Board FAQs

Are you interested in joining the board of directors but not sure if it’s a good fit? Here are the answers to your questions!

Who can be nominated or elected to the CACVT Board of Directors? 

Any CACVT member (professionals, retired, students, and associates) can nominate someone—or themselves! — for the board of directors. Board members use a matrix to ensure there is diverse representation of the many aspects of veterinary medicine, as well as skill sets, here in Colorado. One of the areas we look at is career length, so even if you have only been an RVT for 6 months or are a seasoned RVT with 16 years of experience, we want your input! 

What about non-RVTs? We recognize the value of having an outside perspective on the board to help in key areas and encourage you to nominate a DVM, CVPM, or someone you feel is a true champion of RVTs. There are limitations, however, to the number of non-RVTs on the board, as we want to truly represent our members.

What is the process?

Once we have received a nomination, the Board Development Committee reviews the application and contacts the potential candidate. The Board Development Committee presents a slate of nominees to the board for approval, and then our members vote during the month of March. New board members—known as directors—are announced at the Annual Membership Meeting. New directors begin their training in late June/early July to begin their board term on July 1st. Each term is 2 years, with the option to renew for an additional term for a total of 4 years. During a board member’s term, they will be eligible to move from a director role into an officer role such as President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer. Specific training and mentorship is offered for board directors interested in officer positions.

What does the board do?

The board of directors is the formal governing body responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of CACVT. The board’s purpose is to ensure that CACVT’s vision, mission, and fiscal health are being maintained and fulfilled. It’s a fun and exciting opportunity to work with colleagues to advance the career opportunities for veterinary technicians! 

The following is the overall role of the board of directors:

• • Set mission, purpose, and strategic direction – this happens annually during a facilitated meeting where collaboration and innovative ideas are encouraged!
  • Selection, support, and evaluation of the Executive Director 
  • Approve new or revised policies and ensure compliance
  • Update and revise board governance documents, as needed
  • Monitor, support, evaluate, and strengthen member programs, activities, and services
  • Ensure adequate financial resources for the organization to fulfill its mission
  • Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight
  • Build a competent, engaged, and effective board
  • Ensure legal and ethical integrity
  • Enhance the organization’s public standing
  • Represent the body of credentialed veterinary technicians in the state of Colorado

You may be wondering, how does CACVT support new board members? Once new directors are elected by their peers, they start off in a director role the first year and have the option to move into an officer role after the first year. We have strong orientation and mentorship programs to ensure all directors coming onto the board feel comfortable in their roles and empowered to voice their viewpoints. We are proud of our collegial, supportive atmosphere!

It’s important to remember it’s not all on you! You will be working with your fellow board members to ensure a strong organization. Many past board members recall their tenure on the board as a wonderful experience where they grew as veterinary technicians and made lifelong connections.

When does the board meet?

The board meets every 3 months for about 2 hours and occasionally more often as needed. The preparation time for meetings is 1–2 hours, depending on the good work the board is doing. Each board member is also required to be a part of a committee, which can add 2–4 hours per month depending on the committee. Here are some examples of our committees:

• • Finance committee: Reviews CACVT financials monthly, makes recommendations on budget items and financial policies
  • Board Development committee: plans development activities to ensure the board is constantly learning and growing and facilitates the nominations and election process
  • Member Engagement committee: works to ensure superb member benefits and to plan CACVT events, such as the Spring Conference
  • Advocacy committee: work with fellow board members and CACVT members to plan advocacy activities, represent RVTs to affiliate organizations, and work on initiatives such as the Veterinary Practice Act Sunset Review

Board members also represent CACVT at events, including our CE opportunities, and occasionally at affiliate organization events. The biggest commitment is the Spring Conference, held annually at the end of April or early May.

Where does this all happen?

Typically, the board meets via Zoom or in person. Occasionally, meetings coincide with events and are located in the Denver metro area. CACVT provides reimbursement for certain travel expenses depending on where you live.