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Elections Process

Annual Election of Board Members

Each year, Board members are elected by OTA trade members in good standing according to the bylaws of the association.  Election results and new appointments are announced at the OTA Annual Member Meeting.  Board members begin their terms on the day of the Board’s Annual Meeting, which is held prior to the OTA Annual Member Meeting.  Election results, including vote tallies, shall be posted on the OTA website as soon as results have been validated by the OTA Board Secretary.


Timeline and Procedures for Nominations and Election

  • The Board Governance Committee serves as the Nominating Committee.
  • The Governance Committee recruits and reviews candidates according to criteria approved by the Board of Directors.  
  • The Governance Committee presents to the Board a slate of candidates for all open seats on the board at least 120 days prior to the date of the OTA Annual Member Meeting.
  • The Board establishes the Board nominated slate by vote and the slate of candidates is announced to the OTA members.
  • Additional candidates can be nominated by OTA trade members in good standing at least 90 days prior to the date of the OTA Annual Meeting.  These nominations must be sent in writing to the OTA Board President with at least six additional recommendations from OTA trade members in good standing.
  • The final slate of candidates must be presented to the OTA members at least 45 days prior to the OTA Annual Member Meeting.
  • Ballots are sent electronically and via mail.  Candidate bios and statements are posted with the ballot.  Every OTA trade member in good standing has one vote.  

Annual Selection of Appointed Board Members

Each year the elected Board members according to the bylaws of the association select the appointed seat(s) after the Board Election and prior to the Board Annual Meeting.  The appointed Board member(s) begin their term at the Board’s Annual Meeting.


Timeline and Procedures for Selection of Appointed Board Member

  • After the election results are tabulated, the Governance Committee presents to the Board a recommendation for the appointed Board seat(s) based on a review and analysis of the gaps in sector representation, expertise, the status of the Designated Farmer Seat, and the election results.
  • The elected Board members vote on the recommendation of the Governance Committee for the appointed Board seat(s). (Note, according to OTA bylaws appointed Board members cannot vote for the appointed seats)
  • Any Board member being considered for selection to an appointed Board seat shall not be present during the Board’s discussion and voting for the appointed Board seat(s).
  • If more than one Board seat is to be appointed, the elected Board members vote on each Board seat separately.

Annual Election of Board Officers

The Board members elect the Officers at the Board’s Annual Meeting, according to the bylaws of the association.  The Board Officers begin their term immediately upon election and are announced at the OTA Annual Member Meeting.


Timeline and Procedures for Election of Board Officers

  • After the election results are tabulated the Governance Committee presents to the Board a slate of officers.
  • At the Board’s Annual Meeting, the current Board members vote on the recommended slate of Officers.