·         Chair – Charles Debnam, Community Wellness Alliance

·         Immediate Past Char – Elizabeth Furgurson, Action on Smoking and Health

·         Vice-Chair (up for nomination) – Dr. Edrin Williams, Leadership Council for Healthy Communities

·         Secretary (up for nomination) – Shellie Bessler, Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes

·         Policy Chair (up for nomination) – Josh Brown, Flavors Hook Kids DC

·         Program Chair – Dr. Susan Walley, Children’s National Hospital

·         Research Chair – Dr. Carla Williams, Howard University, Cancer Center

·         Sustainability Chair – Elizabeth Furgurson, Action on Smoking and Health

·         Youth Programs – Caroline Bennett, Truth Initiative

·         DC Health Liaison – Carrie Dahlquist, DC Health

·         Fiscal Agent – Tasha Moses, Strategic Management Services, LLC

The election process for new officers in the DC Tobacco Free Coalition begins with a formal announcement to the full membership that nominations are open. Members will then have 30 days to submit their nominations for the open positions. 

To nominate a candidate, members must complete the online, password-protected nomination form, which will be provided via email. This form ensures that only eligible members can submit nominations. Please note that nominees must live or work in the District of Columbia. 

It’s important to submit all nominations by the specified deadline, as no additional nominations will be accepted once the nomination period closes. This year’s nomination period will run from 9:00 AM ET, Monday, November 4, 2024 through 11:59 PM ET, Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 

After the nomination period ends, the current Coalition Executive Board will review all nominations. The Board will carefully evaluate each submission and vote on the candidates for the open officer positions.

Finally, once the voting process concludes, the newly elected officers will be announced to the entire membership in January 2025.

1.       Who is eligible to submit a nomination?

All DC Tobacco Free Coalition members are eligible to submit a nomination for open positions during the nomination cycle. Nominees must live or work in the District of Columbia.

2.       How will I receive the nomination form?

An email with a link to the password protected nomination form will be shared with the full membership at the start of the nomination cycle.

3.       How do I nominate someone for a position?

To submit a nomination, simply click the link to the nomination form provided in the email you received. Enter the password included in the email to access the form and submit your nominee.

4.       Can I nominate myself?

Yes.

5.       Can I nominate more than one person for a position?

Yes.

6.       What positions are up for nomination this year?

The current positions open for nomination are:

o    Vice-Chair – 1-year term

o    Secretary – 1-year term

o    Policy Committee Chair – 2-year term

7.       What are the responsibilities of the Vice-Chair, Secretary and Policy Committee Chair?

VICE-CHAIRPERSON - One-Year Term

The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of or at the request of the Chairperson and such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairperson, which may include serving as spokesperson representing the Coalition before the public.

SECRETARY - One-Year Term

The Secretary shall provide oversight in the review of agendas, by-laws, and minutes to be presented to the Council and Executive Committee, shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the Committee Chairs, shall track membership, and shall perform such other duties, as the Executive Committee shall prescribe.

POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON – Two-Year Term

The Policy Committee Chairperson shall preside at Committee meetings and report all committee business and recommendations to the Executive Board. Committee meetings shall be held at least quarterly.

8.       When is the deadline to submit nominations?

The nomination cycle will begin on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM ET and run through 11:59 PM ET Wednesday, December 4, 2024. All nominations MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on December 4, 2024, to be eligible for consideration.

9.       Who is eligible to vote?

The current Board of the DC Tobacco Free Coalition will review all nominee submissions and vote during the final 2024 Executive Board Meeting in December.

10.   How will the election results be announced?

The DC Tobacco Free Coalition Board will announce the election results to the entire membership via the Coalition’s website and via email in January 2025.

11.   How long do elected officers serve?

-          Chair – 2 years (open for election in 2025)

-          Vice-Chair – 1 year (up for election in 2024)

-          Secretary – 1 year (up for election in 2024)

-          Communications & Outreach Chair – 2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          Policy Committee Chair – 2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          Program Committee Chair – 2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          Research Committee Chair – 2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          Sustainability Committee Chair – 2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          Youth Programs Committee –  2 year (up for election in 2025)

-          DC Health Liaison – Permanent position

Fiscal Agent – The Fiscal Agent may continue to serve in their role for as long as both parties mutually agree. However, the Executive Board reserves the right to appoint a new Fiscal Agent at any time, and the Fiscal Agent may also choose to step down at their discretion.

12.   What if I encounter technical issues while submitting my nomination?

If you encounter any technical issues while submitting your nomination, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at dctfc1@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to assist you and ensure your nomination is successfully submitted before the deadline.