Volunteer With the AOC Foundation
Help Lead the Foundation’s Next Chapter
The AOC Educational Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter – and we’re looking for leaders who want to help shape it.
As part of a broader refresh of the Foundation’s bylaws and governing documents, we are taking a more intentional approach to the composition of the Foundation Board of Governors. We’re seeking experienced, committed leaders who can bring the expertise, perspectives, relationships, and passion needed to advance the Foundation’s mission and expand its impact.
The goal is simple: put the right people in the right seats to move the Foundation forward.
The Opportunity
Serving on the AOC Educational Foundation Board of Governors is an opportunity to help shape the Foundation's future and its impact across the EW and EMSO community.
Governors provide leadership, perspective, and stewardship as the Foundation expands educational opportunities, supports scholarships and workforce development, builds meaningful partnerships, strengthens philanthropic support, and invests in the next generation.
This is more than filling a seat on a board. We are building a group of leaders who are excited about what the Foundation can become and ready to help make that vision possible. The Foundation's long-term vision is to expand scholarships, strengthen workforce development initiatives, support educational opportunities throughout the EW and EMSO community, and build the philanthropic resources necessary to sustain and grow that impact for future generations. Governors will play a direct role in helping shape and achieve that vision.
Who We’re Looking For
There is no single profile for a great Foundation governor.
We are looking for individuals who bring a combination of professional experience, leadership, expertise, relationships, and a genuine commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
Prospective governors may bring strengths in areas such as philanthropy and fundraising, education and workforce development, industry and government relationships, strategic partnerships, nonprofit leadership, finance, governance, communications, or other areas that can help strengthen and grow the Foundation’s impact.
Most importantly, we are seeking people who are ready to engage, contribute, and help move the Foundation forward.
What Board Service Means
Foundation governors play an important role in providing strategic leadership and stewardship for the organization. Members of the Board of Governors are expected to actively contribute their knowledge, experience, ideas, and networks to support the Foundation’s priorities and long-term success.
Term Length
Governors normally serve three-year terms. As part of the transition to the new governance structure, Governors elected in 2026 will be assigned one-year, two-year, or three-year initial terms to establish a staggered election cycle. Following the transition period, all Governors will serve standard three-year terms.
Board Meetings
The Board of Governors typically meets four times annually. The meeting schedule is established each year by the Board and may include additional meetings as necessary to conduct Foundation business.
Committee Participation
Governors are expected to serve on at least one standing committee, task force, or working group and actively contribute to committee objectives and projects.
Fundraising and Philanthropic Support
Governors are expected to support the Foundation's fundraising efforts, donor development activities, sponsorship development, and other philanthropic initiatives. Governors serve as ambassadors for the Foundation and assist with relationship development, outreach, and stewardship activities.
Financial Commitment
For Fiscal Year 2027, Governors are expected to satisfy a $2,500 annual Give-or-Get commitment through personal giving, fundraising activities, sponsorship development, grant development support, or other Board-approved fundraising activities. The annual amount is established by the Board of Governors and may be adjusted in future years.
Officer Service
Officers are elected by the Board of Governors. During the transition year, officers will serve one-year terms ending December 31, 2027. Thereafter, officer elections will be conducted in accordance with the Foundation Bylaws.
Travel Expectations
Governors should be prepared to attend Board meetings, Foundation events, and other activities as requested by the Board. Travel obligations will vary based on committee assignments, leadership roles, and Foundation activities. The Foundation's travel reimbursement policies apply when authorized.
General Service Expectations
- Fulfill fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
- Maintain ethical conduct and comply with conflict-of-interest requirements.
- Support the Foundation's mission, strategic priorities, and educational programs.
- Remain actively engaged in Board and committee activities throughout the term of service.
How the Selection Process Works
Individuals interested in serving are invited to submit their information for consideration.
The current Foundation Board of Governors will review submissions and select individuals based on the Foundation’s current and future leadership needs, including the experience, expertise, perspectives, and capabilities each person can bring to the Board.
This is a selection process, not an election. Foundation governors are selected by the current Board of Governors and are not elected by the AOC membership.
Important Dates
Interest Period Opens: September 11
Submissions Due: October 9
Candidate Review Process: October-November
Board Selection: December 7
Selected Governors Notified: December 8-14
New Terms Begin: January 1, 2027
We encourage interested individuals to submit their information early and carefully review the expectations for Board service before doing so.
A Distinct Leadership Role
The AOC Educational Foundation Board of Governors and the AOC Board of Directors serve distinct but complementary purposes.
The membership elects the AOC Board of Directors to govern the Association. The Foundation Board of Governors is selected specifically to provide leadership and stewardship for the Foundation and its mission.
This distinction allows each organization to benefit from leaders intentionally aligned with its responsibilities, priorities, and future – while continuing to work toward the broader interests of the EW and EMSO community.
Ready to Make an Impact?
The Foundation’s next chapter will be shaped by the people willing to help lead it.
If you have the experience, ideas, relationships, and commitment to help advance the AOC Educational Foundation’s mission, we invite you to be considered for service on the Board of Governors.
Submissions must be received by October 9.
Questions?
For questions about the AOC Educational Foundation Board of Governors, Board service expectations, or the selection process, contact Larry Rzepka, AOC Foundation Director of Operations.
Your AOC Foundation Wants You!
The AOC Foundation needs your help! We are undergoing a “renaissance” – expanding our committee structures, investigating new outreach programs/projects, and increasing opportunities for AOC members and companies to get involved. Listed below are our current standing committees, along with a brief definition of their purpose.
If you are interested in joining one of our committees, please fill out the committee interest form. We will send out a copy of the committee charter for the area you are interested in and make ourselves available to answer your questions.
Volunteering is a great way to get even more value from your AOC membership!
AOC Foundation Scholarship Committee
Committee Purpose: To oversee and manage the association's scholarship program. This includes ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of scholarships, aligning the program with the association’s mission and values, and fostering academic and professional development among recipients.
AOC Foundation EMS/STEM Committee
Committee Purpose: To support and enhance electromagnetic STEM activities across the association’s chapters and provide resources, guidance, and collaboration to help chapters effectively plan, execute, and expand their EMS/STEM initiatives, ultimately advancing STEM education.
AOC Foundation Development Committee
Committee Purpose: The role of the Development Committee is to oversee the organization’s overall development and fundraising plan to include organizing, monitoring, and evaluating efforts by the Board to develop philanthropic revenue that ensures the organization’s financial ability to carry out its mission.
AOC Foundation Community Education Committee
Committee Purpose: Expand our information and networking efforts supporting our chapters, their communities, and potential employers/employees through university, mission-related organizations and museum partnerships showcasing the unique history/importance of electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations.