Call for ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation Board Nominations

Individuals are invited to apply to be considered for election to the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation Board of Directors. The term will be through May 31, 2026. 

Available positions:   

  • Director: four positions
    • Three positions are for a two-year term (eligible for a second term)
    • One position is for a one-year term (eligible for a second term)

Completed application packages should be sent via email as a single PDF file to [email protected]. Completed application packages are due August 19, 2024. 

Application documents  

Foundation Board Member Responsibilities  

The ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to supporting the professional development of nutrition researchers throughout their careers. Our research grant program is the centerpiece of our efforts toward this mission.

Vision
Fosters innovation and advances research discovery to improve nutrition care and health. 

Mission
Raises money to fund clinical and metabolic research that translates to safe and effective nutrition care.

Core Values

  • Cultivate: Support research careers
  • Integrity: Promote ethics in research
  • Inquiry: Seek new knowledge
  • Quality: Champion scientifically sound research
  • Innovation: Encourage development of novel research methodologies and technologies
  • Inclusiveness: Support diverse multidisciplinary investigators 

All Board members are expected to adhere to the three legal Board duties:

  • Duty of Care: Foundation decisions are not made lightly, but with the same level of judgment as any other competent person would in a similar situation. 
  • Duty of Loyalty: Board members always act in the best interests of the Foundation. Board members must put the interests of the Foundation above their own interests or the interests of another individual or organization. 
  • Duty of Compliance: Board decisions must be consistent with the organizational purpose (as described in our mission statement, strategic plan, bylaws and articles of incorporation). 

    The Board of Directors supports the work of the Foundation and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The Board establishes the strategy and policies for the Foundation and secures the financial resources necessary to advance its mission.

    Specific Board Member Responsibilities Include:  

    • Be informed about the Foundation’s mission and help implement the strategic plan.
    • Actively participate in Board meetings and Foundation sponsored programs and events.
    • Donate annually to the Foundation.
    • Identify funding sources for the Foundation.
    • Help identify connections that can benefit the Foundation’s fundraising and reputational standing.
    • Represent the Foundation to the external community, acting as an ambassador for the organization.
    • Assist the Board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, approving the Foundation’s annual budget, audit reports, and business decisions.
    • Foster a synergistic relationship between the Foundation and ASPEN, including the research program.
    • Review and support the Foundation research initiatives.
    • Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies and avoid acting on Foundation matters solely in the interest of any employer or interest groups.
    • Uphold exemplary standards of conduct and performance in fulfilling your role as a Board member.

     Board Terms and Commitments:

    • Board terms are two years. Board members may be re-appointed.
    • The Board meets every other month via conference call, and face-to-face at the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference. Other meetings may be scheduled as determined by the Board of Directors.
    • Board members may be asked to serve on a Foundation committee, such as the Development, Blackburn Research Mentorship Award, or Grant Review Committees.

    Board Member Competencies: 

    The Foundation strives to bring together diverse individuals to serve on the Board such that as a group, the following competencies are represented:

    • Nutrition Research
    • Financial acumen
    • Grant programs
    • Fundraising