Call for Nominations: ATLIS Board of Directors
For the 2027-2028 term
Nominations for the ATLIS Board of Directors are open from November 1 through December 31, 2026, and we’d love to hear from you. New directors begin serving July 1, 2027.
This year, the Nominations Committee is especially looking forward to connecting with directors of technology, heads of school and other senior school leaders, and leaders at our vendor and association partners. You don’t need to be an ATLIS member to apply, and you’re welcome to nominate yourself.
About ATLIS
The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit trade association founded in 2014. It is the only organization focused on technology leadership specifically in K-12 independent schools, with nearly 400 member schools and thousands of individual members across North America and beyond.
Our mission is empowering schools to thrive through technology leadership. Our vision is schools equipped for the future.
What the Board does
The Board governs ATLIS and sets its direction. Staff run day-to-day operations, and the Board’s one direct report is the President and CEO.
The Board is responsible for:
- Setting strategic direction and goals
- Determining association policy
- Allocating resources through the annual budget
- Monitoring progress toward goals
- Promoting the association
Directors share legal and financial responsibility for ATLIS, including making sure it meets its legal requirements.
Who we’re looking for
For service beginning July 2027, the Nominations Committee is especially interested in the perspectives of:
- Directors of technology and other technology leaders in independent schools
- Heads of school and other senior school leaders
- Leaders at ATLIS vendor partners
- Leaders at ATLIS association partners
Directors serve ATLIS as a whole, not a single group. A board that brings these perspectives together makes better decisions for every member school.
What the Board needs
The Board looks for these qualities across its members. No one is expected to bring all six.
- New ideas. You bring innovation and creativity, and you work with others to put ideas into action.
- Financial understanding. You understand budgets and financial management well enough to help keep ATLIS strong for the long term.
- Partnerships. You build relationships with other organizations and communities that advance ATLIS’s vision.
- Knowledge of the field. You understand technology leadership in independent schools and the national and global trends shaping it.
- Putting ATLIS first. You can set aside personal and professional preferences to decide what is best for ATLIS and its stakeholders.
- Collaboration. You communicate, listen, and build relationships that strengthen the Board and the association.
What serving involves
Board service combines five virtual meetings a year, committee work, and two in-person gatherings. Directors cover the costs of their own travel and hotel.
Time
- Five virtual board meetings a year, about two hours each, held during the school day
- Service on at least one board committee, about 1–3 hours a month
- Reviewing materials before meetings and keeping up with board and ATLIS communications
In person
| Gathering | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Board planning retreat | July 21–22, 2027 | Providence, RI |
| Board meeting during the ATLIS Annual Conference | April 23–26, 2028 | Providence, RI |
Virtual meetings fall during the school day, and the in-person gatherings mean several days away.
Cost
There is no expectation to donate or raise money. Directors pay for their own travel and hotel for the in-person gatherings, and ATLIS provides meals on-site. Many schools and employers support this kind of professional travel, so it’s worth asking yours.
Commitments
- Commitment to ATLIS’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and familiarity with its programs and policies
- Annual review and signature of ATLIS’s governance policies, including a conflict-of-interest disclosure and a confidentiality agreement
- If a director can no longer meet these commitments, they agree to offer their resignation
Term
New directors serve a first term of up to three years, beginning July 1, 2027. Directors may serve two consecutive terms.
How the process works
ATLIS directors are elected by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee. Members do not vote on board seats, so we publish the full process here for every applicant.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1 – December 31 | Nominations are open. The committee begins reviewing them in early December, so early submissions are welcome. |
| January 2027 | The committee reviews nominations against the Board’s needs and schedules interviews. |
| January – February | The committee interviews selected applicants. |
| March – April | The committee recommends a slate, and the Board votes at its April meeting. |
| April – May | New directors are notified and announced to the ATLIS community. |
| July 1 | New terms begin. |
Submitting a nomination means you will be considered; it does not guarantee a seat. Everyone who applies will hear from us about the outcome.
Applicants from partner organizations
Leaders at ATLIS vendor and association partners are welcome to apply. Every director follows ATLIS’s conflict-of-interest policy, which most often comes into play for partner organizations.
- Directors disclose any interest in an organization that sells to ATLIS or its affiliates, seeks to, or competes with ATLIS.
- Directors step out of discussions and decisions where that interest is involved.
- Directors may not use board service for personal or business gain.
The Board decides how any disclosed conflict is managed.
How to apply
- Review what serving involves, and talk with your school or employer if you need their support.
- Complete the nomination form.
- Submit by December 31, 2026.
Everyone completes the same form, so the committee has the same information about every applicant.
Know someone who would be a strong fit? Send them this page and encourage them to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an ATLIS member?
No. Membership is not required.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Every nomination comes through the same form, whether you’re putting yourself forward or someone encouraged you to.
How many seats are open?
The number of new directors depends on the Board’s needs for the coming year, so we don’t set it in advance.
How much time does board service take?
Five two-hour virtual meetings a year, about 1–3 hours a month of committee work, and two in-person gatherings: July 21–22, 2027, and April 23–26, 2028, both in Providence, RI.
Does board service cost anything?
There is no expectation to donate or raise money. Directors pay for their own travel and hotel for the in-person gatherings, and ATLIS provides meals on-site.
I work for a vendor or association partner. Can I apply?
Yes. See Applicants from partner organizations above.
Who makes the final decision?
The Board of Directors elects new directors on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee.
Will I hear back if I’m not selected?
Yes. Everyone who applies will hear from us about the outcome.
Questions
Contact NAME, TITLE.