Private Directors Association (PDA)

2026 Board of Directors Election

Interest Form

Overview

PDA’s Nominating and Governance Committee is now accepting applications for open seats on the PDA National Board of Directors. Board service is a meaningful opportunity for qualified members to help advance PDA’s mission, strengthen governance excellence in private companies, and help guide the organization’s strategic direction.

This application package is designed to provide all the necessary information and forms required for candidacy submission to an elected Board position. This package includes detailed instructions on how to complete the application process, including the submission deadlines, required documents, and any additional information pertinent to the application review process. Please carefully review the materials provided and submit the application in full. Partial applications will not be considered. Applications are due by 5:00 pm EST on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Questions are addressed in the FAQs section below. If, after reviewing the FAQs, further assistance at any stage of the application process is required, please do not hesitate to reach out to Bryan Stewart, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, at bryastew@gmail.com.

PDA Board Service Qualifications

Expectations of Board Directors continue to evolve as regulators focus more attention on the governance of the nonprofit sector including individual director qualifications. PDA requires Board Members who are willing to volunteer their time and experience to continue to advance PDA as the example of governance excellence. To achieve this ambition, the Nominating and Governance Committee has established the following qualifications for Board candidates:

 

• Membership in PDA for a minimum of two years, and is a member in good standing.
• Engagement at the Chapter or National level as a current or previous National Board Director, National Committee Chair, National Task Force Chair, or National Committee Member and/or Chapter Leaders including Chapter President, Chapter Vice President, or Chapter Committee Chair for a minimum of one year by the time of the Board election (October).
• A minimum of one year of governance experience as a member of a Board of a for-profit or nonprofit organization, or civic body.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including a positive communication approach, the ability to resolve conflict, ability to interact positively with Board members regardless of different perspectives and opinions, a continuous-improvement mindset, solid business judgment, team player, ability to act with the interest of PDA and the organization as a priority versus self-interest, and the ability to adapt, endorse, and be accountable for Board decisions regardless of whether or not their vote supported the decision.
• Is a member of a PDA Chapter that will have no more than three (3) board members if elected, or is considered a member-at-large. 

PDA seeks a Board that is diverse in race, gender, geography, experience, skills, and perspectives. We welcome applications from any qualified PDA member.

By signing below, I attest that I have read and will adhere to PDA’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Whistleblower Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Board Member’s Roles and Responsibilities Policy
• Strategic Plan

I also agree that:

• If applicable, that if elected I will resign from any leadership position I currently hold within PDA by the date my Board term begins.
• If elected, I will submit to a background check. This may include employment and Board verifications, criminal background check, and reference checks with PDA Board Members, Chapter Presidents, committee or task force chairs, and/or other PDA members.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How are candidates selected to run for the PDA election?

You may self-nominate, or, with your approval, another PDA member may nominate you.

Who is eligible to write my letter of endorsement?

A letter of endorsement can be written by an active or past PDA National Board Member, Chair of a National Committee or Task Force, or Chapter President.

Is there a limit to the number of members from any Chapter who can serve on the Board?

Yes, only three members from a Chapter may be seated on the Board at the same time. 

If three members from the same Chapter are already seated on the Board, no new Board Member from that Chapter can be elected until at least one rolls off. 

If less than three members from the same Chapter are seated on the Board, then any number of candidates may be nominated from that Chapter. Those who receive the most votes will be elected to the Board.

What if I am not affiliated with a Chapter?

You are considered a member-at-large and are qualified to run.

How many Board Directors will be elected?

The Private Directors Association will elect six Board Members for 3-year terms.

How long is the Board Member term?

Each term is three years, beginning in January. Last year, however, to establish the 3-year cycle, five Board Members were elected to 3-year teams, and five were elected to 1-year terms.

Will there be a slate of candidates put forward by the Board?

No, all vetted qualified candidates will appear on the ballot.

How will candidates be verified as qualified?

The Nominating and Governance Committee will verify that each candidate is qualified based on requirements outlined and their completed application package.

Will sitting National or Chapter leaders be able to serve on the Board concurrently?

No, candidates for PDA’s National Board will be required to step down from other National or Chapter leadership roles by the date their Board term begins if they are elected.

Are Board Members compensated?

No, Board Members are not compensated. Nominal travel expenses for in-person Board meetings may be reimbursed.

What is the time commitment for serving on the Board?

The time commitment will vary depending on the committee(s) served on, Board leadership positions held, and frequency of Board meetings. Applicants should assume that a Board role will consume 60 – 80 hours a year. Board meetings are held at least quarterly and committee meetings at least monthly but may be more or less based on business needs. Board Members are expected to attend all Board meetings.

Who will oversee the elections process?

The Nominating and Governance Committee will oversee the elections process assisted by an experienced, independent third-party elections firm. 

When will the election be held?

Voting will begin September 7, 2026 and conclude at 5:00 PM EST on October 9, 2026. Candidates will be informed of the results after results are verified. Results will be announced to the membership as soon as all candidates are informed.

Candidates will have the opportunity to create a brief video to be shared on the PDA Website Board Election page with their photo and link to their completed application materials. They will also have an opportunity to meet PDA members at networking and board-relevant events at PRISM, PDA’s national conference to be held form October 5 - 7 in Atlanta, GA.

What is the deadline for application submittal?

Completed application packages must be received by the Nominating and Governance Committee by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, June 29, 2026.