Board of Trustees Application

MAOPS Policy G.1: Board Member Expectations

The MAOPS Board of Trustees (the Board) is an elected body made up of representatives from MAOPS membership and the MAOPS officers. The Board is authorized to conduct the business of the association under adopted Bylaws and policies. The Board meets three or four times annually, with the President having the authority to call additional meetings as needed. 

MAOPS Trustees are elected by the general membership. Annually, open positions are announced to membership at-large. Any professional member of MAOPS may apply for a Trustee position if they meet requirements set forth in policy. Elections for open positions will occur annually at the annual membership meeting. The Board of Trustees also contains three students (with one collective vote) and one postgraduate Trustee elected by the Board. 

MAOPS Board Members are expected to:

  • Attend and fully participate in all Board meetings.
  • Attend the Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention.
  • Actively serve on at least one MAOPS Committee.
  • Understand and abide by MAOPS bylaws, mission, and vision, and focus on the strategic plan.
  • Be fiscally responsible and know and understand the financial statements, audit, and 990.
  • Support major Association events and revenue generating activities of MAOPS such as attendance at the annual meeting, participation in fundraisers, exhibitor and sponsorship solicitations, and membership recruitment.
  • Put self-interest aside for the best interest of MAOPS.
  • Communicate electronically and respond promptly to staff and leader communications.
  • Prepare ahead of time for all Board meetings.
  • Think for the future of MAOPS and be willing to change for the better.
  • Promote the organization’s image by supporting the decisions of the Board even if not in agreement. (Question in private with the Board; support in public!)
  • Be respectful of all staff, volunteers, and members.
  • Accept the non-governance responsibilities that come with Board service including social and other functions sponsored by MAOPS when your schedule allows. All efforts should be made to fully participate in such functions.
  • Help to identify and cultivate new leaders on the Board and committee.

All Trustees of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons must agree to the expectations set forth for members of the Board. Trustees unable to abide by the expectations may be asked to resign their position from the Board. Trustees unable to attend a Board meeting are expected to contact administrative staff in advance of the scheduled meeting. Unexcused absences from Board meetings will result in a contact from the administrative staff notifying the Trustee of the unexcused absence. Multiple unexcused absences from Board meetings during a Trustee’s term could result in dismissal from the Board. The minutes of the meetings of the Board of Trustees will reflect those present, those with excused absences, and those with unexcused absences.

Role of the Trustee

The MAOPS Board of Trustees consists of nominations by the membership, committees of the association, affiliate organizations and the Board of Trustees who desire to be on the frontline of organized medicine in the state of Missouri. Trustees have several functions including:

  • Governance – Understanding and using authority granted in the Articles of Incorporation and MAOPS Bylaws
  • Policy and Position Development – Reviewing and developing policy (internal and external) to guide the organization
  • Vision – Setting the course for the future of the organization
  • Fiduciary – Taking on the responsibility to protect the organization and its resources

In essence, the Board ensures that the mission and vision of the organization are fulfilled to the best of their abilities.

Becoming a MAOPS Trustee

The MAOPS Leadership Development Committee identifies areas of expertise needed by the Board, then identifies potential candidates for the open position. Candidates are vetted and the Leadership Development Committee makes recommendations to the Board and membership for the election. To be considered for a Trustee position the candidate must:

  1. Have been a MAOPS member for the past three years (accept students and residents who are expected to be current MAOPS members);
  2. Be licensed to practice medicine in Missouri; and,
  3. Submit a CV for consideration by the Leadership Development Committee

Elections are held at the Annual Membership meeting.

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