Opportunities to Serve the Vernacular Architecture Forum
The nominating committee of the Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF) is seeking applications for individuals to serve as members of the VAF Board of Directors. Elected board members have the unique opportunity to help support the work and shape the intellectual trajectory of a dynamic organization whose attention to the diverse people and places of the ordinary built environment has been instrumental in the transformation of architectural history.
VAF is administered by a volunteer board composed of professionals and scholars from diverse disciplines who live and work in all parts of the United States and Canada. The board currently meets three times a year via Zoom in fall and winter and in person during our annual conference in late spring.
We are seeking five (5) new board members to the VAF Board of Directors this year as well as a VAF President-Elect. All individuals recommended to the board this year, and subsequently elected, will begin service following the election held at the annual meeting. All selected candidates must be members of the Vernacular Architecture Forum by the time of election.
VAF Board of Directors: The committee seeks applications to fill five (5) open positions on the VAF Board of Directors. Board members serve three-year terms and will begin service on June 1, 2026. Board members are expected to be broadly familiar with the scope and purpose of the VAF, attend all meetings, and participate in committee work throughout the year. Applications for the VAF Board of Directors will be accepted until Monday, December 15, 2025.
VAF President-Elect: The committee seeks applications for the position of VAF President-Elect to begin a one-year term starting on June 1, 2026. In the spring of 2027, the President-Elect will rise to the position of VAF President for a two-year term. Candidates for the position of VAF President-Elect should be familiar with the organization’s many programs, have a vision for the future of the group, and possess significant leadership skills. The VAF President-Elect is expected to attend the three annual meetings of the VAF Board of Directors and the monthly Zoom meetings of the VAF Executive Committee. Applications for VAF President-Elect will be accepted until Monday, December 15, 2025.
Please note: The nominating committee welcomes suggestions from VAF members for outstanding candidates. All candidates must submit the application materials listed below by Monday, December 15.
Short Application!
1. Write a paragraph or cover letter (not exceeding one page) that specifies the position for which you are applying (member of the VAF Board of Directors or VAF President-Elect), indicates why you are applying for the position, and states why your qualifications make you particularly suited for the position. Please describe any previous involvement with VAF, such as attending annual conferences, presenting or providing leadership at the conferences, or serving on committees.
2. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for a different position if the one for which you are applying is unavailable (e.g., if you are amenable to being considered for a Board of Directors position if you are not nominated for President-Elect).
3. Include a CV or résumé.
Email your cover letter (or paragraph) and CV/resume as separate Word or PDF attachments to Phil Gruen, Nominating Committee Chair at jpgruen@wsu.edu by Monday, December 15, 2025 at 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST.
