ASVO Board of Directors nomination

ASVO Director Nomination

The ASVO is seeking enthusiastic, skilled, and visionary individuals to join the Board as Appointed Directors. This is a unique opportunity to actively shape the future of the ASVO, contributing to an association that supports, represents, and drives excellence in the wine industry.

Positions Available
Two Appointed Director positions are open.

Term 
ASVO Directors ordinarily serve a three-year term. In this instance, as the call for nominations is outside the usual sequence, the successful candidates will serve a shortened two-year term, concluding in November 2027.

Who Should Nominate
The appointed Director positions are open to all candidates, including both ASVO members and non-members.
Candidates will be considered based on their skills, experience, and expertise.
While nominations are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, or background we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience or expertise in:

1. Academic publishing or research leadership – to provide strategic guidance for our Journal and help ensure its ongoing success.
2. Extension and professional development – to support, enhance, and grow learning initiatives and professional development programs.
3. Finance – to ensure robust governance and strategic financial oversight
4. Marketing or Communications – to strengthen the ASVO’s reach, engagement, and industry presence

Why Join the Board?
Appointed Directors play a critical role in guiding the ASVO’s strategic direction. As a Director, you will:

• Contribute your knowledge and expertise to decisions that shape the future of the association
• Support initiatives that strengthen member services and professional development
• Be part of a collaborative Board that drives innovation and impact within the industry
• Represent the ASVO both internally and externally, championing the interests of members
• Serving as a Board Director is a rewarding volunteer opportunity that allows you to make a tangible impact on the association and the broader industry while developing your own leadership and governance experience.

How to Nominate
Applications for the two vacant positions are to be submitted to the ASVO Executive Officer by Friday 5 December 2025. Under section 7 of the constitution each application must be nominated by two members. Applicants must include;

1. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages addressing the criteria and explaining their relevant skills and experience for the position and
2. A Curriculum Vitae and 
3. Nominees are required to provide a brief statement outlining their background, experience, interest in the Society, and the potential benefit they would bring to the ASVO.

The statement must adhere to the following conditions:

(i) Must not include text in quotation marks or any statements attributed to others;
(ii) May include graphic images or other non-written forms of presenting information;
(iii) Must contain only factual information; and
(iv) Must be limited to a maximum of 170 words addressing present and past employment and experience, followed by no more than 60 words outlining the nominee’s interest in the Society.

An interview panel made up of ASVO members will make recommendations to the Board for the selected candidates to be appointed.

Criteria for Appointed Directors 

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter addressing the following criteria.

1. Governance Capability
   Outline your experience serving on boards, committees, or governance bodies, particularly within the wine, agricultural, scientific, or not-for-profit sectors.

2. Professional Skills and Industry Expertise
   Summarise the key competencies you will bring to the ASVO Board. Skills of particular interest include (but are not limited to) finance, legal, risk management, strategic planning, research leadership, viticulture, oenology, business management, and professional development.

3. Contribution to ASVO’s Strategic Objectives
   Describe how your background will enable you to support the ASVO’s mission to promote professional excellence and strengthen Australia’s grape and wine community through evidence-based practice, education, and leadership.

4. Member and Stakeholder Engagement
   Provide examples of your experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, such as industry professionals, researchers, volunteers, partner organisations, or member-based bodies.

5. Alignment with ASVO Values
   Explain how your professional conduct, ethics, and approach to leadership align with the ASVO’s values of integrity, service, inclusivity, and industry stewardship.

6. Capacity and Commitment
   Confirm your availability to meet ASVO Board responsibilities, including preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, participation in committees or working groups, and involvement in key ASVO events.

If you are ready to contribute your skills and ideas to the ASVO Board, we encourage you to submit a nomination below.

Nomination closing date: midnight CST, Friday, 5th December 2025

ASVO Board of Director responsibilities and expectations

Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Support from employer/colleagues for the time and financial commitment required to attend board and sub-committee meetings.
• Willingness to wear an “industry hat” (to contribute beyond personal business interests for the good of the membership and the industry).
• Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify and develop new products and services benefiting the ASVO membership.
• Ability to act with integrity and make decisions, financial and otherwise, for the good of ASVO.
• Willingness to recruit new members.
• Willingness to actively promote ASVO.

Board Time Commitment

• Bi-monthly Board meeting, typically 2 hours + reading time (most meetings are via teleconference call)
• Monthly Project or Subcommittee meetings (typically 1 hours + reading time)
• 2-3 face-to-face meetings each year (typically a 1 ½ day commitment)
• Attendance at the annual AGM (coincides with one of the face-to-face Board meetings)

It's a lot more than attending Board meetings
Board members play a far more active role than simply attending meetings. ASVO operates ona very tight budget and Board members hands on involvment is crucial in guiding the organisation's direction, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering our long-term sustainability. This includes strategic planning, risk management, and event management, often requiring time and effort beyond the formal meeting schedule. 

Download the Responsibilities of the Board of Directors, here

Types of Directors

A staggered schedule for Board renewal ensures continuity and allows Directors to build a deeper understanding of the ASVO's history, operations, and strategic goals and confidence that they have time to implement new ideas.

Online nomination