Join the Associates of the American Foreign Service WorldWide (AAFSW) Executive Board for the 2026-2028 Term

Are you in the Washington, DC area? Returning to DC this summer—or currently serving overseas? Wherever you are, AAFSW needs you!

Since its inception on March 1, 1960, AAFSW has grown into a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit with a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision. AAFSW is in a strong position to make exciting things happen: advocating on behalf of its members, delivering valuable information, resources, scholarships, awards, professional and social networks, and hosting engaging cultural and international events that civil service and foreign service employees, as well as EFMs, rely on throughout their careers and lives.

All this great work happens only when you add your voice, share your ideas, and volunteer your energy!  Serving on the Executive Board is a unique opportunity to influence programs, strengthen our community, and give back to an organization that supports you. You can apply your skills and talents towards any position listed below.

We welcome members with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to apply for any of the positions listed below—whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or stepping into leadership for the first time.

Explore Board roles, position descriptions, and election guidelines below, then apply by May 31, 2026. Candidates will be placed on the official ballot, and AAFSW members will vote throughout the month of June 2026.

Step forward. Get involved. Help lead AAFSW into its next chapter.

The following positions are open for consideration:

President

Presides at all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors, prepares agendas for said meetings, appoints Committee Chairs with the approval of the Board, signs and executes all documents in the name of the Association when so authorized by the Board of Directors, interacts with Board members and staff as needed, represents AAFSW at external meetings and functions, and performs all other duties incident to the office of President. The President must reside in the DMV. 

First Vice President

Assumes the duties of the President in the President's absence, keeps fully informed about Association business and issues in order to assist or represent the President at any time, acts as the Chair of the Finance Committee, clears any ideas for special projects, brings any recommendations to the Finance Committee, and takes on any additional responsibilities at the request of the President. 

Second Vice President

Assumes the duties of the First Vice President in the absence of same, maintains contact with the non-standing Committee Chairs and report to the Board on their behalf as necessary, acts as Chair of the Nominating Committee, acts as Chair of Fundraising activities, overseas volunteer management and takes on any additional responsibilities at the request of the President. 

Secretary to the Board

Shall record the minutes of the Board Meetings, checks back with members regarding fact and wording to assure accuracy as necessary, emails draft minutes to office manager for distribution to all Board Members upon production,  informs the Office Manager of all designated changes to the draft minutes at the end of the Board meeting in which they are approved, and ensure that the Office Manager sends the completed document to Committee Chairs, Board Members and Media Director, by email if possible. 

Treasurer

Prepares monthly and cumulative reports of expenditures and receipts and present them to the Board,  oversees the financial records of AAFSW including deposit receipts of all monies and all disbursement receipts, supervises the investment of all AAFSW funds, has  the discretion to seek financial advice when necessary, files reports as required by the IRS, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia concerning the Association's tax-exempt status, prepares the annual budget after consultation with the President and the Finance Committee,  once a year sends a copy of approved budget to be published in the Global Link and in the members section of the website, oversees the duties of the Art & BookFair/Bookroom Treasurer and assume responsibility in the absence of same, assists the Art & BookFair/Bookroom Treasurer at the Art & BookFair to every extent possible, and is a member of the Finance Committee.

Assistant Treasurer

Keeps all financial records for Art & BookFair, as reported by the Book Operations Manager; is responsible for the collection of receipts during Art & BookFair, and for counting and depositing same; prepares a monthly report of the BOOKFAIR/BookPlace accounts, based in part on figures supplied by the Book Operations Manager, for inclusion in the Treasurer's monthly financial report; prepares a fiscal year annual accounting of receipts and expenditures from Art & BookFair/BookPlace; pays various taxes to federal, state and D.C. governments as required, and maintain the records thereof; is a member of the Bookroom Oversight Committee and of the Finance Committee; and assumes the duties of the Treasurer in the Treasurer's absence.

Eligibility

• Must be a member of good standing with AAFSW

• Open to all foreign service employees with foreign affairs agencies, foreign service EFMs and DOS civil service employees

• Preferred that at least one VP is a current employee or EFM

For the upcoming Summer 2026 AAFSW Election, please submit a statement of no more than 300 words and a brief bio to election@aafsw.org by May 31, 2026.