Council roles and duties

The President serves several vital roles at the AAG. As chair of the Council, the President calls Council meetings each year and, in partnership with the Executive Director, presides over them. The President also provides leadership through themes and speeches at the Annual Meeting, attends Regional Division meetings, and contributes regular newsletter columns. Often, the President joins or convenes task forces or committees dealing with topics of interest or concern. These leadership efforts help guide and steer the strategic direction of the organization.

The President also partners with the Executive Director in critical functions. Both leaders work together to convene and manage the agenda for Executive Committee and Council meetings; prioritize responses to emerging issues and crises within the AAG and in the world; and ensure fairness, transparency, and balance in all AAG activities, statements, and partnerships. These two positions bring multifaceted experience to the many leadership aspects required to guide the AAG as a team. The necessary skills and experiences for the President thus include a deep understanding of the history and trajectory of Geography, ability to responsibly manage budgets and steward assets, and a vision to guide the organization’s future. 

Overview and Mandate

The AAG President leads the Council and works collaboratively with Councilors and the Executive Director (ED) to advance the mission and vision of the AAG. 
The President will: 

• Represent the collective voices of Councilors and act as spokesperson for the Council 
• Speak to members, the Council and volunteer leaders on issues related to Council decisions, Council accountability, and the governance of the organization 
• Ensure that the Council and staff remain transparent in their processes and actions, and are accountable to the organization 

• Act as an AAG ambassador by supporting AAG communications and advocacy efforts when required 

The President is not an executive of the AAG in the sense that the President is not responsible for the operational management of any aspect of the AAG’s business.  

Term of Office

The President shall be elected At-Large. The term of office for the AAG Council President is one year.  If the Vice President (VP) runs for President, they run unopposed except for write-in votes.  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume all responsibilities of a Councilor 
  • See the National Council Member Position Description 
• Act as an AAG ambassador by supporting AAG communications and advocacy efforts when required 
• Ensure that the Council hires and manages the performance of the ED 
  • Ensure that the Council provides the ED with performance goals, accountability criteria, resources, advice, and guidelines 
  • Ensure that the Council collectively provide an environment for the ED that is supportive and motivating 
  • Ensure that the Council supports the ED in the process of strategic planning 
• Execute AAG-specific responsibilities at the in-person Annual Meeting 
  • Presidential Plenary and up to three Annual Meeting themes 
  • Attendance at Past Presidents’ Breakfast 
  • Geography Bowl – welcomes participants 
  • Awards Gala – welcomes participants 
  • Additional hosting of keynote speakers or special AAG guests (optional) 
  • Duties may vary in the case of a hybrid or virtual meeting 
• Attend Regional Division Meetings in coordination with VP and Past President 
• Author 10 newsletter columns 
• Chair Effective Council Meetings 
  • Conduct meetings in accordance with the governing policies of the AAG 
  • Ensure that meeting agendas are focused on advancing the organizational goals and objectives and items are dealt with in an efficient and orderly manner 
  • Ensure a fair, strategic, and professional discussion 
  • Ensure that all Councilors who wish to address the Council at its meetings are afforded a reasonable opportunity to do so 
  • Encourage collective decisions and consensus amongst Councilors, especially where Councilors may express conflicting positions, views, or counsel 
  • Maintain order during meetings, establish an adjournment time, and prioritize items for discussion 
  • Ensure that discussions at the Council meetings are focused on the Council making the best decision for the AAG 
  • Request any “conflicted” Councilor to excuse themselves from all discussion of the related matter by leaving the room 
  • Assist with onboarding and orienting new Councilors 
• Foster a positive culture in the Council  
  • The President sets a high standard for Councilors conduct by modelling, articulating, and enforcing the rules of conduct found in the AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy and Procedures, especially rules relating to behavior, conflicts of interest and confidentiality. The President makes all reasonable efforts to promote and support a positive Council culture, so that: 
    • The Council upholds fiduciary duty to AAG and the profession as a whole 
    • The Council accepts its accountability for the performance of the AAG 
    • The Council and the ED embody the highest level of integrity and honesty 
    • Respect and trust are developed amongst Council members 
    • Information is shared with Council members in an open and timely way 
    • Councilors understand and observe the right of every Councilors to respectfully hold and express dissenting opinions 
    • Council members demonstrate a genuine commitment to good governance practices 
    • Council members demonstrate a desire to function as a high-performing team 
    • Council members act as AAG ambassadors with members and stakeholders, supporting AAG advocacy efforts when required 
• Oversee Council Committee Matters 
  • Report on Council activities to the AAG membership 
  • Ensure that there is appropriate succession/risk mitigation planning for the ED 
    • Serve as coach and mentor to the Vice President 
• Enforce Council member performance management and accountability as needed 
  • Perform other functions as the Council members may specify from time to time

