Decision Making
Imagine an in-person gathering akin to the nail-biting nature of the NBA draft. Although there is no lottery advantage for any committee, some committees are given the opportunity to earn a top pick over others based on the competencies of the members rotating off. The process begins with a pertinent talk led by the ACR’s director of DEI, focusing on identifying unconscious bias. Afterward, the decision-making process commences.
Each reviewer has prepared slide decks that present the needs and competencies of the committees, the gaps identified as current members rotate off and the reviewer’s recommendations of candidates on the preliminary list. Here, spirited debates unfold around the standout contenders for each committee, their profiles brought to life with memorable excerpts from their applications.
The DEI director attends the discussion to help ensure decision making is unbiased. Representatives from the ACR staff serve as the unwavering backbone and hard drive throughout this process. These dedicated staff members are essential for maintaining continuity and efficiency.
The overarching goal is to strategically place applicants to create well-rounded committees that can effectively fulfill their roles within the College. A committee may face a scenario in which all of its private practice members are rotating off in a given year. In such cases, even if an application is outstanding, an individual may not be selected for that committee if they predominantly represent academia, especially if sufficient academicians are already on the current roster. There is also an emphasis on balancing various practice locations and settings within each committee to avoid clustering from just one geographic area, for example.
During these deliberations, reviewers occasionally exchange candidates when better alignment with another committee’s needs is identified. Noteworthy contenders not selected find themselves on an alternate or parking lot list of individuals identified to be recommended for other opportunities on subcommittees or committees with vacancies.
The Committee on Nominations & Appointments chair acts as a democratic and transformational leader, encouraging everyone’s voice and input and ensuring each reviewer has a platform to advocate for applicants. At each step, there is ongoing questioning about how to evolve the process for continuous improvement.
In Sum
When you are considering applying for a volunteer committee appointment, make sure you put your best foot forward. Be thorough in the information you include to demonstrate to the Committee on Nominations & Appointments that your skill set, knowledge, expertise and background align with the needs of the committee(s) to which you are applying. And, if you aren’t selected, don’t give up; there are countless, incredible opportunities to engage with the College.
