Elections

Please see eligibility details and the open 2027 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Board of Directors and Nominating Committee positions below.

The nominations will be available on this page in early Summer 2026.

The following positions are open for the 2027 election cycle:

Nominating Committee Members

• One Community Practice Surgeons (CPS) Member (2027-2030) 
• One International Member (2027-2030) 

Board of Directors 

• Vice-President (2027-2030) — Replacement for Dr. Margo Shoup

• Two Board of Directors members (2027-2030) — Replacement for Dr. Ryan Fields and  Dr. E. Shelley Hwang

• One International Representative (2027-2030) — Replacement for Dr. Julie Hallet

• One Director-at-Large (2027-2030): Voted on by SSO Membership — Replacement for Dr. Mediget Teshome

Per the SSO Bylaws, Candidates for Slated Board Member positions shall be voted on by the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. The final Slate of Candidates shall be presented for ratification to the voting SSO membership at the Annual Business Meeting of the Members. 

An online election for one Director-at-Large position and the Nominating Committee positions will be voted on by the SSO membership.

The entire elected slate for the Board of Directors will be formally presented for ratification by the voting membership at the Annual Business Meeting held during SSO 2027. 

Eligibility Requirements Criteria for Candidates

• Attendance at the SSO Annual Meeting   
• Service to Society/ other positions the individual has held within SSO 
• Commitment to SSO   
• Expertise and experience to align with SSO’s Strategic Plan and mission  
• Diversity (type of practice/specialty, geography, gender, race, career stage, etc.) to best represent the SSO membership  
• Length of membership   
• Age requirement (for certain positions)   

Competency (skill set specific for role, i.e., treasurer, secretary): 

Vice President:   

• Must have previously served a complete 3-year term on the Board
• Mentorship Interest: will lead the Career Catalyst Mentorship Program
• Proven interest in the field of surgical oncology/leadership in the field  
• Knowledge and understanding of the organization’s work  
• Professional knowledge and skills needed by the Board  
• Connections in the community (media, politics, healthcare)  
• Fundraising experience and willingness to participate 
• Previous board experience or board training

Election Questions on Nomination Form

Please review this year’s election questions below so you can prepare your answers beforehand.

Questions 1 and 2 will be for all candidates (Nominating Committee, Board of Directors, Vice President)

1. Outline your leadership in the field of surgical oncology and your history of experience with the SSO.
2. Why do you want to serve in a leadership role within the SSO? Please include specific examples related to the role you are applying for: Nominating Committee, Board of Directors, Vice President.

Questions 3 and 4 will be for the Board of Directors and Vice President candidates.

3. What unique skills and expertise will you bring to the Board of Directors?
4. Describe your vision for this role. The SSO Strategic Plan can be found here. What goals do you hope to achieve related to this plan?

Question 5 will only be for the Vice President candidates.

5. Describe any special skills and expertise with mentorship programs, fundraising, and strategic leadership.