NAFTZ Leadership Opportunity: Board Service for 2026-2028 Term
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.
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.
The NAFTZ Board of Directors approved the 2026-2027 Nominating Committee per the new framework criteria and process. The members of the 2026-2027 Nominating Committee are:
- Chair: James Grogan, Kroll, Immediate Past Board Chair, Service Provider
- Current Director: Shana Head, Geodis, Service Provider
- Current Director: Chris Smith, IKEA Purchasing Services, User/Operator
- Non-Director: Denise Yanez, City of Phoenix, Grantee
- Non-Director: Jennifer VanGundy, Intel, User/Operator
- Non-Director: Matt Williams, Turms Consulting, Service Provider
- Non-Director: Tanna Zingula-Johnson, Ernst & Young, Service Provider
- Association President, Ex-officio: Jeffrey Tafel, NAFTZ, non-voting committee member
Serve on the NAFTZ Board
Submit a Stage 1 Board Candidate Application
Designated 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.
2026 Nominating Committee Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 18, 2026 | Nominating Committee and Board Candidate Stage 1 applications open |
| June 5, 2026 | Nominating Committee applications close |
| June 17, 2026 | Board approves Nominating Committee members |
| July 17, 2026 | Board Candidate Stage 1 applications close |
| July 24, 2026 | Stage 2 applications close |
| August 19, 2026 | Proposed slate presented to Board |
| August 24-26, 2026 | Slate announcement and election notice sent to Voting Members |
| September 1–10, 2026 | Electronic election period |
| October 21, 2026 | NAFTZ Annual Member Business Meeting & Board Meeting of new board |
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