2027 UPCOMING BOARD NOMINATIONS
Deadline September 30, 2026, 11:59PM (Eastern)

CLICK TO NOMINATE TODAY

2027 Board Nominations

2027 UPCOMING BOARD NOMINATIONS
POSITION OPENINGS AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Deadline September 30, 2026, 11:59PM (Eastern)

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) is now accepting nominations for several positions on its Board of Directors. Three positions are Presidential appointments that must be ratified by a ⅔ majority vote of the Board of Directors. Two other positions, Director at Large and Student Director at Large, will be elected by the membership at large from a slate of candidates.

Nominees for these roles will be considered by the Governance Committee, chaired by President Steve Hilton, with co-chair support from NCECA member and future President-Elect JoAnn Schnabel. 

NCECA seeks individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of the organization and the field. The Board is responsible for all financial and policy matters related to NCECA, as well as promoting excellence in teaching and learning, community building, creative practice, scholarship, curation, and criticism. NCECA’s Board also represents and advocates for the membership regarding current issues affecting the ceramic arts and education.

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is committed to fostering a diverse leadership team to guide the organization in accordance with its strategic planning, mission, and bylaws. 

Presidential Appointment Roles

Each of the following three roles will serve a three-year term, renewable for a second three-year term.  

  1. Programs Director: A new individual will be appointed to begin a mentorship term under outgoing Programs Director PJ Anderson as soon as autumn 2026. The newly appointed mentee will begin serving as a voting member of the Board of Directors on the closing day of the March 2027 conference in Baltimore. PJ Anderson will remain in the mentoring role through the review and selection of programming proposals in June 2027.

  2. Governance, Advocacy and Policy Director: Term to begin on the closing day of the 2027 conference.

  3. Collaboration and Engagement Director: Term to begin on the closing day of the 2027 conference.

Member Elected Positions

Two distinct positions will open in Spring 2027. The terms for these two positions are not renewable.

  1. Director at Large: Three-year term (2027–2030) 

  2. Student Director at Large: Two-year term (2027–2029)


These positions will be elected by an online membership ballot that will open approximately 5 weeks prior to the March 2027 conference in Baltimore, Maryland, and close at 4:00 PM on  Friday, March 12, 2027 (the second-to last day of the conference).

Nominations and/or Self-nominations Requirements:

  • Nominee name, affiliation, and e-mail address

  • Nominator name, affiliation, and e-mail address (if different from nominee)

  • Nominee résumé/CV

  • Nominee statement of interest (250 words maximum)

  • Nominees must be members of NCECA

Nominees for Student Director at Large must be enrolled in a degree-granting higher education program for at least one semester during their two-year term.

NCECA invites its membership to review the process and roles and responsibilities below.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a candidate for one of these positions, please submit a nomination form by September 30, 2026, 11:59PM (Eastern).

For questions about the Board Positions, please contact: nominations@nceca.net

CLICK TO NOMINATE TODAY

  • ALL NCECA Board Members must be at least 21 years of age, participate in ALL board meetings during the term of service, including traveling* in-person when safe to do so, and be prepared to:

    • Promote and advance the NCECA’spurpose, mission, vision, and values.

    • Act ethically and objectively following guidelines for confidentiality and conflicts of interest. 

    • Serve the membership and field at large by maintaining an open and critical perspective on matters that come before the council.

    • Develop concepts and provide support for programming, opportunities, and services.

    • Be familiar with NCECA’s Bylaws to understand specific language, policies and procedures.

    • Determine and develop NCECA policies within the limits of the Bylaws.

    • Develop and make progress on strategic goals.

    • Identify potential nominees for service on the Board. 

    • Exercise fiduciary responsibility for NCECA’s assets, including funds, property, and historical records.

    • Make an annual personal monetary gift to NCECA.

    • Represent and speak on behalf of the Board when asked by officers or authorized person(s). 

    • Encourage submission of programming concepts and collaborate with other board members to develop conferences that are relevant to the evolving needs and interests of the field.

    • Bring a sense of humor and camaraderie to board meetings and council functions. 


    *NCECA’s policy is to limit reimbursement for travel to coach airfare or equivalent.

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serves a three-year term

    Specific Duties:

    • Serves as a representative of the membership at large and advocates for NCECA.

