As a result of the recent Governance Study, the AAHPM Board of Directors has approved proposed amendments to the Academy’s bylaws for consideration by the membership. These changes reflect the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity, leadership continuity, and strategic representation in its leadership development processes.
Member Vote on Proposed Amendments
To enact these changes, a vote of membership will be held at the 2025 Annual Assembly, in Denver, Colorado during AAHPM’s Annual Membership Business Meeting at noon MT on Friday, February 7, 2025. Voting members are strongly encouraged to attend and help shape the future of the Academy.
Changes to Leadership Development Committee Structure
The proposed amendments include updates to the composition of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC). The Leadership Development Committee (LDC) plays a critical role in shaping the future of AAHPM’s Board. The Governance Committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and the uncontested election model after a full cycle, focusing on Board functionality, diversity and inclusion, and member engagement to ensure alignment with Academy goals.
The LDC’s primary responsibilities include:
- Facilitating the nomination and election process – The LDC will oversee all aspects of the nomination process, from candidate identification to final slating.
- Developing leadership competencies and representation criteria – The committee will ensure candidates reflect the Academy’s strategic priorities and address any representation gaps identified in each election cycle.
- Engaging and mentoring potential leaders – Candidates not selected will receive feedback and be offered developmental opportunities, strengthening AAHPM’s leadership pipeline.
Current LDC Structure
- Chair: Immediate Past President
- Members:
- President
- Immediate Past President
- One (1) Board Member (non-officer) appointed by the President
- Two (2) Regular or Emeritus Members who have not served on the Board of Directors
- One (1) Interprofessional Member who has not served on the Board of Directors
Proposed New LDC Structure
- Chair: Immediate Past President (1-year term)
- Members:
- President (1-year term)
- One (1) Board Member (non-officer) appointed by the President (1-year term)
- One (1) Regular or Emeritus Member (2-year term) who have not served on the Board of Directors
- Two (2) Interprofessional Members (2-year terms)
- Past Chair from Hospice Medicine Council (2-year term)
- Past Chair from Academic Palliative Medicine Council (2-year term)
- Past Chair from Pediatric Council (2-year term)
- One (1) New Academy Member (2-year term; must have 2–5 years of continuous membership)
- Past Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (2-year term)
Transition to a Skills-Based, Uncontested Election Process
This proposal also includes a transition from a contested election process to a more intentional and skills-based selection process, resulting in uncontested elections.
Volunteer leaders are often reluctant to participate in publicly contested elections where they must compete with peers for a limited number of seats on the Board. This dynamic can lead to unintended consequences, including discouragement or disengagement from the organization. Additionally, low voter participation highlights the need for a process that focuses on selecting candidates with the skills and expertise to advance the Academy’s strategic priorities.
The Governance Committee recommends implementing the LDC’s new role and this revised election process to:
- Promote greater inclusion and diversity by ensuring broader representation of interdisciplinary leaders in hospice and palliative care.
- Enhance leadership continuity by emphasizing strategic competencies and intentional selection.
- Reflect the Academy’s mission and strategic goals in all nominations.
By transitioning to a competency-based process, the Academy aims to reduce potential barriers for leaders, foster engagement, and ensure that all nominees are evaluated based on skills and strategic alignment rather than competition.
Ensuring Transparency in Governance
While the Governance Committee was engaged in its work, AAHPM received member and leadership feedback requesting greater clarity and accessibility in governance practices. AAHPM examined opportunities to ensure transparency and accountability within AAHPM’s governance. These efforts aim to strengthen member trust, foster inclusiveness, and align with governance best practices.
- Board Meeting Minutes: Summaries of actions taken will be shared in leadership updates, posted on the Academy website, and included in the AAHPM Quarterly.
- Annual Financial Audit: A summary of the independent auditor’s report will be presented at the annual business meeting, following its review and approval by the Board.
Committee Reports: Updates and summaries of committee activities will be shared on the website. Committees will continue to provide detailed reports and recommendations to the Board before any resources are allocated or actions taken on behalf of the Academy.
Review the Proposed Changes
Take a moment to review the proposed amendments to the bylaws. These updates adjust the composition of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) to enhance diverse representation and ensure balanced terms for continuity. The changes also reflect the transition from a contested election model to an uncontested slate, streamline the candidate evaluation process, and officially establish the Leadership Development Committee (LDC), formally, the Nominating Committee. Additionally, these bylaw changes aim to enhance transparency while maintaining confidentiality.
Provide Us with Feedback
We value your input! Please take a brief survey to share your thoughts on the proposed changes. Submit your feedback by January 17, and we will ensure any questions are addressed in advance and during the business meeting.
Review the Governance Report
For more context on the evolution of these bylaw changes, review the Governance Report, which provides additional details and background information.
Member Engagement in Governance
It is also beneficial to note that the Academy’s governance structure directly aligns with the five strategic goals confirmed in 2024 as priorities for the next 3-5 years. AAHPM’s board of directors is comprised of a 6-member executive committee (officers) and 14 directors at large. Nominations for the board of directors and nominating committee are accepted each spring, and elections for open positions occur each Fall. Strategic Coordinating Committees (SCCs) provide the oversight required to advance the goals associated with the Academy’s strategic plan. SCCs coordinate the charges, projects, and timelines of numerous subordinate committees and facilitate communication across strategic areas and between the committees and the board of directors.
AAHPM has 18 committees and advisory groups which includes more than 100 members. In addition, the Academy has three councils (Academic Palliative Medicine Council, Hospice Medicine Council, and the Pediatrics Council) where key constituents and subject matter experts engage and provide input on various issues and initiatives.
Finally, AAHPM members have opportunities to engage in more than 20 communities. While not a formal part of the governance structure, these groups are another place where members engage and influence content and initiatives within the Academy. Each of these entities are supported by AAHPM’s professional staff who work collaboratively with volunteer leaders to ensure engagement, transparency, and successful implementation of the Academy’s strategy and priorities throughout the year.