NAAB Seeks Nominations from ACSA, AIA, AIAS, and NCARB for Board Directors and Team Pool Nominations
NAAB Board of Directors
The NAAB Board is composed of 14 individuals nominated by ACSA, AIA, AIAS, and NCARB. These are volunteers who serve NAAB without compensation in positions of responsibility with certain legal obligations. Volunteers have a fiduciary duty (“loyalty”) to NAAB. They must avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest and they must not “expropriate business opportunities and exploit those opportunities for their personal use or for their companies’ use.”
Expectations of the Board as a Whole
The mission of NAAB is to develop and maintain an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:
- determining the mission and purposes of the organization
- selecting and evaluating the performance of the executive director
- strategic and organizational planning
- approving annual committee charges
- ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
- speaking with one voice when representing the NAAB and the NAAB Board decisions
- providing subject matter expertise in developing resources to support NAAB programs
- accrediting architecture programs and reviewing relevant documents
- granting International Certification and reviewing relevant documents
- enhancing NAAB’s public image as the accreditor of architecture programs
- assessing its own performance as the governing body of NAAB
Expectations of Individual Board Directors
Each individual board director is expected to:
- uphold the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to NAAB
- know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the NAAB criteria for Accreditation and International Certification
- faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
- serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
- fully engage in identifying and securing the resources and partnerships necessary for NAAB to advance its mission
- leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve NAAB’s mission
- prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
- serve on eligibility visits
- participate in committees, task forces, and/or workgroups as appointed
Board Directors are also expected to:
- follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
- annually disclose conflicts-of-interest and communicate any potential conflicts of interest as they emerge, and before and during meetings
- maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of NAAB and other matters deemed confidential
Qualifications for Board Directors
- Commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
- Ability to travel to in-person Board meetings (four-day commitment), two to three times per year and attend virtual meetings
- Willingness to serve as an officer (for those nominated by ACSA, AIA, or NCARB)
- Familiarity with higher education and accreditation
- Awareness of issues related to graduate preparedness
- Leadership experience
- Strategic planning and budget experience
- NAAB visiting team experience is helpful