October 16, 2025
5:00PM EDT

FLARE Board Nominations Due

The 2025 FLARE Nominating Committee (Diana Carlin (Ex Offico), Heath Hardage Lee, Mary Brennan, and Myra Gutin, Chair) solicits from any member of the Association names of possible nominees for FLARE Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two to three At-Large Board Member positions. The Nominating Committee will review and recommend a slate of nominees who will be listed on the general election ballot. Final voting for the nominees will take place in October 2025. Results will be announced in November 2025, and new Board members will take office on January 1, 2026.

Self-nominations are encouraged. The Nominating Committee will entertain all suggestions. All nominees must be members of FLARE at the time of nomination and must agree to maintain membership during the term of office. For more on FLARE and the election process, please see the bylaws on our website.

Nominations are due on Thursday, October 16. Send nomination information and/or any questions electronically to Committee Chair, Myra Gutin at drgutin@comcast.net. 

President

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, the Executive Council, and Association meetings or events as prescribed by the Executive Council. The President shall perform all duties relative to the office of President, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board. The Vice President shall, after a two-year term, succeed to the office of President. The President shall, after a two-year term, succeed to the office of Immediate Past President. The Immediate Past President shall serve for a term of two years. 

Vice President

The FLARE By-Laws state that the Vice President shall, after a two-year term, succeed to the office of President. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President during such time as the President is unable or unwilling to perform the same; shall serve as Chair of the Program and Events Committee and as an ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee. He or she shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Council. The Vice President is a member of the Executive Council and is expected to attend Council and general Board meetings.

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• A record of ongoing involvement in FLARE.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An understanding of and expertise in the field of first ladies studies, as gathered from a broad range of professional pursuits and interests.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, a letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Treasurer

The position is a two-year term with the option of two additional consecutive terms with a maximum service of six years. The current Treasurer is exercising the option of running for an additional two-year term. The treasurer shall perform all duties relative to the office (collecting dues, writing checks, collecting contributions, providing regular financial statements), shall submit records for audit, and shall file tax documents as appropriate for FLARE’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The Treasurer is a member of the Executive Council and is expected to attend Council and general Board meetings.

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• A record of ongoing involvement in FLARE.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An understanding of and expertise in the field of first ladies studies, as gathered from a broad range of professional pursuits and interests.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, a letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.

Secretary 

The position is a two-year term with the option of two additional consecutive terms with a maximum service of six years. The Secretary shall perform all duties relative to the office of Secretary including taking minutes, handling correspondence, and maintaining the Board book, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Council. The Secretary shall serve as Chair of the Network Committee.

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• Prior experience in a similar role.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.

Nomination materials must include, if not previously submitted:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.

• If appropriate, a letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position. 

Two to Three At-Large Members of the Board

The FLARE Board is composed of at-large members who represent the scope of first lady studies and practice. Two to Three At-Large Members of the Board are open for election, depending on the outcome of officer elections, if a current board member chooses to run for an officer position and wins. One current At-Large board member is exercising the option to run for a second term. At Large Board members are elected to a three-year term to begin January 1, 2026. Board members may serve for a maximum of six consecutive years. A Board Member is expected to promote the Association as appropriate, lend credibility and visibility to the mission, have fiduciary responsibility, be involved in attracting new members, and participate in fundraising opportunities. Board members often serve on committees and assist with FLARE educational and outreach activities in addition to attending Board meetings and participating in the governance of the Association.  

Qualifications of potential nominees include:

• A member in good standing of the Association at the time of nomination.
• A record of successful career and/or leadership experience.
• An ability to understand, or experience with, fundraising and non-profit opportunities.
• An understanding of and commitment to work toward meeting FLARE’s mission.

Nomination materials must include:

• A cover letter explaining one’s interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Two names and contact information of professional references.
• If appropriate, a letter of institutional support for the specific duties of the position.