Serving on the Executive Board is more than a governance role — it is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the global companion animal veterinary profession, contribute to high-impact international initiatives, and work alongside colleagues from every region of the world. Board service combines meaningful professional contribution with personal leadership development through global collaboration and strategic decision-making.
We warmly encourage member associations to think broadly and proactively about potential candidates — including both established and emerging leaders — who bring regional insight, integrity, and a strong commitment to advancing animal health and welfare.
Positions Open for Nomination
Nominations are invited for the following roles:
- Ordinary Board Member ×2 — Asia Oceania
- Ordinary Board Member ×1 — Europe
- Ordinary Board Member ×1 — Sub-Saharan Africa
- Ordinary Board Member ×1 — North America
- Ordinary Board Member ×1 — Middle East and North Africa
- Ordinary Board Member ×1 — Latin America and Caribbean
- President-Elect ×1
- Treasurer ×1
These positions will be filled through election by WSAVA member associations.
The Role and Impact of the Executive Board
The Executive Board oversees the activities and affairs of WSAVA and is responsible for ensuring that the Association is well governed, financially responsible, mission-focused and legally compliant as a Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organisation.
Working collectively, the Board sets WSAVA’s strategic direction, governs organisational matters, oversees the Executive Director, approves budgets and committees, and ensures strong governance and policy adherence across the Association. Individual Board members contribute expertise and perspective — but authority rests with the Board acting together.
Board members also serve as ambassadors for WSAVA — strengthening relationships with member associations, supporting committee work, and ensuring that regional perspectives inform global priorities and decisions.
Nomination Process and Materials
Nominations must be submitted by the nominee and be supported by a WSAVA member association. A complete nomination package must include:
- A completed application form
- An up-to-date CV or resume
- A letter of support from a WSAVA member association that they are a member of
Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a short video introduction summarising their motivation and experience. You do not need to submit the video as part of your nomination package. The WSAVA Secretariat will contact you later to arrange transfer.
All nominations are reviewed by the WSAVA Membership and Nomination Committee. Complete nominations that meet the required criteria are put forward for election. Final election decisions are made by the WSAVA membership.
Prospective nominees are welcome to contact the current Executive Board and Executive Director for an informal conversation about the role and expectations prior to submission.
To submit your nomination, please complete the online application form using the link below. All required documents and declarations are submitted as part of this process.
To help you prepare in advance, you may also download an overview of the application form and the questions you will be asked to answer. We encourage all nominees to review these questions ahead of time so they can gather the necessary information and supporting materials before starting the online submission.
Key Dates
- Call opens: 24 February 2026
- Nomination deadline: 26 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC
- Online ‘Town Hall’ Meetings for Members to Meet Candidates: 14 June+
- Election: 1 July 2026 (one week)
- Election Results Announced: 8 July+
- New terms begin: 13 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be nominated for the Executive Board?
Nominees must be members of a WSAVA General or Affiliated Member Association, be in good standing and must meet the legal requirements to serve as a director of a Canadian not-for-profit corporation. Individuals are not eligible if they are under 18, legally incapable, not an individual person, or have the status of a bankrupt. Additional role-specific criteria also apply – see the WSAVA Executive Board Terms of Reference for further information.
What knowledge, skills and experience are desirable for Executive Board members?
All Executive Board members must meet the formal eligibility and experience requirements set out in the role criteria. In addition, WSAVA is seeking candidates who can contribute effectively at a governance and strategic level and who bring a combination of the following knowledge and skills:
Successful candidates will ideally demonstrate:
- Experience in leadership, governance, or board/committee service
- The ability to think and contribute at a strategic (not operational) level
- Understanding of, or interest in, not-for-profit or membership organisation governance
- Sound judgement and decision-making skills in complex or international contexts
- Confidence contributing to discussion, debate and collective decision-making
- Ability to review and interpret strategy, policy, financial and risk information
- Strong ethical awareness, integrity, and commitment to managing conflicts of interest appropriately
- Experience working across cultures and regions and valuing diverse perspectives
- Good collaboration and communication skills in an international environment
- Commitment to preparation and active participation in meetings and Board work
For Officer roles (President-Elect and Treasurer), additional relevant knowledge and experience — such as senior leadership, financial oversight, or prior WSAVA committee leadership — are particularly valuable (please see the full President and Treasurer job descriptions in the WSAVA Policy and Process Manual).
Member associations are encouraged to consider both proven and emerging leaders who show the capacity to contribute thoughtfully, act in the best interests of WSAVA as a whole, and support strong, future-focused governance.
Are there regional requirements for Ordinary Board Member roles?
Yes. Ordinary Board Member nominees must reside within the region of the vacancy and be a member of an eligible WSAVA member association within that region. This ensures balanced global representation on the Board.
Is prior WSAVA experience required?
Yes. Ordinary Board Member, Treasurer and President-Elect nominees are expected to have at least two years’ experience within the WSAVA community, typically through committee service or acting as a Member Representative. President-Elect nominees must have served on a WSAVA committee.
Is English language ability required?
Yes. Executive Board members must be able to speak, read and write in English, as it is the working language of WSAVA