Committee Assignments

• Executive Committee 
• Standing Committee on Disciplinary and Eligibility Matters for AAG Members, which adjudicates formal complaints relating to member conduct 
• Establish or join committees or task forces (optional) 

Knowledge and Experience (learned as VP)

• AAG’s vision, mission, values, bylaws, and governance policies 
• Deep understanding of the professional, institutional, policy and community context in which AAG operates to oversee the impact of change 
• Champion AAG’s Professional Code of Conduct 
• Effective practices in association governance 
• Rules of order for the conduct of meetings 
• Familiarity with directorships and their requirements, both legal and statutory 
• Experience with Councils or Boards  
• Experience in the facilitation, motivation, evaluation, and leadership of a Council   

Leadership Qualities

• Personal integrity and professionalism 
• Adherence to AAG’s Professional Code of Conduct 
• Commitment to AAG and the profession/discipline of Geography 
• Impartiality, objectivity, and credibility 
• Confidence, transparency, and empathy 
• Respect of members, fellow Councilors, and the discipline 
• Champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Ability to lead strategically, create consensus, and mediates conflicts

Level of Effort

The President is expected to participate in all Executive Committee meetings (3 or so virtual meetings of approx. 90 minutes each) as well as Council Meetings (approx. 3-4 per year, virtual and in-person). In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The President is also expected to travel to one or more Regional Division meetings and participate in the AAG Annual Meeting, covering the duties described in par. 3. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG. The President is also required to submit 10 Newsletter columns during the course of their tenure. 

Overview and Mandate

The Vice President of the Council serves on the Council and acts as Chair of the Council either in the absence of the President, or as requested by the President. The Vice President carries out certain additional leadership duties, within reason, relating to the functioning, responsibilities, and effectiveness of the AAG Council, as requested by the President.

The Vice President is a member of Council and works closely with the President. The Vice President is not responsible for the operational management of any aspect of AAG’s business and is therefore not an executive of the AAG.

Term of Office

The Vice President shall be elected At-Large. The term of office for the AAG Council Vice President is one year.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the President, as appropriate, in fulfilling all responsibilities described within the AAG Council President Position Description
• Attend meetings with the President as required
• Provide advice and counsel to the President as requested
• Chair a portion of Council meetings from time to time as assigned by the President
• Act as the key point of contact with the ED in the President’s absence or incapacity and perform the responsibilities of the President when the President is unavailable
• Participate in training alongside President
• Annual and Regional Meeting Responsibilities
  • Chair the Department Chairs’ Luncheon at the Annual Meeting
  • Attend Regional Meetings in coordination with President and Past-President
  • Attend Past Presidents’ breakfast at Annual Meeting
  • Attend Awards Gala
  • Attend AAG Business Meeting

Committee Assignments

• Executive Committee
• Standing Committee on Disciplinary and Eligibility Matters for AAG Members, which adjudicates formal complaints relating to member conduct

Knowledge, Experience and Leadership Qualities

The Vice President is expected to have knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities similar to those of the President—or an ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time.

Level of Effort

The Vice President is expected to participate in all Executive Committee meetings (3 or so virtual meetings of approx. 90 minutes each) as well as Council Meetings (approx. 3-4 per year, virtual and in-person). In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The Vice President is also expected to travel to one or more Regional Division meetings and participate in the AAG Annual Meeting. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG.

