Process for First Vice President Candidacy

In light of the tragic news of Mark Spross’s passing, APCO has made some contingencies for the upcoming 2024-25 Executive Committee election.

In accordance with Bylaws provision 8.5, APCO is required to conduct an election for the incoming first vice president and second vice president. Regarding the former, the unfortunate and untimely death of Mark means “there are no eligible candidates” for incoming first vice president. Pursuant to Bylaws provision 9.5(b), such a vacancy (after April 1) should be filled at “the next regular election of officers.” On that basis, PM 6.4, section 7, describes the pathway; “it becomes necessary to accept nominations from the floor at the Annual Conference.”

As a result, APCO President Becky Neugent has announced that APCO will accept candidates for first vice president during the First General Business Session at the conference when we entertain “nominations from the floor.” Candidates must be present in person at both General Business meetings (1 & 2) held in Orlando, Florida, on August 4 (nominations) and August 6 (voting).

Officer Qualifications and Candidate Submission Guidelines

If you are interested in declaring your candidacy for incoming first vice president, please familiarize yourself with the Bylaws, Policy Manual (PM), Board Handbook, and Conflict of Interest provisions:

  • For eligibility criteria and candidacy procedures, refer to Bylaws Article VIII and PM 6.4.
  • For an overview of roles and responsibilities, refer to the Board Handbook, PM 2.14 (Conflict of Interest), and PM 4.2 (Member Conduct).

Please review and/or complete the following forms:

  • Appendix I:  Desirable attributes (informational only)
  • Appendix II:  Time commitment (informational only)
  • Appendix III:  Declaration of first vice president candidacy
  • Appendix IV:  Employer’s concurrence of first vice president candidacy
  • Appendix V:  Knowledge, skills and abilities point sheet
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship

Candidates will not officially qualify for the ballot until certified as eligible by the Credentials Committee after being nominated on the floor of the First General Business session.

To best ensure an orderly certification process, the Credentials Committee has established the following deadlines:

  • Document submissions are due by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, August 5, to [email protected]; notarization is not required.
  • Credentials will review nominations for eligibility, and notify candidates of their status, no later than 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 6.

Nominations and Election Process

NEW: Please view and download this helpful guidance from the Credentials Committee Chair and Vice-Chair, which summarizes the process and relevant deadlines.

Be prepared during the First General Business session to:

  • Self-nominate or ask a colleague to nominate you from the floor;
  • Deliver remarks of up to six minutes in length; and
  • Meet with Credentials Committee representatives immediately afterward.

Voting by paper ballot of all certified candidates will occur from among voting-eligible attendees of the Second General Business session. Depending on the number of candidates coming forward, there could be a run-off of the top two contenders as the winner must receive at least a simple majority of the votes cast (50% + 1 vote).

Each candidate is allowed to have one representative to be physically present to witness the tabulation of the voting results. Please share that individual’s name and contact information when you meet with the Credentials Committee on August 4.

You are welcome to email [email protected] with any questions.