By Kellie Geres, Nominations Chair, INA Board of Directors
As a member of the International Nanny Association (INA) for over 31 years—and having proudly served more than a decade on the Board of Directors—I’ve seen firsthand the critical role the Board plays in shaping our association, guiding our mission, and supporting our diverse community of professionals.
Each year, the INA Nominations Committee works diligently to present a strong, qualified slate of candidates for the Board of Directors election. Once that ballot is finalized, it’s up to you, the INA membership, to cast your vote and determine who will help lead our organization into the future.
Yet, each election cycle, we face a common challenge: reaching the minimum number of member votes required to validate the election.
My goal here is to demystify the nomination process, answer frequently asked questions, and—most importantly— encourage you to participate in this important election.
Who Can Serve on the INA Board?
To be eligible, a candidate must have held INA membership for at least one year. Beyond that, each applicant submits an essay detailing their motivation and goals, provides three professional references, and completes an interview with a member of the Nominations Committee.
We assess each candidate holistically—looking at strengths, weaknesses, industry experience, demonstrated commitment, and familiarity with INA. While conference attendance and prior engagement with board activities are not required, they are certainly a plus. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
What’s the Nomination Process?
Applicants complete the official INA Board Nomination Packet, which includes questions about their background, involvement in the nanny and household staffing industry, board experience, and the skills they bring to the table.
The Nominations Committee then interviews both the candidate and their references. After reviewing all materials, the committee meets to thoroughly discuss and determine which candidates are best suited to appear on the election ballot.
This year’s committee included former INA Board Members Sue Downey and Cortney Gibson, as well as industry advocate Ashleigh Menzies. Together, we evaluated applicants based on merit, experience, and alignment with INA’s mission and values. Not all applicants are approved; we take this responsibility seriously and uphold a high standard for board service.
Why Is Voting So Important?
Your vote is not only a right—it’s a responsibility as an INA member. This is your opportunity to choose who represents you and helps guide our association forward.
Please note: Simply appearing on the ballot does not guarantee a nominee will be elected. Each candidate must receive a minimum number of votes to be confirmed. That’s why it’s crucial for every member to participate and vote.
Not Familiar with the Candidates?
We recognize that members may not know every nominee personally. While we provide brief bios, we encourage you to reach out directly to nominees if you’d like to learn more before voting.
Who Serves on the INA Board?
Our current board includes a rich mix of professionals with backgrounds: nannies, agency owners, Newborn Care Specialists, household managers, educators, consultants, and entrepreneurs—all with deep roots in the in-home child care industry. This diversity ensures a range of perspectives and expertise at the table.
What Does the INA Board Do?
The INA Board of Directors is a working board. Each member plays an active role in key areas such as:
- Conference planning
- Marketing and communications
- Education and resources
- Governance and compliance
- Membership growth and engagement
- Awards and recognition
- Community outreach
With a small but mighty team of one full-time and one part-time staff member, the board also oversees the association’s budget and ensures nonprofit compliance and fiscal responsibility.
Your Vote Matters.
By casting your vote, you’re helping to shape the future of the INA and support the continued growth and professionalism of our industry. I hope this gives you a deeper understanding of the process—and inspires you to take a few moments to make your voice heard.
Let’s build the future of INA, together. VOTE NOW. You will need your login credentials to complete the ballot. https://buff.ly/LgNBeRe. Have questions? Feel free to reach out to me – I’m happy to help.