Elections 2026 – Nominations Open

Sierra Pacific Region Officers

The Sierra Pacific Region (also known by its older name “Region 9”) has 4 elected positions: Director, Deputy Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each volunteer officer serves for 3 years; terms are staggered so that, typically, 2 positions are elected each year. Officers are elected to three-year terms and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms in any unique position.

This year, the current Secretary and Director will each complete their terms; therefore, we are currently looking for nominations for these two offices. The new officers will be elected this fall and will begin their 3-year terms in January 2027. 

Nominations must be received by May 31, 2026

Read on for information on how to nominate and run for the Sierra Pacific offices currently open. 

How to Nominate Yourself or Others

• To nominate someone besides yourself, please contact them to encourage and assist them to run. Do not submit a nomination without informing them. 
• Candidates must provide the following:
  • A written statement (no more than 1 page) explaining their desire to serve and their goals if elected. 
  • A brief biographical statement. 
  • A recent headshot (no avatars, etc.).
  • No nomination form is required. 
• Send candidate statements, headshots and brief bios to the National Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) Chair (elections@interpnet.com)
• Nominations must be received by May 31, 2026

Questions? Please contact Sierra Pacific Director Lisa Borok (laborok@gmail.com) or the NEC chair (elections@interpnet.com)

Prerequisites for All Nominees/Candidates 

All nominees and subsequent candidates must comply with the following criteria: 

1. Candidates must be NAI members in good standing at the time of nomination. 
2. Candidates must maintain an active individual membership throughout the election process and their term of office, if elected. 
3. Candidates must state a willingness to sign the NAI Ethics Agreement for Elected Officers, should they be elected. 

Timeline

• January-May 2026: Nominations accepted online by NAI national election committee (NEC)
• June-September 2026: NEC receives and verifies nominations for community and national offices. NEC prepares online ballots for all elections.
• October 2026: Elections for all current offices are held online for approximately 3 weeks. NAI Members receive email directly from NEC with links to ballots.
• November 2026: Winners of each election are notified and announced by their community leadership or the national board.
• January 2027: Newly elected officers begin their terms.

Here are the CURRENT OPENINGS on the Sierra Pacific Board, with a summary of duties for each. 

DIRECTOR

Leadership and Oversight

• Participate in monthly and as-needed meetings with the Community Leadership Team (Board and Committees).
• Manage and develop Community officers, chairs, and committees.
• Create and implement strategic and operational plans for the Community’s continued growth and development.
• Ensure Community activities and member services are aligned with NAI’s vision, mission, and goals and in compliance with its bylaws, operation manuals, and guidelines.
• Manage and control Community expenditures within agreed-upon budgets by reviewing quarterly and year-end finance reports. Coordinate with Treasurer.
• Attend and lead the Annual Community meeting(s) (i.e., all-member State of the Region meeting)
• Ensure all required deadlines are met (core services, budget, etc.)
• Other duties as requested by the Board and Community Members

Workshop Team (in coordination with Deputy Director)

• Support and participate in Training Workshop event(s)

Advisory Committee Representative

• Attend monthly Advisory Council meetings and represent the Community members’ interests. Report back to the Region Board members regularly. 
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of Advisory Council policies/procedures and provide suitable interpretation to the Community leadership team and its general members.
• Monitor, measure, and report on Community development plans, performance, and achievements within agreed formats and timescales as defined by the Advisory Council.

Outreach Administration and Implementation 

• Ensure the Community media infrastructure meets the needs for effective and efficient communication from the Board.
• Help develop and implement Community outreach and retention strategies, plans, and activities.

Media Team (in Coordination with the Secretary)

• Assist with social media administration
• Help develop and implement a Community Media Plan
• Coordinate and plan the POD merchandise store for branded items

Recruit or act as Awards Chair/Co-Chair

• Follow the guidelines as noted in the NAI Communities Manual (NAI Communities Resources) to ensure fair and open nominations and selection of award recipients.

Recruit or act as Elections Chair/Co-Chair

• Follow the guidelines as noted in NAI’s Nominations & Elections Manual (Administrative Documents) to ensure open and fair nominations.

Time Obligations: Varies depending on the time of year, event schedule, and any additional roles or committees assumed. The estimated average time is 2-10 hours per month. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Proven ability to create and implement operational plans that drive community growth while keeping activities aligned with NAI’s national mission and bylaws.
• Team Management & Development: Experience in managing and mentoring volunteers, committee chairs, and officers to build a cohesive and efficient leadership team.
• Fiscal Oversight: Ability to manage community expenditures, work within a budget, and interpret financial reports in coordination with the Treasurer.
• Effective Advocacy & Representation: Strong interpersonal skills to represent regional interests at the National Advisory Council level and communicate national policies back to local members.
• Organizational Accountability: A track record of meeting administrative deadlines (such as core service reports and budget filings) and ensuring compliance with organizational manuals.
• Collaborative Outreach Strategy: Experience in developing outreach and member-retention strategies, including overseeing media plans and merchandise initiatives.
• Integrity & Professionalism: A high standard of personal credibility and a deep commitment to the professional development and networking of the interpretive community.

SECRETARY

Administrative Logistics and Documentation

• Prepare and distribute agendas before each board meeting.
• Accurately record and transcribe meeting minutes and distribute minutes to all board members and other relevant parties promptly after each meeting 
• Maintain and update a shared board calendar with all scheduled meetings, events, and deadlines. Communicate calendar updates to all board members through email or other appropriate channels.
• Maintain archives in the Community Google Drive
• Assist with membership retention efforts. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Director

Act as Branding and Media Chair/Co-Chair

• Help develop and implement a Community Media Plan
• Manage, update, and monitor social media accounts
• Collaborate with the webmaster to ensure the website is up-to-date and accurate. Assist with website design and navigation as needed. Provide content updates for the website.
• Plan and coordinate the production of newsletters.

Participate in monthly as well as additional meetings (as needed) with the Community Leadership Team (Board and Committees).

• Attend and assist with the Annual Community meeting(s) (i.e. all-member State of the Region meeting)

Workshop Team (In coordination with Deputy Director)

• Support and participate in Training Workshop event(s) as requested

Time Obligations: Varies depending on the time of year, event schedule, and any additional roles or committees assumed. Estimated average time is 2-10 hours per month. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong Organizational & Time-Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks, maintain schedules, and meet strict deadlines for meeting minutes and agendas.
• Proficiency in Digital Collaboration Tools: Experienced in using Google Workspace (specifically shared Drives and Calendars) and Microsoft Office to maintain organized, accessible regional archives.
• Excellent Written Communication: Ability to accurately transcribe complex discussions into concise meeting minutes and draft engaging content for newsletters and member outreach.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing Experience: Familiarity with managing professional social media accounts and implementing media plans to increase community engagement.
• Web & Content Management Skills: Basic understanding of website maintenance and design (or a willingness to learn) to collaborate with the webmaster and keep the regional site current.
• Collaborative Mindset: A proven ability to work effectively within a leadership team and support cross-functional efforts like training workshops and annual meetings.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in documentation and branding to ensure all regional communications align with NAI standards.

Background

NAI is a member-directed organization. Except for paid staff at the business office in Fort Collins, CO (currently about 10 people), all leadership positions are held by NAI members who volunteer to serve. There is a national Board of Directors, an Advisory Council, several national committees, and a variety of chapters, known as Communities.

Communities may be geographical (called Regions), or special interest (called Sections). Communities may also be further divided into sub-groups (such as student chapters). Regions and Sections are led by officers who are nominated and elected by their Community members.

For more details about the NAI election process, please see the NAI Elections page and the NAI Communities Manual