Board Nominations

Help shape the future of the Suzuki Association of the Americas

Why serve on the SAA Board

Serving on the SAA Board of Directors is an opportunity to help shape the future of Suzuki education across the Americas. Board members work together to guide the organization’s strategic direction, strengthen the global Suzuki community, and ensure that the philosophy and practice of Suzuki education continue to thrive for generations of learners.

Through board service, members have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the future of music education and the Suzuki movement
• Collaborate with leaders from across the Americas
• Help expand access to high-quality music education for children and families
• Support innovation and growth within the SAA community
• Bring their professional expertise to an organization dedicated to nurturing human potential through music

Board service is both a meaningful act of leadership and a chance to participate in a community committed to learning, connection, and the development of every child.

About the Board of Directors

The Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) Board of Directors provides leadership, stewardship, and strategic guidance for our organization and the communities we serve across the Americas.

Our Board is composed of members of the Association who are elected by Active Members of the SAA, as well as a small number of appointed members whose expertise supports the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. Together, the Board brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to help advance Suzuki education and strengthen our global community.

The Board plays a critical role in shaping the future of the SAA. Directors steward the organization’s mission, support its strategic vision, and help ensure that Suzuki education continues to thrive for generations of teachers, families, and learners.
We welcome nominations throughout the year and conduct a formal nomination and election process annually. Candidates may be nominated by others or self-nominated. Directors are elected for three-year terms. Bylaws and Board Governance policies can be found at this link.

Nominations Process

The Board of Directors seeks nominations from those interested in supporting the SAA and its commitment to the Suzuki philosophy. Board members will support the SAA in reaching the goals listed in its Strategic Plan. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please read below in full to understand the organization’s needs and goals for the near future.

Our Mission:

To foster strong communities across the Americas through the advancement of Suzuki music education, driven by innovation, connection, and personal excellence.

Our Vision:

A better world, one learner at a time.

Our Values

Nurturing Environment, Pursuit of Mastery, Inclusive Belonging, Service & Stewardship, Connection through Music

Our Strategic priorities

Our key areas of focus include: teacher development, member outreach, engagement events, community building, brand awareness, and governance. Board members play an essential role in advancing these priorities.

Board Members We Seek

We seek Board Members able to support us in reaching the goals listed in our Strategic Plan outlined above. In order to do so, we ask that applicants offer:

• A deep commitment, passion, and belief in the Suzuki philosophy, music education, and a more diverse and inclusive music education field
• Experience in leadership, governance, promoting brand awareness, or strategic planning
• Expertise in fundraising, philanthropy, corporate sponsorship, or foundation partnerships
• Skills in business operations such as law, marketing, communications, finance, or human resources
• Connections to national or international organizations or entities that support arts education and which may uplift and share the SAA vision and Suzuki philosophy
• Experience strengthening community engagement and inclusive belonging
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work with fellow board members in service of the mission

Board Member Commitments:

• Participating in four virtual board meetings per year (approximately 2.5 hours each)
• Attending the board retreat held each year at the SAA Leadership Summit or Biennial Conference
• Contributing 2–4 hours per month on average to board and committee work
• Serving on at least one board committee, which meets monthly
• Supporting the financial health of the organization through a meaningful annual gift. 100% of Board Members give to the SAA.
• Serving as an ambassador for the SAA and Suzuki philosophy

nomination process

Nominations may be submitted by SAA members or through self-nomination. To nominate yourself or another candidate, please complete the Board Nomination Form.

The form, linked below, requests:

• Basic contact information
• A short biography or résumé
• A brief description of the nominee’s interest in board service and relevant experience

Before completing the form, please review the SAA Bylaws and Governance Policies..

Timeline for 2026 Nominations

• April 30
  • Nomination forms due
• May
  • Candidate interviews conducted by the Nominating Committee
• May/June
  • Voting by SAA Active Members
• July
  • Election results announced at the Annual General Meeting scheduled July 21, 2026
• August
  • New board member orientation and onboarding

A Note on Board Selection

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities and current board needs. Submission of a nomination form does not guarantee placement on the ballot.