Candidate Guide | Board of Directors 

 

Thank you for your interest in serving on the NARTS Board of Directors.

Board members play an important role in shaping the future of our Association. They provide strategic leadership, establish policies, ensure the financial stability of NARTS, and represent the interests of our members and the resale industry.

If you are considering running for the Board, this guide will explain the election process, qualifications, responsibilities, expectations, and timeline so you can make an informed decision before submitting your self-nomination.

2026 Election Timeline

July 21, 2026
Self-nominations Open

July 31, 2026 | 11:59 p.m. EDT
Self-nominations Close

August 1, 2026
Candidates Notified of Eligibility Before Voting Opens

August 1, 2026
Voting Opens

August 31, 2026 | 11:59 p.m. EDT
Voting Closes

Following the close of voting, election results will be verified before being announced.

October/November
Organizational Board Meeting
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Attendance at the Organizational Board Meeting is required for all newly elected Directors.

Who May Vote?

Voting is open to Primary and Life Members in good standing who meet the voting eligibility requirements established in the NARTS Bylaws.  Per the Bylaws, dues must be in good standing as of August 31st to be eligible to vote.  Only eligible members will receive access to the electronic ballot.

 

About the Election

•  Directors are elected under the staggered election structure established in the NARTS Bylaws

•  NARTS elects Directors through a secure electronic voting process

•  Eligible voting members will receive voting instructions when the election opens

•  There are three (3) open Board positions in this election

•  Eligible members may vote for up to three candidates

•  The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected

•  All candidates are reviewed for eligibility before being placed on the ballot

•  In the event of a tie vote, the NARTS Board of Directors will resolve the tie as provided in the Bylaws

•  If the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open positions, the candidates will be declared elected without an electronic ballot, as provided in the Bylaws

•  Election results will be verified following the close of voting and announced at the Annual Meeting, by email, and through official NARTS communications

Candidate Qualification Requirements

To serve on the NARTS Board of Directors, candidates must meet all qualifications established in the NARTS Bylaws at the time nominations close for the Board election:

  • the candidate shall be:
    1. a Primary member of this corporation for at least two consecutive years prior to nomination; or
    2. a Primary member who has recently assumed ownership/leadership of the business but who has been an Associate member of this corporation in good standing for at least four consecutive years immediately prior to becoming a primary member, or
    3. an Associate member of this corporation who meets all of the following requirements:
      1. the Primary member’s membership shall have been in good standing (dues no more than 30 days past due) for the 12 consecutive months prior to nomination;
      2. has at least four years continuous service with the Primary member’s business,
      3. has at least four consecutive years of NARTS membership in good standing, and  
      4. submits a written statement from the sponsoring Primary member recommending the candidate, while confirming acknowledgment and approval of the time, financial commitments, and obligations required to serve on the Board;
  • the candidate's Primary membership of this corporation shall have been in good standing (dues no more than 30 days past due) for the 12 consecutive months prior to nomination;
  • the candidate shall have attended at least two educational functions of this corporation, one of which must be Annual Conference during the two years prior to nomination;
  •  the candidate shall have represented a firm, partnership, corporation or other business entity selling at retail, goods that consist predominantly of used or recycled personal or household merchandise for a period of at least two years prior to nomination;
  • the candidate shall not hold a Partner membership;
  • the candidate shall not be an owner, co-owner, officer, partner, employee of—or in any way associated with—any firm, partnership, corporation or other business entity providing products or services to store members of this Corporation or to entities selling at retail, goods that consist predominantly of used or recycled personal or household merchandise;
  • the candidate shall have attained the age of majority as defined by the state of the persons' residence;
  • the candidate shall not have any conflict of interest with this corporation, as reasonably determined by a majority vote of the board of directors;
  • the candidate shall not, for a period of two years, have been an employee of, independent contractor of or professional advisor to this corporation for remuneration;
  • the candidate shall not, for a period of two years, have provided, directly or indirectly, any products or services to this corporation for remuneration;
  • the candidate shall not, for a period of two years, been a direct or indirect owner of any independent contractor to this corporation, any professional advisor of this corporation, or any entity which has provided products or services to this corporation for remuneration during such two-year period;
  • the candidate shall not, for a period of two years, have been a Board member of any other National resale association; and
  • one candidate only from the same related group of entities (ownership, franchise, or license) shall serve on the board.
  • The candidate shall not, during the five (5) years immediately preceding the close of nominations, have been subject to final written disciplinary action by NARTS for a substantiated violation of the NARTS Code of Ethics, Conference Policy and Disclaimer, or another conduct policy adopted by the Board of Directors. Final written disciplinary action includes a written warning, removal from an NARTS event or activity, restriction from future NARTS events or activities, censure, probation, suspension, or removal from membership.  An allegation, complaint, pending investigation, educational conversation, verbal warning, finding of insufficient evidence, or finding that no violation occurred shall not constitute disciplinary action under this provision.

