Board and Delegate Elections

OAPA relies on the dedication and energy of its members to lead the organization through service on the Board of Directors and as AAPA Delegates. Specific responsibilities and criteria for board leadership are outlined in OAPA governing documents and should be reviewed thoroughly by potential candidates.

View the OAPA Elections Manual

2026 TIMELINE

POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED IN 2026

President-Elect
Elected for a 3-year term (President-Elect, then President, then Immediate Past President), July 1, 2026-June 30, 2029

Secretary-Treasurer
Elected for a 2-year term, July 1, 2026-June 30, 2028

Regional Directors for Regions 3, 4, and 5
Elected for a 2-year term, July 1, 2026-June 30, 2028

Student Representative
Elected for a 1-year term, July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027

Delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates (number TBA)
Elected for a 3-year term, July 1, 2026-June 30, 2029. The candidates must be willing to attend the AAPA House of Delegate sessions at AAPA conferences in 2027, 2028, and 2029.

CANDIDATE ELIGIBILTY

The OAPA Elections Manual, Section IV.C., describes the eligibility for ALL Board and AAPA Delegate candidates, except the Student Representative:

1. A candidate must be a fellow member of OAPA and AAPA and membership is verified by the Executive Director (ED). This membership must be maintained throughout their term, if elected.
2. New graduate members shall be considered eligible Board candidates provided they are an AAPA fellow member when declaring candidacy and maintain OAPA fellow membership status when their new graduate membership expires as outlined in OAPA Bylaws (Article III, Section 10).
3. A candidate must have an initial membership join date of August 1 of the prior year, or earlier.
4. The ideal candidate will have current or prior leadership experience within their workplace, during their PA studies, or in organizations such as OAPA, AAPA, or related PA organizations.

The OAPA Policy Manual, Section 3.0, describes this additional eligibility requirement for AAPA Delegate candidates:

• The candidate must be willing to attend all HOD sessions at the AAPA Annual Conference.

The OAPA Bylaws Article VI, Section 4, and the OAPA Elections Manual, Section VI.C., describe the eligiblity for Student Representative candidates:

• The Student Representative shall be a student member in good standing with OAPA and AAPA for the duration of their term.
• The Student Representative shall be a student in good standing with their PA program.
• The Student Representative’s OAPA membership shall have commenced on or before March 1 of the year in which they take office on July 1.
• The Student Representative’s OAPA student membership shall expire no earlier than the June 30 date on which their board term ends.
• While serving as Student Representative, the student may not also serve as their PA program’s State Chapter Student Representative (SCSR). A limited overlap in tenure between the SCSR and OAPA Student Representative roles may occur to allow a transition period for filling the SCSR position.

2026 CANDIDATE INTEREST & ELIGIBILITY FORM

Individuals who would like to be considered for an elected position will need to complete a Candidate Interest & Eligibility Form.

The following information will be requested:

• Name
• Email
• AAPA Member #
• Up to 3 personal social media links (optional)
• Position(s) sought (Per policy, "a candidate may declare for only one Board office, but shall be permitted to declare for an AAPA Delegate position concurrently.")
• Professional biography (200 words or less)
• Questions (each 200 words or less)
  • What aspect of OAPA's mission most resonates with you?
  • Why are you interested in serving in this specific leadership position?
  • What work or volunteer experience(s) do you have that will be helpful to OAPA service?
• Attest to having read the OAPA Bylaws, Policy Manual, Job Descriptions, Elections Manual, and Conflict of Interest Policy
• CV/resume
• Headshot photo (optional)
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

***Candidate Interest & Eligibility Form Available Here Soon!***

Thank you for your interest in the OAPA elections process. Please contact oapa@ohiopa.com with any questions.