Shape the Future of DAMA International®!
We are excited to embark on a transformative journey assisted by our newly revised bylaws. The pivotal change outlined in the new bylaws marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and strategically-driven organization.
By sharing governance responsibilities between Individual Professional Members (IPM) and member chapters, and transitioning to a strategic board of directors, we aim to create a cohesive and dynamic global community of data management experts. This evolution not only reflects the values of equity, inclusion, and democracy but also empowers our members by enhancing engagement and providing a clear strategic direction for our organization and the broader global data management community. This strategic move is designed to build a cohesive and dynamic global community of data management experts, echoing the success seen in other prestigious global professions.
Participate in the Election
The 2025 DAMA International® (DAMA-I) Board Election is your opportunity to influence the strategic direction of our global data management community. This election determines the leadership team that will guide DAMA International®'s mission, governance, and initiatives for the next term.
By participating in this election—whether as a candidate, a nominator, or a voter—you are helping to ensure that DAMA-I remains a strong, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing the data management profession worldwide.
Key Deadlines
July 1, 2025 - Member Chapters and Individual Professional Members must be in good standing in order to participate in the nominations and elections process.
July 8, 2025 – Nominations open
August 8, 2025 – Nominations close (23:59 UTC)
August 18 – September 18, 2025 – Petition period for non-slated candidates
October 8-16, 2025 – Virtual Town Hall meetings
October 17, 2025 – Voting opens (00:01 UTC)
November 17, 2025 – Voting closes (23:59 UTC)
December 16, 2025 – Election results announced
January 1, 2026 – New terms begin
Why This Election Matters
As DAMA International® continues to grow and evolve, strong leadership is essential to guiding our global community of data professionals. This election is an opportunity to select board members who will shape the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of data management excellence.
By voting, you help build a diverse and experienced leadership team that represents our global membership and advances DAMA-I’s mission.
- Electing experienced and visionary leaders ensures that DAMA-I continues to support data professionals globally.
- Representation from diverse regions and professional backgrounds strengthens our decision-making.
- Board members play a critical role in strategic planning, governance, and community engagement.
- Your voice and vote matter in shaping DAMA-I’s future!
What positions are up for election?
The following positions are up for election for the 2026-2028 term:
- Vice President (elected by Member Chapters)
- Chapter Director 1 (elected by Member Chapters)
- Two At Large Directors (elected by Individual Professional Members)
Governance and Nominations Committee
The Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC) is responsible for ensuring strong leadership, effective governance, and a fair election process at DAMA® International. It plays a critical role in board development, nominations, elections, and overall governance oversight. The Nominations and Elections process is overseen by a Nominations and Elections Subcommittee of the GNC.
Key Responsibilities
Nominations Management
Encourage nominations for Officer or Director positions throughout the year.
Review all nominations to ensure candidates meet the eligibility requirements per the bylaws.
Develop a slate of candidates for open Board positions, ensuring geographic and professional diversity.
Election Oversight
Manage the petition process for candidates not initially slated
Ensure ballots are properly set up in the election software and available to eligible voters.
Monitor and address any election disputes or irregularities.
Ballot Verification & Results Certification
Work with legal counsel to verify election results.
Confirm that only eligible voters participated in the election.
Present final election results to the Governance and Nominations Committee and DAMA® International Board.
Independence & Ethical Standards
The Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC) operates independently of the Board candidates to prevent conflicts of interest.
Members must adhere to DAMA’s Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, and Ethics policies and must maintain confidentiality throughout the nomination and election process.
Elections Subcommittee Composition
Governance and Nominations (GNC) Elections Subcommittee is a specialized group within the GNC responsible for overseeing the nomination and election process. This Elections Subcommittee ensures that all nominations, candidate evaluations, and election procedures are conducted fairly, transparently, and in compliance with DAMA® International's bylaws and policies.
This Elections Subcommittee is tasked with implementing the election process on behalf of the GNC, ensuring that candidates meet the necessary qualifications, and that the election is conducted with integrity.
The Elections Subcommittee is composed of three members elected from the seven members of the (GNC), one of whom is a current DAMA® International Board Director. The Elections Subcommittee reports to the GNC.
Establishing an Elections Subcommittee ensures that the election process is impartial and transparent by preventing individuals running for office from overseeing their own nominations. It also allows other committee members to focus on their core responsibilities, ensuring a fair and well-managed election. Committee Members List of current members. Indicating committee or sub-committee.
Committee Members
Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC)
Peter Vennel – DAMA® Board Member – Chair person
Marilu Lopez – DAMA® Board Member
Ellen Brown – DAMA® Board Member
Peter Aiken – DAMA® Board Member
Eugene Desyatnik – DAMA® Board Member
Cathy Nolan – DAMA® Fellow
GNC Election Subcommittee
Peter Aiken – DAMA® Board Member – Chair person
Marilu Lopez – DAMA® Board Member
Eugene Desyatnik – DAMA® Board Member
Cathy Nolan – DAMA® Fellow
Election Results
2025 Election Results:
Announced on December 16, 2025.
Names and positions of elected candidates.
Historical Election Results:
Archives of past elections for transparency.
2024 - Election Cycle 2 Position
Position
VP Finance
VP Conference Services
VP Marketing
Elected
Frank Kadwell
---
Ronald Baan
Chapter
DAMA® Minnesota
---
DAMA® Netherlands
2023 - Election Cycle 1
Position
President
VP Member Services
VP Online Services
Elected
Peter Aiken
Ekkehard Schwartz
Jim Anfield
Chapter
DAMA® Central Virginia
DAMA® German
DAMA® Chicago
2022 - Election Cycle 3
Position
VP Operations
VP Professional Development
VP Chapter Services
Elected
Marc Nolte
April Reeve
Marilu Lopez
Chapter
DAMA® Calgary
DAMA® Philadelphia
DAMA® Mexico DF
2021 - Election Cycle 2
Position
VP Finance
VP Conference Services
VP Marketing & Communications
Elected
April Reeve
Cathy Nolan
Marc Nolte
Chapter
DAMA® Philadelphia
DAMA® Chicago
DAMA® Calgary
2020 - Election Cycle 1
Position
President
VP Online Services
VP Member Services
Elected
Peter Aiken
Jerrod Young
Ron Klein
Chapter
DAMA-NCR
DAMA® Kansas City
IRMAC
FAQ
1. Who is eligible to vote?
IPMs and Member Chapters in good standing as of July 1, 2025.
2. How do I nominate someone?
If you are eligible to vote as an IPM or you are the authorized representative of a Member Chapter, you may submit nominations via the online nomination form (available July 8, 2025).
3. Can I campaign for votes?
Yes, but in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Candidates.
4. What happens if there’s a disagreement?
Petitions must be submitted in writing and reviewed by the Governance & Nominations Committee.
Contact
General inquiries: info@dama.org
Technical support for voting issues: governance@dama.org
Governance & Nominations Committee: governance@dama.org