Serve the Future of Culinology®

Apply for the 2027 RCA Board of Directors

The RCA Nominations and Board Development Committee (NBDC) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Board of Directors. Board service is an opportunity to help shape the future of the association, contribute to strategic initiatives, and advance the profession of Culinology.

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
Apply by emailing all required materials to: [email protected]

Why Serve on the RCA Board?

The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership that supports the association's mission to deliver value to RCA members. Board members determine strategic priorities, help guide key initiatives, oversee committees, and contribute to the long-term success and financial sustainability of RCA.

Board terms begin at the Annual Conference in March 2027 and last two years.

What are the Requirements?

Applicants must:

  • Be fully paid RCA members (Culinology or Associate Member categories - all members excluding students)
  • Demonstrate leadership potential
  • Have employer support
  • Commit to a two-year term

Please Note: The bylaws limit Board representation to one individual per company, including the Immediate Past President.

Application Process

Step 1

Submit Your Application

To be considered, applicants must submit:

  • Board Application Form
  • Personal Vision Statement
  • Personal Biography
  • Employer Letter of Support
  • Board Performance Agreement
  • Professional Headshot
  • Letter of Recommendation from an RCA Member (recommended)

Submission Deadline: September 18, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Submit to: [email protected]

Step 2

Interviews

Qualified applicants will participate in an interview with a member of the NBDC. The interview will explore:

  • Leadership experience
  • RCA involvement
  • Committee interests
  • Strategic vision
  • Board readiness and commitment
Step 3

Candidate Evaluation

Applicants are evaluated using several criteria, including:

  • Leadership experience
  • Committee service
  • RCA engagement
  • Professional expertise
  • Strategic thinking abilities
  • Commitment to Board service
  • Employer support
  • Membership status
Step 4

Slate Development

The NBDC reviews all candidates and develops the election slate for the member vote.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee placement on the ballot.

Step 5

Election and Notification

  • Members vote online, October-November 2026
  • Candidates are notified of their status by December 2026
  • New board member orientation will be held in January 2027
  • Board terms begin March 2027

Before You Apply

Serving on the RCA Board is both an honor and a responsibility.

Time Commitment

Directors contribute approximately 10-12 hours per month. This includes: 

  • Committee leadership
  • Board meetings
  • Strategic planning sessions
  • Volunteer engagement

Financial Commitment

Board members are not compensated and are responsible for their own travel and meeting expenses unless covered by their employer.

Participation Commitments

Directors are expected to:

  • Attend meetings consistently
  • Review materials in advance
  • Collaborate professionally
  • Support Board decisions
  • Advance the RCA strategic plan

Elected Directors are required to sign the Board Performance Agreement.

Key Dates

Milestone
Date
Applications Open Active
Now
Application Deadline
September 18, 2026
Candidate Interviews
Fall 2026
Membership Voting
October-November 2026
Election Results
December 2026
Orientation
January 2027
Board Terms Begin
March 2027

Questions?

For questions regarding the election process or application requirements, please email the Nominations and Board Development Committee at [email protected].

NBDC Co-Chairs

  • Jill Houk
  • Melinda Russell

Executive Committee Liaison

  • Anna Cheely

About the Nominations and Board Development Committee

The NBDC is responsible for:

  • Recruiting qualified candidates
  • Evaluating applicants based on Board needs
  • Presenting a slate of nominees
  • Supporting leadership development
  • Advising the President and Board on appointments when vacancies occur