What Does the Board Do?

The Board of Directors is responsible for governing the Association.

Its responsibilities include:

  • Establishing the strategic direction of NARTS
  • Approving the annual budget
  • Adopting and reviewing Board Policies
  • Ensuring compliance with the Bylaws
  • Providing oversight of the Association's finances
  • Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director and support staff
  • Planning for the future growth and success of NARTS

The Board governs the Association.  The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of NARTS.

Board Member Expectations

Board members are expected to:

  • Attend all Board meetings (in person or via Zoom)
  • Attend the Organizational Board Meeting
  • Prepare for meetings by reviewing agendas and supporting materials in advance
  • Participate in Board discussions
  • Serve on committees or task forces, as assigned
  • Participate in strategic planning
  • Vote on matters before the Board
  • Maintain confidentiality of Board discussions and information
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest
  • Support decisions of the Board once adopted
  • Represent NARTS professionally

Per the Bylaws, a Director who fails to attend one of any two consecutive Board meetings may be proposed for removal from the Board.  Regular attendance is an important part of Board service.

Time Commitment

Board service requires an ongoing commitment throughout the year.

In addition to scheduled Board meetings, Directors should expect to spend time reviewing Board materials, participating in committee work, responding to email discussions, and supporting Association initiatives.

Some months require a greater time commitment than others, particularly around budgeting, strategic planning, and major NARTS events.

Financial Commitment

Board members should be prepared for travel associated with Board meetings and NARTS events.

Board members are expected to maintain an active NARTS membership throughout their service.

 

Online Candidate Form

Each qualified candidate will be asked to submit via website:

  • Professional headshot
  • Candidate biography
  • Additional information requested for the Candidate Forum

Candidate biographies are published so voting members have the opportunity to learn about each candidate before casting their vote.

Each candidate is provided the same opportunity and the same amount of space to present their information.

Before You Submit Your Self-Nomination

Before completing the self-nomination form, please confirm that you have:

☐ Reviewed the Board qualifications

☐ Reviewed the Board responsibilities

☐ Reviewed the Board expectations

☐ Confirmed you are able to attend the Organizational Board Meeting in October/November

☐ Prepared your professional headshot

☐ Prepared your candidate biography

☐ Obtained your Primary Member recommendation letter, if required

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need someone to nominate me?  No. NARTS uses a self-nomination process. If you meet the qualifications, you may submit your own nomination.
  • How is eligibility determined?  After nominations close, every self-nomination is reviewed against the qualifications established in the NARTS Bylaws. Candidates meeting all requirements will be placed on the ballot and notified by August 1st.
  • Can I campaign for myself?  Candidates may share their interest in serving and encourage members to participate in the election. All communications should remain professional and reflect the values of NARTS.
  • How are winners determined?  Eligible members vote electronically. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected to the Board of Directors.
  • When does my Board service begin?  Newly elected Directors begin their Board service by attending the required Organizational Board Meeting in October/November in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 
  • What Bylaws pertain to the election?  See the attached Appendix at the end of this guide.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding Board service, qualifications, or the election process, please contact the NARTS office before submitting your self-nomination.  We appreciate your willingness to consider serving NARTS. Strong leadership comes from members who are willing to share their experience, work collaboratively, and help shape the future of our Association.

NARTS BYLAWS:

Candidates are encouraged to review the following sections of the NARTS Bylaws before submitting a self-nomination.

Section

Statement

Article I, Section 8

Organizational Meeting of the Board. Following the election, the newly elected Board convenes to elect officers.

Article I, Section 9

Regular Meetings of the Board. Attendance at Board meetings is expected. Directors who miss two consecutive meetings may be proposed for removal unless extenuating circumstances exist.

Article II, Section 1

Voting eligibility for Primary and Life Members and quorum requirements for membership meetings.

Article III,
Sections 1 through 4

Board election process, voting rights, election procedures, tie votes, uncontested elections, and self-nomination requirements.

Article IV, Section 1

Board composition, candidate qualifications, eligibility requirements, conflicts of interest, and conditions for serving as a Director.

Article IV, Section 2

Staggered Board elections and the number of seats elected each year.

Article IV, Section 3

How Board vacancies are filled if a Director leaves before completing a term.

Article IV, Sections 5 through 13

Authority and responsibilities of the Board, including election of officers, appointment of committees, governance responsibilities, and Board powers.

Article V, Sections 1 through 7

Responsibilities of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, reimbursement of officers, and committee oversight.

Article IX, Sections 2 through 4

Membership categories, dues requirements, and circumstances that may result in removal from membership.

Article XI, Section 1

Members are expected to adhere to the NARTS Code of Ethics.