Call for Nominations: Director (Skills-Based)

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Call for Nominations: Director (Skills-Based) (2026–2028)

Overview

CNA is seeking nominations for two skills-based director positions (not required to be a nurse) to strengthen board expertise.

These roles bring specialized knowledge aligned with CNA’s strategic priorities.

About the role

Skills-based directors contribute expertise that enhances board effectiveness and decision-making.

Priority skill areas

CNA is seeking candidates with expertise in areas such as:

  • Finance / audit
  • Governance
  • Public policy
  • Digital / innovation / AI
  • Health systems leadership
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion

Key responsibilities

  • Contribute specialized expertise to board discussions
  • Participate in board governance and decision-making
  • Contribute to strategic planning and finance and policy oversight
  • Participate in committees aligned with knowledge, skills and expertise (e.g., chartered professional accountant would serve on the finance and audit committee)

Key competencies

  • Demonstrated expertise in a relevant domain
  • Strategic and analytical thinking
  • Governance experience (preferred)
  • Ability to contribute beyond clinical perspective

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must:

  • Be a CNA Canadian Affiliate member in good standing
  • Meet CNA director eligibility requirements
  • Bring relevant expertise aligned with board needs

Term of office

Directors serve a two-year term (2026–2028).

Important information about the election

Members vote in advance to elect candidates from the proposed slate. No voting takes place at the annual meeting of members.

Submit a Nomination

Time commitment and key dates

Candidates must be available to participate in key activities throughout the election process and, if elected, during their term on the board.

Election process commitments

  • Availability prior to (May 7-13, 2026) and during the advance voting period (May 14 – June 3, 2026) for potential member engagement

If elected

Successful candidates will be expected to:

  • Attend onboarding and strategic planning activities (anticipated August 2026)
  • Attend CNA’s national conference, September 21–23, 2026, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Participate in board and committee meetings (virtual and in-person as required)

Ongoing commitment

The president-elect is expected to:

  • Come prepared to actively participate in 3-4 virtual and 1-2 in-person board meetings per year, as well as potential ad hoc meetings
  • Attend a bi-weekly, virtual 30-minute executive committee meeting
  • For each committee you chair, come prepared to actively facilitate 3-5 virtual committee meetings and lead committee work
  • Contribute actively to governance and decision-making

About the 2026 election slate

The 2026 nomination slate will include:

To support board effectiveness and restore staggered terms, the 2026 slate will result in a total of seven voting members, including the incoming president.

CNA is seeking a balanced slate that reflects:

  • Nursing designation diversity
  • Skills-based expertise
  • National representation

In accordance with CNA’s by-laws, the board must maintain a majority of licensed nurses.