Criteria, Commitment & Nomination Process Information for Candidates for the Board of Directors of the
Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association
The DCAT organization is currently seeking candidates from member companies to serve on its Board of Directors as a member-at-large. If you know a colleague from your member company or another member company who would make an exceptional member of the board, or if you are interested in serving yourself, please review the following information. You, or a colleague, should submit the
Application and Consent Form to the association’s office by
Friday, May 24, 2013, 5pm ET. Applications received after that time may not have the advantage of the full vetting process by the committee.
In order to help you better understand the process and more actively participate in it, the Nominating Committee has compiled the following frequently asked questions for your review.
What openings are the Nominating Committee currently looking to fill?
Six (6) three-year term Member-at-Large, Board of Directors positions for fiscal year 2014, which begin on November 1, 2013 and end on October 31, 2016. The Board has 18 Member-at-Large seats and fills six each year. Once selected by the Nominating Committee, the proposed slate of nominees is sent to the designated contact at each member company for their approval. (Currently there are 350 member companies.)
What type of candidates is the Nominating Committee looking for to fill these positions?
The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates that will be representative of the various sectors of the pharmaceutical and related industries, as well as the diverse roles and functions within those companies.
What criteria will the Nominating Committee use to evaluate candidates and select the nominees for board positions?
• Candidates must be full-time employees of a DCAT member company.
• The candidate’s current role within the company, prior roles in previous companies,
knowledge of the industry, and other relevant credentials.
• Ability to provide strategic insight regarding industry and organizational matters.
• Past association experience, past or current involvement with the DCAT organization,
such as work on committees, speaking and attendance at DCAT events and support.
• Personal characteristics such as leadership and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to support the organization through participation, sponsorship
and ongoing involvement with association programs, events and projects.
• The length of time their company has maintained membership in the DCAT organization.
What is expected of board members?
Board members must…
• adhere to and sign
DCAT’s Code of Ethics for Volunteer Leaders.
• have the full support of their company for organizational activities.
• support the organization and its activities by having their companies sponsor and
participate in programs and events.
• be willing to promote the DCAT organization at all times.
• join and/or assist with committees and task forces.
• assist with recruitment and retention of members.
• attend the two board meetings held in conjunction with the Sourcing Summit and
DCAT Week.
• participate in at least two other meetings by conference call throughout each fiscal year.
• oversee the business of the association, primarily governance and financial stewardship.
• review and determine bylaw changes or important association policies.
• act as ambassadors for the association in their interactions with other organizations,
new and current DCAT members, program speakers, etc.
What time commitment must a board member make to the organization?
The time commitment is not an onerous one, but board members must set aside the time to attend meetings and participate in calls, assist in new member or retention activities, work with committees and task forces or any other activities that are requested by the president or officers.
What do board members get in return for their service?
Board members and other volunteers have always attested to the many significant professional and personal benefits accrued during their service. These benefits include the opportunity to meet, work and learn from industry leaders, to share their own knowledge, expertise and insight with others, to gain professional recognition and to establish relationships with new colleagues and friends.
However, board members receive no financial compensation nor are they reimbursed for time spent on projects, meetings or travel, unless it is expressly stated or approved by the Finance Officer of the organization. Board members are expected to pay for any programs or events they attend, as would any other member company representative.
What will happen if a board member is unable to meet their obligation as a
board member?
If a board member leaves their company and becomes employed at a new company that is not a DCAT member, their tenure is automatically completed. If a board member leaves their company and goes to another DCAT member company, they can generally retain their seat on the board. However, the decision is based on whether the new role at this company falls within a similar scope and practice as the one held when the individual was originally selected as a board member. The President of the organization retains the right to determine whether or not an individual may continue serving on the Board of Directors.
If for any reason, the president feels that a board member is not meeting the obligations of their position, the President retains the right to ask the board member to resign their position.
What will be the process of the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee will begin speaking with and reviewing applications in April of 2013.
The committee will actively encourage industry representatives that they feel may be good candidates to submit an
Application and Consent Form to the committee. The committee will meet monthly to discuss perspective candidates and review applications, and when necessary, will reach out to candidates or to the individuals recommending the candidates to get more information.
When will the Nominating Committee decision be announced?
The final meeting of the Nominating Committee will be in July 2013. However, the committee’s policy allows for additional meetings, if necessary, beyond that time. As a courtesy, each candidate will receive notification of the committee’s decision within five to seven business days after the completion of the final meeting.
What if you apply and are not nominated?
The Nominating Committee will receive many applications for the six Member-at-Large, Board of Directors positions. Unfortunately, not every applicant can be nominated. If you are not nominated, you can submit your application the following year as there is no limit on the number of times you can apply.
Please keep in mind that you need to submit a new
Application and Consent Form each year. The Nominating Committee does not review applications from prior years, as they may not accurately reflect your current situation, availability or willingness to serve on the Board of Directors.
How do I submit a candidate for consideration?
If you want to be considered, or know a person you feel should be considered, please download and complete the
Application and Consent Form and return it to DCAT at One Washington Blvd., Suite 7, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 or by fax to 609-448-1944. If returning by email, please scan the form and any attachments and send to
mtimony@dcat.org.
Please be sure to send any or all attachments at the same time you send the
Application and Consent Form.
Since all candidates are recognized as industry professionals and are assumed qualified, campaigning of any sort, including excessive letters and emails directed to the DCAT membership, committee members or staff is prohibited.
Application and Consent Forms should be submitted by
Friday, May 24, 2013, 5pm ET. Applications received after that time may not have the advantage of the full vetting process by the committee.
If you have more questions, call DCAT Executive Director Margaret Timony at 609-448-1000 or
mtimony@dcat.org.