Nominations for INFORMS Board of Directors

Information for INFORMS Board of Directors Positions (2026 Elections for 2027 Term)

The INFORMS Board of Directors comprises 16 members: five officers, ten vice presidents, and the Executive Director (ex officio). Volunteer members of the INFORMS Board of Directors are selected through a nomination and election process.

The current Board positions open for 2027 are:

  • President-Elect (3-year term – President-Elect, President and Past President)
  • Treasurer
  • Vice President, Education
  • Vice President, Meetings
  • Vice President, Publications
  • *Vice President, Technology Strategy or Vice President, Emerging Fields and Technologies

The position of Vice President of Sections and Societies for 2027 is filled through an election by the Subdivisions Council.

The election is planned for August/September 2026 with the positions commencing on January 1, 2027.  If you are interested, please read the information below and complete the Expression of Interest form. If you know someone who might be a good candidate, please encourage them to review this material and complete the Expression of Interest.  

While each Nominating Committee is unique, committee members generally value individuals with strong ethical integrity; proven leadership qualities; effective communication skills; a commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful professional community; and past volunteer service.  Please consider these qualities as you complete the expression of interest. 

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES  

Please refer to Policies and Procedures Section 4 – Administration - Number 4.3 – Board Member Responsibilities.

All Board members are required to attend four Board meetings in a year over eight days (40 hours total, not counting preparation time) and read materials prior to each Board meeting.

  • Winter: ½ day (4 hours hybrid or virtual)
  • Spring: 12 hours total -- ½ day (4 hours virtual) and full day (8 hours in person at Analytics+ Meeting)
  • Summer: 12 hours total - Three ½ days (4 hours virtual each day)
  • Fall: 12 hours total -- ½ day (4 hours virtual) and full day (8 hours in person at the Annual Meeting)

During months without Board meetings, there may be occasional discussions and votes. 

Each Board member is encouraged to attend the INFORMS Analytics+ Conference in the Spring and the Annual Meeting in the Fall. INFORMS can provide assistance with expenses upon request.

Title and Term Estimated Time Commitment Brief Description of Responsibilities
Candidates for all positions must be INFORMS members and in good standing.

President-Elect

Term: 3 Years
(1 year as President-Elect; 1 year as President; 1 Year as Past President)

  • Attend All Board meetings. 
  • 6-12 hours/month
  • Highly variable (more during year of presidency)
  • Monthly Executive Committee meetings (one hour/month)
  • Monthly or biweekly hourly meetings with INFORMS Executive Director

During year of presidency:

  • Serves as the chief volunteer officer of INFORMS during year of presidency.
  • Oversees and chairs Board meetings.
  • Represents INFORMS during conferences sponsored by INFORMS and related organizations.
  • Works closely with each Vice President.
  • Attend 2-day offsite training meeting during one of the first two years’ term.

As President-Elect, serves on multiple committees (e.g., Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Committee).

As Past President serves as Chair of multiple committees (e.g., Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Committee).

All three years:

  • Works collaboratively with the INFORMS Executive Director and the Board Services Administrator to meet strategic goals and objectives.

More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:

Treasurer

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend all Board meetings.
  • 4-6 hours/month
  • Monthly Executive Committee meetings (one hour/month)
  • Chairs four Investment Committee meetings each year; chairs 4-8 Finance Committee meetings each year.
  • Bimonthly half-hour meetings with Finance Director.
  • Serves as Treasurer for INFORMS.
  • Recommends changes to policies, procedures, standing rules, and bylaws when necessary.
  • Chairs the Investment and Finance Committees and is the board liaison for the Audit Committee.
  • Reviews the budget, prepared by the Director of Finance.
  • Reviews monthly financial statements, quarterly investment statements, and the annual audit report.
  • Works collaboratively with the Director of Finance, Executive Director, and the Board Services Administrator.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:

Vice President, Education

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend all Board meetings.

 
  • 6-8 hours/month related to Education Activities.
  • Serves as the liaison between the Education Committees and the INFORMS Board.
  • Contributes to the strategic direction for educational programs and products.
  • Promotes and helps set INFORMS strategy.
  • Serves as Chair of the Education Strategy Committee.
  • Champions the efforts of the Education Committees.
  • Collaborates with other VPs as needed to ensure alignment and reduce inefficiencies.
  • Works closely with the INFORMS Director of Education & Industry and the Executive Director.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures: 

Vice President, Meetings

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend all Board meetings.
  • 6-8 hours/month related to Meetings activities
  • Serves as the liaison with the Meetings and Conferences of INFORMS.
  • Chairs the Meetings Committee and advises on the development of new meetings and conferences and the selection of their chairs.
  • Helps set INFORMS strategy on meetings.
  • Ensures conference organizing committees follow the policies set forth in the Policies and Procedures.
  • Works closely with the INFORMS Director of Meetings and the Executive Director.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:

Vice President, Publications

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend all Board meetings
  • 6-8 hours/month related to Publications activities
  • Serves as the Vice President for the Publications for INFORMS.
  • Chairs the Publications Committee and leads development of initiatives that support the broader publications community.
  • Represents the publications program of INFORMS and advises the Board on publication matters.
  • Works with the Director of Publications and editors-in-chief to address publication ethics and research integrity issues in accordance with INFORMS policies.
  • Holds an annual meeting of the Publications Committee and editors-in-chief at the Fall Annual Meeting.
  • Works closely with the INFORMS Director of Publications and the Executive Director.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:
* The INFORMS Board of Directors is evaluating a proposed reimagining of the Vice President, Technology Strategy role, with a final determination expected by January 31, 2026. The summary below reflects that the core commitments (term, meeting attendance, and expected time) remain unchanged; the main difference lies in the focus and scope of responsibility. The accompanying Expression of Interest Form will provide candidates the option to express interest in the current role, the reimagined role, or both.

Vice President, Technology Strategy (Current) or Emerging Fields & Technologies (Pending Board Approval)

Term: 2 years (with the possibility of a second term for an additional two years)

  • Attend all Board meetings
  • 2-3 hours/month related to VP and committee activities

Vice President, Technology Strategy (Current)

  • Chairs the Technology Strategy Committee.
  • Serves as an advocate for Technology Strategy activities.
  • Works to keep abreast of issues related to information technology with regards to IT-based solutions.
  • Works closely with the Director of Information Technology and the Executive Director.
  • More information can be found in the INFORMS Policies and Procedures:

Emerging Fields & Technologies (Pending board approval)

  • Chairs the Emerging Fields & Technologies Committee.
  • Works to keep abreast of issues related to information technology with regards to IT-based solutions. Monitors the external landscape for emerging technologies relevant to INFORMS’ fields of interest and proposes strategies for INFORMS moving forward to maintain leadership in practice and academia.
  • Works within the existing INFORMS structure of VPs and committees.
  • Identifies opportunities to partner with like-minded organizations to provide co-leadership where appropriate.
  • Creates and oversees Working Groups focused on specific technologies (e.g., AI, Quantum Computing, Responsible Tech).
  • Works closely with the staff liaison(s) and the Executive Director.
  • INFORMS Policies and Procedures are TBD.

Dates: Expression of Interest forms are due by January 15, 2026.  Nominations received after this date may still be considered. The Nominating Committee will share the slate of nominees with the INFORMS membership on or before April 1, 2026.

Questions: If you have any questions or comments, please send a note to Grace Trent, Board Services Administrator, at [email protected].