Overview and Mandate

National Councilors are expected to bring the perspectives of US-based AAG members to the AAG Council, thus allowing the AAG to better serve the needs and interests of its members by directly hearing their voices and concerns via the AAG’s governing body.

Term of Office

National Councilors shall be elected at-large. The term of office for AAG National Councilors is three years.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

National Councilors will participate in the governance of the AAG by upholding their fiduciary duty to the AAG and the discipline. National Councilors will be committed to good governance practices and will act as ambassadors with members and stakeholders, supporting AAG programs and efforts when required.

National Councilors are AAG members whose institutions are located in an existing AAG Regional Division. 

Committee Membership

• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Publications Committee (Co)Chair; or
• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Treasurer; or
• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Secretary; or
• Can volunteer to serve as Council Liaison to one of several AAG Committees, as vacancies occur. (Councilors can serve in only one of the above-listed committee roles during their term.) 

Knowledge, Experience and Leadership Qualities

• AAG’s mission, vision, values, and core services
• Active participation in AAG functions, including but not limited to AAG standing committees and specialty or affinity groups
• Knowledge of and commitment to the discipline of geography
• Familiarity with AAG publications, events, professional development resources, awards, and other member benefits
• Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Adherence to AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy

Level of Effort

All AAG Councilors are expected to attend all AAG Council meetings (usually 3-4 meetings per year, some in-person inside the U.S., some virtual) without unexcused absences. In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The National Councilor is expected to participate in the AAG Annual Meeting, as one of the in-person Council meetings is held immediately before the start of the AAG Annual Meeting. Council-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG.

Overview and Mandate

The International Councilor is expected to bring the perspective of non-US resident AAG members to the AAG Council, thus allowing the AAG to better serve the needs and interests of international members by directly hearing their voices and concerns via the AAG’s governing body.   

Term of Office

The International Councilor shall be elected at-large. The term of office for the AAG International Councilor is three years.  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

This position is expected to foster international collaboration more effectively in regular academic research, during the AAG’s meetings and events, and in support of the AAG’s strategic goals.  

The International Councilor is an AAG member whose institution is located outside existing AAG Regional Divisions and whose primary appointment is not at an overseas branch of a U.S. institution.  

Committee Membership

Serves as Council Liaison to the AAG International Research and Scholarly Exchange Committee. 

Knowledge, Experience and Leadership Qualities

• Have been an AAG member for at least 2 years by the time they run for election.  
• Have participated in at least 2 of the last 5 Annual Meetings (in person or virtually).  

• Active participation in AAG functions, including but not limited to AAG standing committees, specialty or affinity groups can serve in lieu of Annual Meeting participation.  
• Knowledge of and commitment to the discipline of geography. 
• Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Adherence to AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy.   

Level of Effort

All AAG Councilors are expected to attend all four annual AAG Council meetings (some are held in-person inside the U.S., some are virtual) without unexcused absences. In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The International Councilor will receive accommodation for their more remote location by being allowed to attend more of the yearly AAG Council meetings virtually but should plan to attend at least one in-person Council meeting each year. 

Overview and Mandate

Student Councilors are expected to bring the perspectives of US-based AAG student members to the AAG Council, thus allowing the AAG to better serve the needs and interests of its student members by directly hearing their voices and concerns via the AAG’s governing body.

Term of Office

Student Councilors shall be elected at-large. The term of office for AAG Student Councilors is two years. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Student Councilors will participate in the governance of the AAG by upholding their fiduciary duty to the AAG and the discipline. Student Councilors will be committed to good governance practices and will act as ambassadors with members and stakeholders, supporting AAG programs and efforts when required.

Student Councilors are AAG members whose institutions are located in an existing AAG Regional Division. 

Committee Membership

• Can volunteer to serve as Council Liaison to one of several AAG Committees, as vacancies occur. 

