Board Nomination FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the nomination process for the Catholic Media Association Board of Directors.

What Board positions are up for election in 2024?

  • August 2024: Special Election for Canadian Region Representative

What is the Catholic Media Association's Canadian Region?

On Feb. 23, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized the creation of a new geographic region for Canada. This decision acknowledges the unique needs and contributions of our Canadian members, providing them with dedicated representation and opportunities for engagement within the CMA structure. The initiative for a Canadian region stems from a desire to recognize the distinct culture of Canada, differentiating it from other geographic regions (Western, Midwestern, Southern and Eastern).

What Board positions were filled this year?

  • Member at Large
  • Magazine Member at Large
  • Newspaper Business Staff Member

How long does each term last?

  • Terms are for three (3) years.
  • Terms begin at the annual member meeting of the Catholic Media Conference.
  • Directors may serve up to three (3) consecutive terms.

Who is the ideal Board candidate?

  • Desired qualities to be considered include one or more of the following:
  • Leadership experience in business or administrative activities.
  • Breadth of knowledge about issues affecting Catholic media.
  • Ability to contribute special expertise to Board or committee activities.

What criteria will the Nominating Committee use to select Board candidates?

  • Directors must be CMA members in good standing.
  • Director positions are based on categories of membership. Categories exist for publisher, magazine and newspaper representatives, as well as regional representatives, diocesan director of communications, and members at large.
  • If the Magazine Staff position is open, for example, the member must work for a magazine to be eligible for that position.

What do Board members do?

  • The Board has oversight for the operations of the association and the work of the executive director and the CMA office staff. The executive director reports to the Board.
  • Directors meet by Zoom the third Thursday of each month for about 75 minutes.
  • They often chair or work on a committee but are not required to do so.
  • They attended the annual CMC and hold at least two meetings during that time span on Tuesday and Thursday.
  • Some years they are hosted at the site of the upcoming CMC in November or early December.

What do Board members get in return for their service?

  • There is no monetary benefit to being a Board member, nor is there any monetary requirement attached to serving on the Board. 
  • The ability to help make a difference and shape the association are some of the benefits of serving.
  • In most cases additional participation and the ability to travel to the CMC on a yearly basis is a benefit of service.

How much time does Board service require?

  • Outside of the monthly Zoom meetings it depends on the committees you volunteer for and specific tasks that the Board deems essential for the health of the association. 
  • It might average out to two hours per month in most cases.

Can I nominate myself?

  • A member cannot nominate themselves as a candidate for the Board.

What is the nominating process?

  • Nominations are done by the Nominating Committee in the vast majority of cases.
  • Members can nominate an individual if they are not satisfied with the work of the nominating committee. A group of 10 members agree to nominate a person.
  • Nominations are made to fill the positions according to the category of the position.
  • Candidates are contacted and asked to accept the position.
  • Candidates provide a photo and short bio to be viewed by voting members of the association.

What if I’m nominated but not elected?

  • You may be nominated again for another position or may be asked to volunteer on a committee to increase your name recognition among members.

How do I nominate a candidate?

  • Nominations are done by the Nominating Committee in the vast majority of cases.
  • Members can nominate an individual if they are not satisfied with the work of the Nominating Committee. A group of 10 members agree to nominate a person.

When are nominations due?

  • According to CMA bylaws nominations must be completed 150 days prior to the members’ annual member meeting held during the Catholic Media Conference in June. 

Where can I get additional questions answered?

When do elections take place?

  • Elections take place in the first quarter of the calendar year and adjusted to coincide with the members’ annual member meeting in June according to CMA bylaws.  

When does the term begin?

  • The term officially begins on the date of the members’ annual meeting on the Thursday of the Catholic Media Conference, typically held in June. 

Questions? Contact Us!