Get Involved! Members Help Shape USHJA Leadership

Now is an exciting time to be a USHJA Senior Active member helping to shape the USHJA leadership. As a member organization, we are pleased to serve at the direction of our volunteer leadership made up of members, and members play an important role in the identification of candidates for leadership positions.

In 2026, USHJA will have a Board of Directors election for five seats on the Board, and the first phase of that important process begins with you! Senior Active members may nominate candidates for Secretary/Treasurer and four Director At-Large seats from June 1 to June 30.  

Understanding USHJA Leadership StructureBOD_Comp_Icon.png

USHJA Leadership Composition and Selection

The term of service for these Board seats (Secretary/Treasurer and four Directors At-Large) is four years.

Candidates are nominated by members during the designated nomination period (June 1 to June 30), and the Nominating Committee uses these nominations to identify a recommended slate of candidates. 

After careful review of all nominees, the Nominating Committee recommends two individuals (where possible) for each open position on the Board of Directors. View the full election process here.

USHJA Board of Directors

The Board aims to be balanced in composition, consisting of individuals capable of providing non-equestrian related business experience, in addition to those with deep Hunter and Jumper discipline knowledge and experience.

Election Questions & Answers

Q. Does someone need to have prior governance experience or can anyone be nominated?

A. While prior governance experience is preferred for the Secretary/Treasurer and Director At-Large seats, it is not required. Any Senior Active/Competing USHJA member in good standing is eligible for nomination, provided they meet the criteria and qualifications outlined in the position’s job description and any specific seat requirements.

Q. When will nominations be announced?
A. Nominations remain confidential throughout the process. The final Nominating Committee-approved voting slate of candidates will be released in November.

Q. Can someone be nominated for multiple positions?
A. No. The Bylaws do not allow candidates to be considered for both National Officer (Secretary/Treasurer) and Director At-Large seats in the same election cycle.

Q. Can someone nominate themselves?
A. Yes. You may nominate yourself for a position, provided you meet the criteria and qualifications.