What is the CNS Board of Directors?
The CNS Board of Directors comprises seven elected officers who govern the Child Neurology Society. Collectively, they ensure that all CNS activities are focused on our mission, strategic plan, and organizational priorities and work to oversee the society’s finances.
What makes a good candidate?
To serve on the CNS Board takes more than a solid education and work experience. It takes dedication, commitment, and fervor.
To fill our open seats on the board, we need members who are:
- passionate about our mission of advancing the field and serving as a resource for current and future child neurologists around the world
- eager to participate, willing to prepare, and excited to give their time and talents to grow our membership and expand our resources and partnership
- good listeners and true collaborators who have a learning mindset and are open to different points of view
- advocates and stewards of the Child Neurology Society
Note: Individuals serving on the Board of Directors are ineligible to receive CNS awards during their term of service. Eligibility is reinstated upon the completion of Board service.
What you get in return
A lot of time and effort is required of board members, but what you give in time and expertise is returned to you tenfold.
Not only will you have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping advance the field for current and future child neurologists worldwide, but you’ll also be helping more children and families in need.
You’ll also expand your network, cultivate new skills, build your leadership capabilities, and grow professionally and personally.
2026 Election
The 2026 election dates are June 1, 2026 – August 30, 2026. The following positions are open for election:
- President
- Councilor for the South
- Councilor for the West
2025 Election Completed
The 2025 election was completed on August 30, 2025. The following positions were open for election:
- Secretary-Treasurer
- Councilor for the East
- Councilor for the Midwest
Nomination Guidelines
- Nominees and nominators must be Active Members of the Child Neurology Society
- Members may nominate themselves
- Nominations must include a statement outlining the nominee’s qualifications that addresses the following topics: (500 words max)
- Contributions to CNS
- Contributions to child neurology: scholarship, education, clinical innovations
- Prior leadership positions: CNS, other professional societies, primary institution
- Future plans for CNS
- Provide a self-authored bio and answer the following questions
- What have been your most important or rewarding experiences in your years with CNS or other professional organizations, and how have these experiences shaped your vision of the direction CNS might take under your leadership?
- What are the most challenging issues facing child neurologists today, and how would the CNS, under your leadership, help its members meet those challenges?
Note: Members of the Nominating Committee may not contact or solicit individuals for the purpose of encouraging them to run for office.
Board Position Descriptions & Time Commitment
Download the detailed description for the board positions:
- President
- President-Elect
- Secretary-Treasurer
- Councilor
The Board holds nine meetings annually; five of the nine meetings and calls are hosted virtually. In-person meetings are in the spring for one day and in the fall for three days during the CNS Annual Meeting. Board calls and meetings generally occur both during the day and evening hours.
Timetable for the 2025 Election
| Early – Mid-May | Announcements via eConnections and the CNS website regarding Board Service. |
| June 1-30 | The nomination portal opens for CNS Active members to submit nominations for the CNS Board of Directors. |
| Early July | The CNS Nominating Committee will select two finalists for each position. |
| Mid-July | An eConnections featuring self-authored bios and responses to 2-3 questions. |
| August 1 | Link to online ballot sent to Active Members. |
| August 1-30 | Online voting will begin – Active CNS Members may cast ballots during a 30-day online voting period. |
| August 30 | Deadline for ballots – must be submitted by 11:59 PM CDT. |
| Early September | Candidates are notified of results. |
| Mid-September | Newly-elected officers will be publicly announced via eConnections. |
| November | Newly-elected officers will take office at the CNS Business Meeting. |
Councilor Regions
For purposes of the Society, states shall be divided into regions as follows:
| WEST | Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming |
| SOUTH | Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia |
| MIDWEST | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Ontario, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| EAST | Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Vermont |