Applications for the 2027-2029 biennium open in September 2026

Sigma elects both board and non-board positions each biennium. These international positions offer wonderful opportunities to contribute your leadership, governance, and networking skills to advance Sigma’s global mission for nursing and healthcare. 

Experienced Sigma members with several years of leadership and service at the regional or international level may consider seeking a position on the Sigma International Board of Directors, such as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President-Elect. 

Several non-board leadership positions are also open, including the Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, and Regional Coordinators. Learn more about duties for all positions »

Leadership Resources

Download the leadership preparation self-assessment »

General Qualifications for All Positions

To volunteer at the international level, you must be an active, dues paying Sigma member. Ideal candidates have also served as a volunteer within Sigma and other organizations.

Anyone seeking an elected position must be able to meet the following requirements/standards:

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of Sigma.
  • Have a history of Sigma leadership at the chapter, regional, or committee, advisory council, or task force level.
  • Act consistently with Sigma governance documents.
  • Prepare for, attend, and participate in board or committee meetings by thoroughly reading and reviewing all meeting materials prior to the meetings.
  • Share one’s individual perspective but arrive at consensus with the board or committee.
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and humility in decision-making processes.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of board or committee proceedings.
  • Respect the interests of members, chapters, and Sigma.
  • Represent Sigma in a professional manner; act as an ambassador, actively supporting the organization.
  • Demonstrate workable English skills for written and verbal communication.


International Board of Directors

The Sigma Board of Directors is responsible for managing Sigma’s business and corporate affairs. The board consists of the chief executive officer and 11 voting members, which includes the President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, and five Directors.  

In addition to the requirements above, members seeking a position on the Sigma International Board of Directors must be ready and able to:

  • Hold a role that has a fiduciary responsibility to serve consistently within the best interests of Sigma.
  • Understand nonprofit governance and uphold the financial and legal responsibilities of board members.
  • Participate in Sigma conferences and other programs as needed.
  • Work with the BOD and the Sigma Chief Executive Officer to achieve the organization's aims.
  • Serve on additional standing committees or task forces as appointed.
  • Encourage participation in philanthropy to support Sigma’s programs.
  • Serve as a representative of the BOD, which may include, but is not limited to, chapter chartering ceremonies.
  • Determine the qualifications, conditions of employment, and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the employment and administration of other staff personnel.


Former Sigma President Sandra Bibb helping adjust presidential chain around President Liz Westcott.

President-elect/President

Serving a two-year term, the president-elect becomes the president at the end of their term. This position is required to learn the work of the president; represent the president and Sigma as needed; and serve as a member of the Executive Committee and the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee.

Vice President

Serving a two-year term, this individual also serves as a member of the Executive Committee and the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee. The vice president performs the duties of the president in the president's or president-elect's absence.



Treasurer

Serving a four-year term, the treasurer is the corporate treasurer and serves as a key resource in matters of finance. This individual also serves as a member of the Executive Committee and is chair of the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee.

Directors

Serving a four-year term, the five directors provide expertise in policy and governance, deliberate issues before the board, and exercise and engage in decision-making that is beneficial to Sigma.

Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee (RCCC) Chair

Serving a two-year term*, the RCCC Chair serves as a liaison between the Sigma Board of Directors and Regional Coordinators.

*Note that the House of Delegates (HOD) will consider a proposal in 2027 to extend this to a four-year term. 2027 candidates must be willing to serve either a two- or four-year term depending on HOD action.

Karen Gorton and Elizabeth Rosser taking oath of office for the Board of Directors in 2025.

Meet the 2023-2025 Board of Directors »


Non-Board Leadership Positions

Sigma members can also volunteer to serve on elected international committees or represent a Sigma region.

Governance Committee

Members of this committee serve either two- or four-year terms. There are seven committee members: two from the previous committee, two who serve a four-year term, and three who serve a two-year term. The Governance Committee oversees bylaws, chapter development, and eligibility issues.

Leadership Succession Committee

Members of this committee serve either two- or four-year terms. There are 10 committee members: three from the previous committee, three who serve a four-year term, and four who serve a two-year term. The LSC develops members in leadership roles, selects nominees, and prepares the biennial ballot.
 

Regional Coordinators

Serving a two-year term, Regional Coordinators provide leadership that establishes and maintains communication and networking among chapters and regional committee members. As members of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, Regional Coordinators lead the regional committee and collaborate with Sigma headquarters staff.

 

Questions?

The Leadership Succession Committee helps Sigma members prepare for leadership roles in the organization. If you have any questions about volunteering internationally for Sigma, email the Sigma Leadership Succession Committee.