SCBNA Board of Directors – Role Descriptions & Bylaws

The Society for Conservation Biology North America is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of conserving the Earth’s biological diversity. While our historical roots were founded in the field of biology, we recognize that conservation in today’s world requires a globalized approach that maximizes collaboration amongst professionals from all fields.

SCBNA is led by a board of directors that is nominated and elected by its members. We are especially interested in increasing equity and inclusion at all levels, including on the board, and we encourage nominations of individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Every board member attends one in-person meeting (financial support for travel is available) and 4-5 virtual SCBNA Board meetings per year plus performs committee work (e.g., meetings, writing). 

The following are the current SCBNA board positions and their respective descriptions:

President Series (4-year term: 1 as President-Elect, 2 as President, 1 as Past President)

• President-Elect
  • (1-year term)
  • The President-Elect serves on the Executive Committee of the SCBNA Board, chairs the Conference Committee, and provides support for the President, including filling in as needed. Chairing the conference committee includes playing a significant role in selecting the location for the upcoming NACCB as well as co-chairing the organizing committee for that meeting. Candidates need to demonstrate relevant experience in leadership positions or experience within SCBNA (including past Board experience or active engagement in the organization) to be eligible for this role.

• President
  • (2-year term)
  • The President provides leadership of the organization and the North America (NA) Board, as well as supervising NA staff and serving as the NA representative to the SCB Regional Council and Global Network Board. This includes attending both SCB RC & GNB meetings and leading SCBNA Board meetings.

• Past-President
  • (1-year term)
  • The Past President serves on the executive Committee and supports the President as needed with representation at SCB meetings. The Past President provides leadership continuity and guidance through board turnover.

Treasurer
(3-year term)

Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer
(3-year term)

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer serves on the Executive Committee of the SCBNA Board, chairs the standing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and participates regularly in quarterly board calls and meetings. The DEI Officer facilitates and carries out initiatives designed to promote equity, inclusion and diversity within SCBNA, and works to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of Conservation across all levels. This includes both mainstreaming diversity, equity and inclusion in all regular tasks and events (such as the biennial North American Congress for Conservation Biology) and carrying out special projects intended to mainstream diversity, equity and inclusion across the field of research and practice. The position requires exposure and experience in dealing with and addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in an institutional setting. We acknowledge that no one candidate will be able to fully understand and anticipate all experiences and impacts relevant for this role, so the position requires someone willing to work broadly across the board and society at large. The DEI Officer will also engage with the SCB Global DEI Officer and serve on the global DEI committee as we move towards 2026.

Vice President for Policy
(3-year term)

Vice President for Education
(3-year term)

To represent the wider membership of SCBNA at a board level and to assist in board activity as required. This position chairs the standing Education Committee and participates regularly in quarterly board calls and meetings. This position requires carrying out initiatives designed to promote the education—at all levels, including preparatory and continuing of the public, of biologists, and of managers in the principles and practices of conservation biology, and shall administer the student awards program.

Chapters Representative
(3 year term; must be a current or past member of an SCB chapter)

As part of this role, one participates in chapters committee quarterly board calls and meetings and provides support to NA-based chapters through assisting with the chapter registration and/or new chapter formation processes, organizing chapter-focused events, programming and financial support at SCBNA’s biennial conferences, and communicating with chapters about other opportunities and resources available to Chapters. The Chapters representative also chairs the ad hoc North America Chapters Committee, which works to support NA chapters through the activities described above and maintains the NA Chapters webpage on the SCBNA website.

Student Representative
(3-year term; must be a student at the time of election in conservation biology or a closely related field and attending an accredited university or college)

The Student Representative chairs the ad hoc Student Affairs Committee, which organizes programs and events targeting undergraduates, graduates, and early career professionals in conservation or adjacent fields – some examples include a webinar series and programming at biennial conferences. The Student Representative also participates regularly in quarterly board calls and meetings. The Student Representative may also be involved in developing and organizing programming and conference planning for NACCB.

Member at Large
(3 year term)

There are two Members at large positions on the SCBNA Board of Directors. Members at large participate in quarterly board calls and meetings, and often participate on one or more SCBNA committees. The Member at Large position is an accessible point of entry into board service for those who have never served on a board.