    • Serves on and chairs committees and oversees special projects for NCECA as designated by the President or the Board.

    • May support and/or initiate special projects subject to the interests and skills of the individual with Board approval.

    • Encourages conference program proposals and actively reviews submissions.

    • Provides input on and is involved in direct implementation of NCECA’s annual conference focusing on Gallery Expo, participating in programming proposal review and selection, and other special projects as assigned.

    • Provides information for NCECA publications as needed.


    Desired Qualifications:

    • Passion for the field of ceramics and NCECA.  

    • Previous participation in some aspects of NCECA programming.  

    • Ability to share and build upon creative ideas for NCECA programming.  

    • Ability to understand budgetary requirements of ongoing programs and initiatives, and manage and think critically about programming priorities.

    • Ability and desire to foster access, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in all duties of the role.

  • Serves a two-year term

    Serves on committees and oversees special projects as designated by the President or the Board.

    Eligibility (in addition to previously listed in ALL BOARD MEMBERS ELIGIBILITY, ROLES, and RESPONSIBILITIES)
    Must be at least 21 years of age and enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited US-based institution for at least one complete year of the elected term.

    Specific Duties:

    • Serve NCECA’s membership by advocating for student concerns. 

    • Promote calls for conference, year-round student programming and student feedback programming.

    • Provide support and guidance for the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition (NJSE) in concert with the Exhibitions Director, to include the following: identifies qualified jurors, solicits donations of awards, represents NCECA, presents awards at the NJSE reception, and provides support to the venue as needed.

    • Coordinate student initiatives and programming by reviewing proposals, presenter, and feedback mentor qualifications.

    • Serve as SDAL representative on either the Governance Committee, Awards Committee, or Fellowships Committee, as assigned by the President.

    Desired Qualifications:

    • Energetic commitment to NCECA and the field of ceramics.  

    • Possess time-management and organizational skills necessary to successfully address duties to NCECA as well as personal responsibilities.  

    • Demonstrate ability and desire to communicate via electronic and social media methods to engage student audiences.  

    • Ability to contribute and build on creative and critical ideas about how to meaningfully serve and involve NCECA’s student membership.

    • Ability and desire to foster access, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in all duties of the role.

  • Serves a three-year term (may be reconfirmed to one additional term through a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors) 

    • Works closely with the Board in communicating the tone and topics of the conference including appropriate speakers, panels, demonstrations and daily program schedule.

    • Works with the Programming Team to craft rubrics for all Programming calls.

    • Solicits program proposals from the membership.

    • Receives and organizes proposals for review before and at the Spring Board meeting.

    • Notifies all submitters of program proposals of Board action, aided by the Programs, Fellowships, and Awards Manager in a timely fashion.

    • Coordinates contractual and other arrangements with the Conference Manager in accordance with the Board's approval.

    • Monitors the events at the conference as much as possible and works with the Conference Manager, AV team, On-site co-liaisons, volunteers and staff to anticipate and address problems as they arise.

    • Coordinates programming and provides continuity from conference to conference.

    • Helps to provide opportunities for members to participate in the Conference and works closely with the President, On-Site Co-Liaisons, Programs, Fellowships and Awards Manager and the Conference Manager.

    • Contributes pertinent content for NCECA communications platforms, including print, website, social media, and eNews

    • Solicits articles from presenters about their presentations.

  • Serves a three-year term (may be reconfirmed to one additional term through 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors) 


    The Collaboration and Engagement Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining diverse, equitable, and enduring partnerships. The goal of these partnerships is twofold:

    1. To support and promote accessible ceramic arts education.

    2. To create a broad and inclusive NCECA membership.

    The Collaboration and Engagement Director will chair the Collaboration and Engagement Committee.


    Collaboration and Engagement Director Responsibilities:

    • Identify organizations serving typically underserved communities to partner with and highlight.

    • Organize the Multicultural Fellows gathering at the Annual Conference.

    • Work with the Collaboration and Engagement Committee on mentoring for Multicultural fellows at the conference and beyond.

    • Work to increase opportunities for community building and mentorship at the Annual Conference.

    • Work with the NCECA Board to prioritize Belonging at all levels of the organization.

