At the same time, the 2022–2024 Ad Hoc Election Manual Review Committee brought to light several persistent issues, including limited board candidate visibility, perceived fairness concerns in the election process, and challenges in engaging candidates from underrepresented regions and smaller affiliates.
These findings resonated with the core objectives in ASBO’s Strategic Plan, which centers on advancing the profession through engagement, inclusion, and innovation. In response, the Governance Task Force was convened to chart a path toward a more effective, inclusive, and transparent board of directors.
Process: Activities and Areas of Focus
Between April and May 2025, the Governance Task Force undertook a comprehensive review and analysis, drawing on models from ASBO affiliates, the evolving competency needs of the board, and the practical realities facing candidates. Their work focused on several key pillars:
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Analyzing Board Competency Needs: Debating what skills, experience, and perspectives are most essential to the board’s future effectiveness, and how to encourage pathways for developing and recognizing these competencies.
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Debating Campaign Norms: Scrutinizing the fairness and accessibility of current campaign expectations and discussing how to lower unnecessary barriers to candidacy, increase transparency, and support candidates in underserved areas.
Throughout these deliberations, the Task Force consistently reaffirmed the principles of engagement, inclusiveness, and readiness to lead. Their recommendations sought to make the path to board service more transparent, attainable, and representative of the entire ASBO community.
Emphasis on Inclusion and Support
Specific attention was given to:
Major outputs of the Task Force included the development of a proposed Candidate Eligibility Matrix — a flexible, points-based framework informed by required credentials and a wide range of leadership experiences — and a Candidate Visibility and Engagement Guide, which establishes baseline supports and resources for all board candidates.
The work of the Governance Task Force represents a significant step forward for ASBO International, laying the groundwork for greater transparency, inclusion, and leadership development in the years ahead.
The Governance Task Force drew on wide expertise and diverse perspectives from across the ASBO community, including ASBO Board officers, staff liaisons, and representatives from multiple states and provinces:
The work of the Task Force followed a clear and transparent timeline, ensuring member feedback and ASBO Board input at every stage:
Results and Recommendations
As a result of its work, the Governance Task Force delivered several recommendations designed to modernize and strengthen ASBO’s governance, enhance transparency and fairness, and support a more inclusive and prepared leadership pipeline.
1. Enhanced Candidate Visibility and Engagement
A new list of candidate visibility and engagement opportunities defines a consistent baseline for all certified candidates and introduces new ways for members to get to know their future leaders.
2. Adoption of the Candidate Eligibility Matrix
This points-based, competency-informed framework ensures that all candidates for the ASBO Board meet a defined threshold—valuing not only traditional leadership roles, but also broad engagement and service across ASBO International and its affiliates. The matrix includes:
This approach is intended to open new doors for candidates from a variety of backgrounds—recognizing service, professional development, and contributions at the affiliate and international levels.
ASBO International Board Candidate Eligibility Guide
3. Clearer Role Definitions
Job descriptions for board positions will now be incorporated directly into the Election Manual. These will spell out responsibilities, time commitments, travel, and engagement expectations, ensuring all candidates have a clear understanding of the service required before pursuing board roles.
4. Commitment to Periodic Review
ASBO International will revisit the impact of these changes in January 2030, allowing for course corrections and refinements in response to member feedback and the evolving needs of the organization.
The work of the Governance Task Force represents a significant step forward for ASBO International, laying the groundwork for greater transparency, inclusion, and leadership development in the years ahead. With the adoption of these recommendations, ASBO members can expect:
ASBO International is committed to advancing the profession by fostering engagement, inclusion, and innovation at every level. We thank the Task Force members for their dedication and encourage all members to be active participants in this ongoing process of growth and improvement.