Call for Nominations for Board of Directors
Serving on the AEF Board is an opportunity to help shape the future of equestrian sport and horse welfare across the province.
Are you passionate about horses, community, and making a meaningful impact in Alberta? The Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is now accepting nominations for volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors.
Board members play a vital role in advancing AEF’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities, while contributing their skills, experience, and perspective to guide the organization forward.
AEF values diverse voices and welcomes nominations from individuals across all regions of Alberta. You do not need to be a horse owner or active equestrian to serve; what matters most is a genuine passion for equines and the people who support them. Experience from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds strengthens our governance and leadership.
Strategic Skills & Experience of Interest
In alignment with AEF’s current strategic plan, the Nominations Committee is particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Membership Growth & Engagement
- Communications or community outreach experience
- Knowledge of member recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies
Fundraising & Revenue Development
- Fund development experience (major gifts, sponsorship, planned giving)
- Connections within corporate, philanthropic, or equestrian sectors
- Understanding of grant-making and stewardship practices
Government & Advocacy Relations
- Background in public policy, government relations, or regulatory affairs
- Understanding of Government of Alberta processes and key relationships
- Strong advocacy and diplomacy skills
Other Desirable Experience
- Legal or regulatory expertise (nonprofit law, sport regulation, contracts)
- Equestrian industry knowledge (valuable but not required)
- Rural or regional representation
- Youth development or leadership experience, as AEF continues to explore how to support next-generation leadership
Key Dates & Details
Nominations open: January 9, 2026
Nomination deadline: February 13, 2026
Submission: Completed nomination forms must be submitted via the online form below. Alternately, a completed pdf can be emailed to info@albertaequestrian.com.
Voting for Directors takes place electronically in advance of the AEF Annual General Meeting (AGM). Successful nominees will be announced at the AGM, and all nominees will be contacted, regardless of the outcome.
To learn more about the role, expectations, and nomination process, please read more below. The nomination application follows.
Requirements of the AEF Board of Directors
(Elected Officers of the Alberta Equestrian Federation)
Directors of the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Directors shall fulfill all requirements of the Alberta Societies Act, be permanent residents of Alberta, and be at least 18 years of age.
- Directors must commit to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including appropriate use of authority and professional decorum when acting as Board members.
- Directors must represent an unconflicted loyalty to the interests of AEF members. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalties to advocacy groups, stakeholders, or other organizations.
- Directors are selected based on their demonstrated ability to contribute meaningfully to AEF leadership and to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities.
Terms of Service
- The AEF Board consists of up to 12 Volunteer Directors, plus the President’s Suite (Current, President-Elect, and Past President).
- Directors serve three-year terms, to a maximum of two consecutive terms (six years total).
- Directors must stand for election at the conclusion of each term.
Role and Responsibilities of Directors
Directors are collectively responsible for:
- Ongoing evaluation of the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
- Oversight of progress toward AEF’s strategic objectives.
- Community, stakeholder, and member engagement.
- Continuous evaluation of programs and services to best serve the membership.
- Financial oversight, due diligence, and support of fundraising initiatives.
- Board governance and self-maintenance, including recruitment and orientation of new directors.
Director Commitments
Directors are expected to:
- Attend a minimum of 60% of scheduled Board meetings (typically 6-8 meetings per year).
- Participate on standing and ad hoc committees as required.
- Actively engage in internal and external events, including fundraising, member and non-member activities, and relevant meetings.
- Report back to the Board on activities undertaken on behalf of AEF.
- Be accessible and responsive to email, voicemail, and web-based communications.
- Positively support and advance the aims and objectives of AEF.
- Comply with the AEF Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Governance Manual, and policies.
Tentative 2026 Board Meeting Schedule
- March 26 – AGM (Zoom)
- April 26 – In person
- June 18 – Zoom
- September 19 – In person
- November 5 – Zoom
Core Competencies Sought on the Board
The AEF Board strives to reflect a balance of the following competencies:
- Business and financial acumen.
- Strong communication and community relations.
- Financial management and oversight experience.
- Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and human resource frameworks.
- Governance experience.
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
Time Commitment
Board members must commit sufficient time to:
- Attend Board meetings (majority held via Zoom; two in person per year).
- Participate in committee work.
- Attend and support fundraising initiatives and events.
- Engage with members, partners, and stakeholders as required.
Eligibility, Application, and Selection Process
Please note: Nominations are not accepted at the AEF Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Elected nominees must attend the AEF AGM via Zoom on March 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to stand for election, a nominee must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be an AEF member at the time the nomination is submitted.
- Be nominated by an AEF member (and accept the nomination), or self-nominate by submitting a completed nomination form, including a brief biography and photo (suitable to share with the membership).
Nomination Process
- Nominations will be accepted until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Online nomination form must be complete and submitted, including a JPEG or PNG photo (minimum 150 kb). Preferred method
- Alternately, a pdf nomination form can be completed and submitted by email, and including a JPEG or PNG photo (minimum 150 kb).
- Incomplete nomination forms will not be accepted.
- The AEF Nominations Committee will review submissions and conduct interviews with selected nominees.
- The Committee will recommend a slate of candidates to the Board based on the nomination criteria.
- AEF voting members will vote electronically prior to the AGM.