Board of Directors

Responsibilities of the Vice President for Audiology Practice

Description of Office

The Vice President for Audiology Practice is charged with:

1. Identifying issues and forecasting needs and trends;
2. Initiating and directing recommendations to enhance professional and clinical practice in audiology;
3. Monitoring the emergence of new areas of practice and the application of new knowledge and research data to the practice of audiology;
4. Addressing unique issues and concerns of specific work settings in which the profession of audiology is practiced;
5. Facilitating culturally and linguistically appropriate practice;
6. Monitoring and facilitating the activities of Special Interest Divisions whose topic areas pertain to audiology;
7. Monitoring and facilitating activities of the Board of Division Coordinators and assigned committees;
8. Monitoring the activities of the Joint Committee of ASHA and the Council on Education of the Deaf, which is charged with exploring issues of mutual concern relative to the delivery of professional services to persons with hearing impairment,
9. Monitoring the activities of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, which is charged with studying the status of identification of congenital deafness at birth; propose directions for newborn identification programs; study the prevention and cure of congenital deafness; collect statistics on incidence of congenital deafness and its etiology; and
10. Monitoring and facilitating Association activities designed to promote and enhance professional practices and service delivery in audiology.

Term

• Three years

Desired Personal and Professional Characteristics

• Ability to listen, analyze, think strategically and creatively, and work well with people individually and in a group
• Ability to consider multiple viewpoints about controversial issues and to communicate ASHA's perspective effectively with members and stakeholders
• Ability to prepare for, attend, and participate in board and committee meetings (including conference calls), ask questions, take responsibility, follow through on a given assignment, and evaluate oneself
• Willingness to develop certain skills if one does not possess them, such as understanding financial statements and learning more about the substantive program areas of the Association
• Honesty; sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views; a friendly, responsive, and patient approach; community-building skills; personal integrity; a developed sense of values; and concern for the Association's development
• Familiarity with the scope of practice for the profession of audiology and current professional issues

Primary Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors
• Be informed about the Association's mission, services, policies, and programs
• Assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings and conference calls
• Represent ASHA on behalf of the President as needed
• Attend the annual ASHA Convention
• Annually review and vote on the Association's budget
• Attend the annual meeting of the Audiology Advisory Council
• Monitor and facilitate activities of assigned boards, standing committees, and councils; serve as liaison between assigned boards, standing committees, and councils, and the Board of Directors
• Appoint a Coordinating Committee to consult on audiology practice topics as needed
• Monitor and facilitate activities of ad hoc committees as appointed
• Contribute to a review of the Executive Director
• Prepare and present information at meetings on behalf of the Association as needed

Time Commitment

• Approximately 16 hours per week (excluding travel)

Financial Support

The Association provides the Vice President for Audiology Practice with support in a number of ways: financial support for required functions of the office; assistance with office expenses, including some limited personnel support; and an equipment budget.

A stipend is provided to the Vice President's institution.