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Governance & Leadership

AHLA has a wonderful tradition of members sharing their expertise and insight with each other. Members who give to each other through speaking, writing and other service to the organization are recognized and often asked to participate in one of the many leadership positions available. At last count, there are about 350 members who hold leadership positions in the Association and hundreds of others who serve AHLA in a variety of ways. All contribute to advancing our educational mission. 

AHLA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 23 board members. The Board of Directors typically meets twice a year in person and several times virtually. Board members serve on the following Committees:

  • Education
  • Finance
  • Membership-Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
  • Nominating
  • Practice Groups and Special Councils

An Executive Committee composed of 8 members meets 4-6 times a year in person and by phone.

Current AHLA Board of Directors

Please see a listing of our Board of Directors here.

Volunteer and Start Your Path to Leadership

Get involved in AHLA Leadership! Open positions are posted throughout the year on our Volunteer Town Square: 

  • Call for leaders for our Board, Nominating, and other Committees and Councils are usually posted beginning in November of each year, continuing into the spring.
  • Practice Groups offer numerous opportunities, such as writing for newsletters, member briefings, or speaking opportunities for Distance Learning events.
  • Submit a proposal to speak at one of our in-person programs.
  • Write a brief piece about a hot topic for the Health Law Weekly Weekly, Health Law Connections, or submit a proposal for a lengthy piece in the Journal of Health and Life Sciences Law.

Nominating and Application Process for Leaders

In carrying out the nomination and application process, AHLA vigorously applies the non­discrimination principle embodied in the Association’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Statement.

President-Elect Designate

AHLA administers a yearly call for nominations from current and past board members. These Directors can self-nominate or nominate a colleague who is willing to serve. The Nominating Committee recommends an individual to the Board of Directors to serve as the President-Elect Designate of the Association based on surveys to both the Board of Directors and staff of nominated Directors and a general review of the candidates’ applications which is evaluated based on various criteria such as, but not limited to, individuals who can demonstrate:

  • The ability to motivate teams to achieve goals
  • Innovative and creative thinking
  • Vision for the Association and poise to speak on that vision to the public
  • Consensus building, both with peers and staff
  • Professional acumen based on their role within the health law profession
  • Financial acumen
  • Governance knowledge and experience
  • Flexible leadership

Board of Directors

AHLA administers a yearly call for leaders to include new Directors. Members can self-nominate or nominate a colleague who is willing to serve. The Nominating Committee recommends Directors based on surveys to both the Board of Directors and staff of nominated members and a general review of the candidates’ application which is evaluated on various criteria such as, but not limited to, individuals who can demonstrate:

  • High integrity who are supportive of AHLA’s mission
  • Consistently high level of service to AHLA (example, governance support, networking support, Practice Group leadership, program planning, speaking, writing, etc.)
  • Recognized achievements in the field of health law
  • Diversity that compliments the current Board of Directors

Board of Directors Eligible for a Second Term

The Nominating Committee recommends Directors for a second term based on the Board of Directors self-evaluation of the board as a whole and individual assessments.

At-Large Nominating Committee Member

AHLA administers a yearly call for leaders to include an At-Large Member drawn from the membership. Members can self-nominate or nominate a colleague who is willing to serve. The Nominating Committee recommends the At-large Member based on a general review of the candidates’ involvement in the Association which is evaluated on various criteria such as, but not limited to, individuals who can demonstrate:

  • High integrity who are supportive of AHLA’s mission
  • Consistently high level of service to AHLA (example, governance support, networking support, Practice Group leadership, program planning, speaking, writing, etc.)
  • Diversity that compliments the Association’s membership

Fellows Nominating Process

AHLA members can self-nominate and/or recommend a colleague for consideration for the Fellows honor.  To learn more, visit AHLA's Awards & Recognitions page.

Practice Group, Program Planning Committee, and Council Leaders

AHLA administers a yearly call for leaders to include new Practice Group, Program Planning Committee and Council Leaders. Members can self-nominate or nominate a colleague who is willing to serve. The President-Elect reviews each candidates’ application which is evaluated on various criteria such as, but not limited to, individuals who can demonstrate:

  • The ability to motivate teams to achieve goals
  • Consistently high level of service to AHLA (example, speaking, writing, etc.)
  • Recognized achievements in the corresponding area of health law and/or general expertise in the area of which they applied
  • Commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Diversity that compliments the current Practice Group, Program Planning Committee, and/or Council leadership at large