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Board of Directors FAQ

The Board sets the association’s strategic priorities, provides fiscal oversight, and represents the interests of GALA’s stakeholders. It ensures that GALA’s programs align with the stated priorities.  

The Board is comprised of seven individuals elected by the membership who serve on a volunteer basis. GALA members that meet the criteria may nominate themselves as candidates. Each GALA member has a single vote. Company, university, and nonprofit members have a designated voting contact who casts a vote on behalf of their organization. Professional members cast their own votes.

This page includes General Voting FAQ, the Candidate FAQ, and Board Service FAQ. 

Please consult GALA's Bylaws and the GALA Board Eligibility and Responsibilities document to learn more. For further questions, contact us.

What is the Board of Directors?

The GALA board sets the strategic direction of the association, provides oversight of operations, and stewardship of GALA's resources. It also represents the diverse interests of GALA's stakeholders in decision making.

The board is the authority responsible for governing GALA. As the governing body, the board establishes policy, and monitors implementation of policy by GALA’s staff under the direction of the Executive Director.

How long is a board term?

A board term is 3 years. It starts on 01 January the year following the election and ends 31 December of the third year. After completing the first 3-year term, an individual may submit their candidacy for re-election. Members of the Board may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms. 

Is there any compensation for serving?

GALA board members are volunteers and receive no compensation for their service. A travel stipend is provided to each board member to support travel to official GALA events and meetings.

What are the benefits of serving?

Being a GALA board member provides the opportunity to influence the direction of the association. It also provides one of the most rewarding seats in the industry. For three years, you work on challenges and opportunities that affect the whole language industry. Few other roles give you that view, and it will change how you see your own work.

What is the time commitment?

The monthly commitment is 3-6 hours, depending on involvement in subcommittees and special initiatives. The GALA board meets virtually once per month for 90 minutes. There is an all-day meeting during GALA’s annual conference and board members are expected to attend in person.

Prior to board meetings, preparation is required to read financial and staff reports and review dashboards. There are occasional offline/asynchronous tasks as well. 
Who can vote?

Student members are the only members who do not have voting privileges at GALA. Organizational members (company, university, nonprofit) each receive one ballot, distributed to a designated voting contact. The designated voting contact is confirmed each year prior to the ballot distribution. Professional members cast their own vote individually. 

How is the board election administered?

The election is administered through an online survey tool called Alchemer. The candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected.

What precautions are in place to avoid voter fraud?

Ballots are uniquely linked to emails of voting contacts, and only one vote is allowed per email. GALA staff reviews the results to ensure no organization submitted more than one ballot.

Can a candidate's organization vote for their candidate?

Yes. An organization's designated voting contact may vote for a candidate from their own organization, including themselves, if they are running.

Who has access to the results?

Only GALA staff has access to the voting platform. At the conclusion of the voting period, the current Board of Directors receives a tally of the results.

What happens if there is a tie?

Per the GALA Bylaws, in case of a tie, the sitting Board of Directors will select the new director from the tied candidates.

How are the results announced?

Results are announced by email and shared on GALA's website in November/December.
What are the eligibility criteria to be a candidate for the Board of Directors?

  • Be a current member of GALA.

  • 3 years of membership (need not be with the same member organization) within the last 5 years.

  • Have a demonstrable history of engagement with GALA's programs and services.

  • Be at an executive or senior level within their organization with a minimum of 8 years of industry experience. 

  • Have the endorsement and support of their employer, if employed by an organization.

How many Directors serve on GALA's Board?

GALA's Board has seven directors. The number of open positions varies annually. 

What happens once I submit the candidacy application?

GALA staff will review your application to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. You will receive an update on your status from staff. GALA will create your candidate webpage using the information provided on the application form. Once GALA makes the official announcement of candidates, you may start to campaign.

What are the campaign guidelines?

GALA promotes all candidates equally via email and social media. GALA does not distribute any “campaign” e-mails to the membership on behalf of the candidates or share mailing lists. However, candidates may get in touch with personal contacts directly. Candidates may not start campaigning until after the official GALA announcement of candidates.