  • Serves a three-year term (may be reconfirmed to one additional term through 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors) 

    The Governance, Advocacy, and Policy Director shall oversee and hold the board accountable to ensure that all actions advance accessibility, inclusion, equity and diversity. The focus of this position includes reviewing systemic and structural hindrances to NCECA involvement, service, and participation. The Governance, Advocacy, and Policy Director shall assist the board with all matters of governance, including rules and norms, how actions are structured and regulated, and how the board is held accountable. 


    The Governance, Advocacy, and Policy Director Responsibilities:

    • Ensures that the board is transparent in its actions and that the perspectives of all members are taken into consideration, especially those who have been historically underrepresented. 

    • Guides the Board to reflect on NCECA’s history, the history of ceramics and ceramics education in order to propel the organization forward. 

    • Serves on the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee.

    • Serves on working groups and task forces charged with developing amendments to NCECA’s Bylaws

NOMINATION PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY:

  • NCECA’s Nominations Committee will assess candidate submissions and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Reviewed candidates will be presented and discussed during a future meeting of NCECA's Board of Directors.

    Membership-Elected Board Members:

    • NCECA’s bylaws require that the board ratify and present at least two nominees for Director at Large to stand for election by the membership in accordance.

    • Candidates for Student Director at Large will not be subject to board ratification prior to standing for election by the membership, but will be reviewed by the nominations committee to ensure candidates meet the qualifications for the board position.

    • Videos, Bios, and Headshots: Membership-Elected Board Candidates will be required to provide a brief candidate video that will be hosted on the Watch NCECA YouTube channel and made accessible on the organization’s website. These video messages will enable members to consider candidates’ visions and qualifications for elected service. Brief bios and headshots of the candidates will also be required and posted.

    • Open Board Meeting Attendance: Newly elected board members are strongly encouraged to be prepared to attend and participate in the open board meeting immediately following the close of the 2027 conference (Saturday afternoon), which is focused on listening and communication with members rather than board actions.

    • 2027 Baltimore Conference Attendance: All candidates who wish to be included in the e-ballot and considered for election must participate in the 2027 Annual conference. Candidates will be responsible for their own conference registration and any in-person travel expenses related to participation in the conference, during which the results of the ballot will be determined.

  • NCECA members are eligible to vote on Director at Large and Student Director at Large through an e-ballot process that will begin approximately 5 weeks prior to the March 2027 conference and remain open until 4:00pm (Eastern) on Friday, March 12, 2027.

    The results of the election will be announced during the closing ceremonies on the final day of the Annual Conference.

  • Any member of NCECA may submit an application for open board positions. Interested candidates must become a member or renew membership before submitting an application.

    Nominations for Board Positions must include the following and be submitted via the online Google Form:

    • Nominee name and contact information

    • Nominee brief bio

    • Answer all questions on the Google Form. Prepare answers to the following questions:

      o What unique experience and perspective will you bring to the board and your role during your term?

      o How do you align yourself with NCECA’s mission, vision, and values?

      o What changes do you want to contribute to NCECA’s future?

      o What values and vision do you hope to bring to your service to NCECA and the field?

    • Nominee Resume (2-page limit, upload as pdf not to exceed 2MB)

    • Names and contact information for two current NCECA members who endorse the candidacy of this nominee. (Name, email, and relation to applicant and number of years known)

    • Nominator name and contact information – if peer-nominated.

NOMINATE NOW

  • NCECA will conduct the 2027 board elections by e-ballot! Individual members with active memberships prior to March 2027 will be invited to cast votes via e-ballot. The primary contact for Corporate, Institutional, and Gallery memberships will be the individual who is eligible to vote on behalf of their entity.

    Those who purchase membership renewals at a later date but before the election’s conclusion and/or those who purchase a new membership onsite in Baltimore, Maryland, will receive an email invitation to vote via e-ballot. During the conference, eligible members may use computers or tablets provided in the registration area of the Baltimore Convention Center to cast their votes until 4:00PM (Eastern) Friday, March 12, 2027.

For questions about the Board Positions, please contact: nominations@nceca.net

Interested in shaping NCECA’s future? Please complete this form to express your interest in board service. We encourage you to read the full Board Position Descriptions before submitting your form.

NCECA Board of Directors General Interest Form