The Society invites members to volunteer for service within the STS governance structure using an online self-nomination web form. The self-nomination process for 2025-2026 Society leadership positions that will commence after the upcoming STS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California, is now open.
STS members interested in serving in an STS leadership capacity should submit their self-nomination and accompanying conflict of interest disclosure through this online form and the STS Web Portal.
The deadline for submitting 2025-2026 leadership self-nominations is Monday, September 2, 2024. To view a full listing of the Society’s leadership bodies, please visit the Committees, Council Operating Boards & Workforces pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can self-nominate?
Any STS Surgeon, Senior, Resident/Fellow, Medical Student, or Associate Member in good standing is eligible to self-nominate. The Society’s leadership is committed to increasing the diversity of those serving in STS leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion is an important lens through which the leadership evaluates potential appointments.
How many positions are available in 2025-2026?
The number of positions for most committees or workforces is not mandated by the STS Bylaws, and the leadership may expand or contract the size of certain committees and/or workforces. The following chart shows the expected number of 2025-2026 positions that may be open for appointment (n=153), representing approximately 30% of all appointed roles.
Standing Committees
Membership Committee (2)
Standards and Ethics Committee (5)
Council on Education
Workforce on Adult Cardiac and Vascular Surgery (4)
Workforce on Annual Meeting (entire workforce)
Workforce on Congenital Heart Surgery (3)
Workforce on Critical Care (5)
Workforce on E-Learning and Educational Innovation (3)
Workforce on General Thoracic Surgery (1)
Workforce on International Education (5)
Workforce on Surgical Treatment of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease (6)
Workforce on Surgical Treatment of End-Stage Cardiopulmonary Disease (4)
Workforce on Technology and Innovation (9)
Council on Quality and Research
Workforce on Evidence Based Surgery (6)
Workforce on National Databases (4)
Workforce on Research (3)
Council on Health Policy and Relationships
Workforce on Coding and Reimbursement (6)
Workforce on Health Policy, Reform, and Advocacy (8)
Council on Member Engagement
Workforce on Cardiothoracic Surgery Practice Models (1)
Workforce on Career Development (10)
Workforce on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (11)
Workforce on Media Relations and Communications (6)
Workforce on Multidisciplinary Team Care (3)
Workforce on Thoracic Surgery Resident Development (4)
Workforce on Wellness (0)
STS-PAC Board of Advisors (3)
Who makes leadership appointments?
Per STS Bylaws, the incoming President (First Vice President) recommends appointments to standing committees and workforces. The Executive Committee is responsible for approving the incoming President’s recommended slate of appointees.
Am I guaranteed an appointment?
No. The Society’s leadership seeks to make appointments that best advance the STS mission and provide opportunities to qualified candidates without current leadership roles. Given the significant number of leadership recommendations and self-nominations received every year and the relatively limited number of available positions, it is not possible to find roles for all self-nominees.
Does the leadership structure change?
Yes. The STS Board of Directors regularly evaluates the Society's Councils and Workforces and occasionally modifies STS Bylaws Appendix 1, usually in October or November of a given year.
When will I learn whether or not I received an appointment?
All self-nominees are typically notified whether or not they received an appointment by the end of December in the year that they self-nominate.
Are there other ways that I can serve if I do not receive an appointment?
Your self-nomination materials will be provided to the chairs of all STS standing committees and workforces in which you expressed interest. Even if you are not appointed to an STS standing committee or workforce, you very well may be contacted for service on a subcommittee or task force (in most cases, appointments to subcommittees and task forces are made by the chair of the overseeing standing committee or workforce rather than the Executive Committee).
If you have any questions about the STS governance structure and the self-nomination process, please contact us.