention and other related Association meetings, as invited by the ASHA President
Help identify issues as well as forecast needs/trends
Contribute to a performance review of the CEO
Abide by the ASHA Code of Ethics and the ASHA Bylaws

Essential Experience/Expertise/Skills

Strong leadership skills demonstrated through previous ASHA volunteer experience and in other professional, educational, or higher education organizations
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Sensitivity to, and respect for, differing views and experiences
Ability to speak and listen effectively, considering multiple viewpoints on complex and/or controversial issues
Ability to work well with people individually and in a group
Ability to communicate ASHA’s perspectives and policies effectively with members and stakeholders
Effective time management and organizational skills
Working knowledge of ASHA’s governance structure, mission, services, policies, and programs
Ability to ask questions, take responsibility, and follow through on assigned tasks
Ability to engage in self-evaluation at the personal and BOD levels
Willingness to fulfill all of the essential duties and responsibilities of service on the ASHA BOD with a duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience

Financial Support

The Association provides ASHA BOD members with support in a number of ways—including financial support for required functions of the office; assistance with office expenses, including some limited personnel support; and an equipment budget.

A small stipend is provided to BOD members’ institutions/organizations.