TWS seeking potential candidates for TWS Vice President

The Wildlife Society (TWS) welcomes candidate recommendations for the position of vice president. The person elected to this position will serve a four-year term (Year one: vice president; Year two: president-elect; Year three: president; Year four: immediate past president).

Specific qualifications and a description for each of the four positions can be found here.

Minimum candidate requirements include:

1. Is an active member in good standing of TWS and has been so for at least the preceding ten (10) years.
2. Demonstrated commitment to TWS’ Purposes and Principles as stated in Bylaws and to TWS’ Code of Ethics.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the role of a “Board,” including the Board’s judiciary responsibilities, in a nonprofit corporation.
4. Demonstrated record of leadership and service to TWS and to at least one organization unit level of TWS (Section or Chapter) as described below.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the wildlife profession and wildlife professionals gained via at least ten (10) years of applicable wildlife-related, employment (post B.S. or M.S.-graduation) at an institute of higher learning, a government agency, an NGO or a private company. Leadership, organization, and communication skills are apparent.
6. Has employer support, if applicable, and is committed, willing, and able to serve the full four (4) year term. FYI, service on Council at any level is a year-round commitment. Travel required and periodic work during evenings and weekends will be necessary. 
7. Is a member in good standing of their Section and Chapter of residence.

Candidate recommendations must be made using this form by Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2026. TWS’ Nominating Committee will review all potential candidates submitted by the deadline. A candidate recommendation, however, does not guarantee that the candidate will be invited to submit a formal nomination packet. Learn more about the selection process below.

Selection Process

The selection process for vice president begins each year in October or November, immediately following the Annual TWS Conference, when the new TWS President identifies and appoints all eight members of the Nominating Committee. Committee composition is determined by TWS Bylaws and consists of one active TWS member per voting district, with each member serving a one-year term (three terms max). The Committee recommends two nominees for vice president and assists, if needed, in identifying two nominees for voting-district representatives for voting districts with upcoming vacancies.

Nominating Committee members are a distinguished and diverse group (diversity in ethnicity, gender, geography, employer, age, etc.) representing the Society’s membership. They possess a myriad of expertise, professional interests and accomplishments, as well as dedication to TWS and a commitment to actively serve the Society in the search of the best available candidates.  This committee is held to the highest standards in selecting diverse and qualified candidates that will strongly and ethically uphold the vision and mission of TWS. 

The candidate search is a rigorous and thoughtful process that occurs over the winter and spring months and culminates when the committee submits their selected candidates to TWS staff by March 1. The election begins in the spring when the ballot is presented to membership and continues for at least 30 days, ending June 30.