As the end of the year approaches, we need to look forward as to where ARPAS is going in the years to come and ask, “How are we going to get there?” As the current past-president, one of my responsibilities for the upcoming year is to chair the committee selecting candidates for the president-elect of ARPAS. This person will have the responsibility of working with the executive committee and governing council, guiding us into a new situation where the joint annual meeting will not be a site for our seminar and council meetings. With our diverse membership from all livestock production sectors, coming up with a satisfactory solution will be critical. Also, we need to elect a new northeast director.

Therefore, this is your opportunity to help shape the leadership of ARPAS for the next several years and exercise your rights as a member of ARPAS. Below are the descriptions of both positions up for election. Both positions require a three-year commitment of time.

The president-elect shall be elected by the membership to serve one year as president-elect, the following year as president, and the third year as past-president. A primary responsibility of the president-elect is to organize the annual ARPAS symposia and then assume the leadership position for the organization. Previous experience on the governing council is desired.

The northeast director shall be elected by the membership for a three-year term. The duties consist of providing leadership, being a primary contact for ARPAS members in a northeast-defined area of the United States, and serving as chairperson for the publications standing committee of ARPAS.

Therefore, I am reaching out to the membership for recommendations on candidates whom you believe will lead ARPAS through these times or asking if you are interested in filling one of these positions. Please feel free to contact Kelsey at kelseyg@assochq.org, any of the executive committee or governing council members, or me either by e-mail or phone. I hope everyone has a great rest of this year and a terrific start to 2016!