Elections

Board members are expected to:

• Attend four (4) in-person board meetings per year.
• Devote substantial time throughout the year to Board preparation, committee participation, strategic discussions and representation of ISTAT within the industry.
• Abide by the ISTAT Code of Conduct.

• Candidates must have been members of ISTAT for at least the past two (2) years.
• Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated engagement in the ISTAT community, such as prior involvement as speakers, committee members or active contributors to ISTAT initiatives. While previous committee service is an asset, it is not required

Professional or Technical Service Providers
Candidates that provide professional or technical services to airlines, OEMs or lessors. This includes lawyers, consultants, digital technology providers, maintenance organizations, logistics companies and other service providers. These individuals bring valuable perspectives from working across multiple industry stakeholders and help ensure ISTAT remains relevant and accessible to the broader ecosystem.

OEMs
Candidates from global manufacturers. Representation from this sector provides important insight into key industry topics and strengthens ISTAT’s connections with major stakeholders worldwide.

Financial Institutions
Candidates from financial institutions. Given the central role of finance in the aviation industry, representation from this sector will bring critical perspectives to the board. In addition to representing the sector, these individuals are expected to actively contribute to ISTAT’s strategic planning and support the development of its events and programming.

Geographic Diversity
Given the worldwide growth in ISTAT membership, candidates based in or having broad connections in Europe or Asia would help to ensure that members in those regions are fully served.

Content Strategy
Experience shaping content priorities, key topics and media partnerships.

Legal Expertise
Experience in contracts, risk management and organizational governance.

Per the ISTAT Bylaws, nominees must have been a member in good standing for at least the past two years prior to the start of the annual meeting, or for at least 80% of the days over the three consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the start of the annual meeting.

1. Letter of Intent:: Submit a one-page letter outlining your interest in serving on the ISTAT Board of Directors, and how your expertise and perspectives align with the Board Needs Assessment and support ISTAT’s mission and strategic priorities.
2. Biographical Sketch: Provide a brief overview of your professional background, industry experience and current role.
3. Send Your Submission: Email both documents to istat@istat.org and glopes@istat.org by 15 July 2026.

The Governance & Nominating Committee will review applications and conduct interviews between July and September 2026. Following this process, a proposed slate of candidates will be presented to the board for discussion at its meeting during ISTAT EMEA in Copenhagen, Denmark, allowing the full board to have visibility into the proposed slate and an opportunity to provide input before it is presented to the membership for election.

The board is expected to complete its final deliberations during its meeting in January 2027, after which the member election process will begin. The election is expected to conclude at ISTAT Americas in March 2027 in Vancouver, Canada, where the results will be announced to the membership.

1. How many directors are there? What are the different classes?

The board is divided into two classes: Position Holders and At-Large directors. Position holders include the ISTAT’s Immediate Past President, the chair of the International Appraisal Board of Governors (IBG), and the chair of the ISTAT Foundation. These positions automatically form part of the board.  At-Large directors are elected by the membership. The number of At-Large directors can be up to seventeen (17).

2. How long is the term for directors? Are there any limitations?

The terms vary based on the position. The Immediate Past President shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The ISTAT Foundation and the IBG chairs shall serve for a term concurrent with his/her term as chair of their respective boards. At-Large directors serve for four years, with a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms (subject to their terms being extended by virtue of being elected as an officer of ISTAT).

3. How are nominations for At-Large Directors handled?

At-Large directors are nominated by the Governance & Nominating Committee, approved by the board, and submitted for election by the membership at the Annual Meeting. Open board positions will be published for the membership. Any member can nominate himself/herself or another individual directly with the Governance & Nominating Committee. The Committee can also invite/encourage potential candidates to nominate himself/herself.

4. Can current directors engage in the nomination process?

Yes. Current directors can nominate themselves with the Governance & Nominating Committee for another term on the board provided they are not then currently serving their second consecutive four-year term on the board.

1. When is the Annual Meeting held?

The Annual Meeting of ISTAT is held in the first quarter of each calendar year. The board determines the date, time, and place.

2. Can special meetings be called? If yes, how are special meetings called?

Yes. Special meetings of the members can be called at any time by the board with the affirmative vote of a majority of the board members.

3. How much notice is given for meetings?

Notice of each meeting of the members is given in writing to each member entitled to vote no fewer than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date. The notice includes details such as the date, time, place of the meeting, means of remote communications (if applicable), and the purpose of the meeting.

4. What constitutes a quorum and how is voting conducted?

A quorum consists of members present, whether in person, by electronic communication, or by proxy (when allowed). A majority vote of the members present decides any questions that may come before the meeting.

5. Is proxy voting permitted?

No, proxy voting is prohibited. Only members present (in person or by telephone) are entitled to vote on matters presented for a vote.

6. What is the process in case the membership does not approve the proposed slate?

In the event that the slate of candidates put forth by the Governance & Nominating Committee and approved by the board fails to receive approval by the membership, the incumbent directors shall retain their positions until new directors are duly elected. The ISTAT Board of Directors is required to convene a special meeting of the membership to reconsider the election of directors or present an alternative slate for consideration.

1. What are the different officer positions within ISTAT?

The officers of ISTAT include the President, Immediate Past President, Vice President of Strategy, Vice President of Events, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Officers can only be selected from the existing members of the board.

2. How long do officers serve? How are successors elected?

Officers serve for terms of two (2) years. Successors are elected by and from the board one year prior to each officer's term expiration to allow for an orderly transition.

3. Can officers serve more than one term?

Officers may serve one term per officer position, with the exception of the Treasurer, who may be re-elected for one additional term. No individual may serve as an officer for more than eight (8) consecutive years.

1. What is the role of the Governance & Nominating Committee?

The Governance & Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating qualified individuals for board membership. Additionally, the committee evaluates and recommends improvements to ISTAT’s governance guidelines.

2. How is the Governance and Nominating Committee structured?

The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of five (5) members. It is chaired by the Immediate Past President, or a director appointed by the President if the Immediate Past President is unable or unwilling to serve. The committee also includes the President, one (1) current board member, and two (2) prior board members, all appointed by the President. The board must approve the recommended composition.  

3. What criteria are considered for selecting members of the Governance and Nominating Committee?

The committee members are chosen based on their experience, expertise, and commitment to ISTAT's mission and values.  The committee members shall be focused solely on advancing ISTAT’s mission and values and shall conduct its deliberations free from outside influence and personal dealings or preferences.

4. How often does the Governance and Nominating Committee meet?

The frequency of meetings may vary depending on the needs and activities of the committee, but it  is intended that the committee shall meet as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

5. How does the Governance and Nominating Committee carry out its nomination process?

The committee evaluates potential candidates based on specific criteria and needs of ISTAT, conducts interviews if necessary, and presents a final slate of nominees to the board for approval.

6. How does the Governance and Nominating Committee handle conflicts of interest among its members?

Committee members are expected to disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from discussions or decisions where such conflicts may arise. The committee operates transparently and ethically to maintain the integrity of its process.