Knowledge, Experience and Leadership Qualities

• AAG’s mission, vision, values, and core services
• Active participation in AAG functions, including but not limited to AAG standing committees and specialty or affinity groups
• Knowledge of and commitment to the discipline of geography
• Familiarity with AAG publications, events, professional development resources, awards, and other member benefits
• Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Adherence to AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy 

Level of Effort

All AAG Councilors are expected to attend all AAG Council meetings (usually 3-4 meetings per year, some in-person inside the U.S., some virtual) without unexcused absences. In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The Student Councilor is expected to participate in the AAG Annual Meeting, as one of the in-person Council meetings is held immediately before the start of the AAG Annual Meeting. Council-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG.

Overview and Mandate

Regional Councilors are expected to bring the perspectives of Regional Division members to the AAG Council, thus allowing the AAG to better serve the needs and interests of its members by directly hearing their voices and concerns via the AAG’s governing body.  

Term of Office

Regional Councilors shall be elected by AAG members in their Region. The term of office for AAG Regional Councilors is three years.  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Regional Councilors will participate in the governance of the AAG by upholding their fiduciary duty to the AAG and the discipline. Regional Councilors will be committed to good governance practices and will act as ambassadors with members and stakeholders, supporting AAG programs and efforts when required. 
• Regional Councilors are AAG members whose institutions are located in an existing AAG Regional Division. 
• Regional Councilors provide an annual report to the AAG Council on the status of departments within their region.  
• They also make reports back to their division (possibly via the division news, or at the business meeting of the division’s annual meeting) concerning activities and issues facing the AAG. 
• Regional Division Councilors should maintain close contact with their division president.  
• Regional Division Councilors should attend the annual (in-person or virtual) Regional Division Chairs/Presidents Meeting (a.k.a. the President’s Cabinet) where the AAG President, Executive Director, and some AAG staff share relevant organizational news and receive updates or requests from the Regional representatives. 

Committee Membership

• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Publications Committee (Co)Chair; or 
• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Treasurer; or 
• Can volunteer to serve as AAG Secretary; or 
• Can volunteer to serve as Council Liaison to one of several AAG Committees, as vacancies occur. (Regional Councilors can serve in only one of the above-listed committee roles during their term.)

Knowledge, Experience and Leadership Qualities

• AAG’s mission, vision, values, and core services 
• Active participation in AAG Regional Division functions such as division meetings or governance  
• Participation in AAG standing committees and specialty or affinity groups 
• Knowledge of and commitment to the discipline of geography 
• Familiarity with AAG publications, events, professional development resources, awards, and other member benefits 
• Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Adherence to AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy

Level of Effort

All AAG Councilors are expected to attend all four annual AAG Council meetings (some are held in-person inside the U.S., some are virtual) without unexcused absences. In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. Regional Councilors are also expected to participate in the AAG Annual Meeting, as one of the in-person Council meetings is held immediately before the start of the AAG Annual Meeting. Council-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG.  

Overview and Mandate

The Past President serves on the Council and carries out additional duties, within reason, relating to the functioning, responsibilities, and effectiveness of the AAG Council, as requested by the President. 

The Past President is not responsible for the operational management of any aspect of AAG’s business and is therefore not an executive of the AAG.   

Term of Office

The term of the Past President is one year.  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• All responsibilities of an AAG Councilor and member. 
• Assist president as requested. 
• Attend Past Presidents’ Breakfast at Annual Meeting. 
• Attend Regional meetings in coordination with President and Vice President. 
• Attend AAG’s annual business meeting. 
• Attend Awards Gala. 
• Select AAG Presidential Achievement Award and host recognition celebration. 
• Deliver Past President’s address. 

Committee Assignments

• Executive Committee 
• Standing Committee on Disciplinary and Eligibility Matters for AAG Members, which adjudicates formal complaints relating to member conduct.

Level of Effort

All AAG Councilors are expected to attend all AAG Council meetings (usually 3-4 meetings per year, some in-person inside the U.S., some virtual) without unexcused absences. In-person Council meetings usually run for 2 days, virtual meetings take approx. 5 hours each. The Past President is expected to participate in the AAG Annual Meeting, as one of the in-person Council meetings is held immediately before the start of the AAG Annual Meeting. Council-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the AAG.