NAFTZ is implementing a new nominations and elections framework for the 2026–2027 Board election cycle.  The updated process includes a year-round Nominating Committee, a structured candidate application and evaluation process, and secure electronic voting in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Two leadership opportunities are currently open:

1. Apply to serve on the Nominating Committee
2. Submit a Stage 1 Board Candidate Application

These are separate opportunities with different roles in the process.

Members interested in helping evaluate candidates and develop the proposed slate should consider applying for the Nominating Committee. Members interested in being considered for Board or Officer service should complete the Stage 1 Board Candidate Application.

For additional background on the updated framework, members may review the Special Membership Meeting materials available in the NAFTZ  InfoHub – Resources folder.  Click here to view Special Meeting Materials.

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Apply to Serve on the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee plays an important role in NAFTZ’s leadership development and election process. Under the new framework, the Committee will operate year-round to help identify, engage, evaluate, and recommend candidates for Board and Officer service, while encouraging broader member participation in committees, working groups, and task forces as pathways to future leadership. These volunteer roles help members build relationships, demonstrate expertise, and gain visibility within the Association.

The Nominating Committee will be chaired by James Grogan, NAFTZ Immediate Past Chair, as provided in the governing documents.

Application deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026

Apply to Serve on the Nominating Committee - click below to download form:

MS Word: NAFTZ_Nominating_Committee_Service_Application Final 2026

PDF: NAFTZ_Nominating_Committee_Service_Application Final 2026

Please email completed forms to:  jtafel@nafz.org.  Forms may be submitted in a Word or PDF format, handwritten or typed.

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Submit a Stage 1 Board Candidate Application

Members interested in being considered for Board or Officer service in the 2026–2027 election cycle should complete the Stage 1 Board Candidate Application.  Stage 1 is an administrative step used for staff validation of baseline eligibility and interest in Board service. Eligible applicants will be invited to complete the Stage 2 application.  Stage 2 is where applicants provide more detailed information about their experience, qualifications, leadership interests, and potential contributions to the Board. Advancement to Stage 2 does not indicate selection, nomination, or endorsement. It simply confirms that the applicant meets the threshold requirements to continue in the process.

Stage 1 application deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026
Stage 2 application deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026

Apply to be considered for NAFTZ Board Service - qualifications and requirements are listed on the Stage 1 form:

MS Word: NAFTZ_Stage_1_Board_Application Final 2026

Please email completed forms to:  jtafel@nafz.org.  Forms may be submitted in a Word or PDF format, handwritten or typed.

To view the Stage 2 application, click here: NAFTZ_Stage_2_Board_Application Final 2026.  This is provided for informational purposes only.  Applicants must be invited to submit a Stage 2 application following staff validation of State 1 application.

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Important Note About Applying for Both Opportunities Simultaneously

Individuals may express interest in both Nominating Committee service and Board service. However, an individual appointed to the Nominating Committee may not be considered for Board or Officer nomination during the same election cycle.

If an individual is selected and agrees to serve on the Nominating Committee, any Board Candidate Stage 1 application submitted by that individual for the current cycle will be withdrawn from consideration.

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2026 Nominating Committee Timeline

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Application Guidance

Applications must be submitted by downloading application forms from the links above.

Because the applications include open-ended questions, forms are being provided in a MS Word and/or PDF formats.

Completed forms should be emailed to NAFTZ President Jeff Tafel at jtafel@naftz.org.

Questions?

For questions about the Nominating Committee application, Board Candidate application, or the updated nominations and elections process, please contact:

Jeff Tafel
President, NAFTZ
jtafel@naftz.org

James Grogan
NAFTZ Immediate Past Chair
Managing Director, Trade & Customs, Kroll
Chair, Nominating Committee
james.grogan@kroll.com