AGA Governing Board Attributes and Competencies
The following represents the key attributes and competencies of an effective AGA Governing Board member.
AGA seeks individuals who will bring enthusiasm, a deep commitment and experience both in AGA and other organizational environments to serve on AGA’s governing board.
Below are descriptions of the competencies and attributes that AGA values in prospective candidates.
AGA Governing Board Competencies
A competency for AGA Governing Board members refers to a demonstrated skill, behavior, or capability that enables effective performance in governance roles. Competencies reflect how members apply their knowledge, judgment, and leadership to advance AGA’s mission and strategic objectives.
Future Focused Thinker
Anticipates emerging trends and potential challenges, proactively developing strategies to address future needs.
Effective Collaborator
Collaborates effectively with others, fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose to achieve organizational objectives.
Effective Decision Maker
Makes thoughtful, data-informed decisions through comprehensive analysis and balanced consideration of all relevant factors.
Strong Relationship Builder
Cultivates and sustains meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, ensuring their insights and needs are integrated into decision-making.
Innovator
Embraces innovation by actively exploring new ideas and approaches to enhance organizational performance and impact.
Effective Policy Advocate
Demonstrates deep understanding of government and policy landscapes, skillfully advocating for the organization’s mission and priorities.
Experienced Volunteer Leader
Brings a track record of meaningful committee engagement and leadership, consistently contributing to successful outcomes.
Skilled Problem Solver
Proactively identifies challenges and implements practical, results-oriented solutions with efficiency and clarity.
Entrepreneurial
Exhibits an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating success in initiating, developing, and executing innovative projects or ventures.
AGA Governing Board Attributes
An attribute for AGA Governing Board members refers to a core personal quality or characteristic that reflects the values and behavioral expectations desired in those serving on the board. These traits are foundational to how members conduct themselves and interact with others, shaping their leadership presence and governance contributions.
Ethical
Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all professional decisions and interactions.
Courage to Express Dissent
Communicates differing viewpoints with confidence and respect, constructively challenging established norms to foster growth.
Compassionate Listener
Demonstrates empathy and attentive listening, creating a space where individuals feel genuinely heard and understood.
Strategic Mindset
Exhibits strategic foresight by aligning decisions and actions with long-term goals and broader organizational objectives.
Organizational Savvy
Effectively navigates complex organizational environments, leveraging internal knowledge and dynamics to drive impactful outcomes.
Global Mindset
Values and integrates diverse perspectives, demonstrating cultural awareness and insight into global trends.
Connectivity
Actively mentors and supports emerging leaders, cultivating a culture of innovation, development, and collaboration.
AGA diversity statement
Leadership experience
Governing board service requires an understanding of AGA’s vision and mission and the digestive health/healthcare ecosystems. Successful candidates will demonstrate a track record of meaningful service to AGA and other organizations.
Courage to express dissent
Applicants should be comfortable presenting an alternate viewpoint, and have the humility to learn and change their mind when presented with compelling information or perspectives.
Commitment to long-term thinking and foresight
Applicants for the governing board must demonstrate an ability to think first about the long-term interests of AGA, its stakeholders and successors.
Effective collaborator and compassionate listener
Applicants for the governing board must demonstrate an ability to operate within and strengthen the board’s team dynamic through collaboration with their peers, staff partners and other diverse contributors and commit to focused listening as an essential capability of collaboration.
