• Chair | 2-year Term: Open for 2027 nomination

• Immediate Past Chairperson – Charles Debnam, African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

• Vice Chair - 1-year Term: Open for 2027 nomination

• Secretary | 2-year Term: Jennifer Dorsey, Triple Track Treatment: Smoking & Vaping Cessation

• Programs Chair | 2-year Term: Open for 2027 nomination

• Sustainability Chair | 2-year Term: Charles Debnam, African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

• Policy Chair | 2-year Term: Liz Furgurson (interim chair), Action on Smoking and Health: Open for 2027 nomination

• Communications Chair | 2-year Term: Nichelle Gray-Lkhagvadorj, Action on Smoking and Health

• Youth Representative | 2-year Term: Daria Leon, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

• Researcher/Clinician I | 2-year Term: Dr. Debra Bernat, George Washington University

• Researcher/Clinician II | 2-year Term: Dr. Niharika Khanna, University of Maryland

• Member At-large I | 2-year Term: Dr. Pamela Rao, Kavali Consulting LLC

• Member At-large II | 2-year Term: Dr. Susan Walley, Children's National Hospital

The election process for new officers to the DC Tobacco Free Coalition Executive Board begins with a formal announcement to the full membership that nominations are open. Members will then have 29 days to submit their nominations for open Executive Board positions. 

To nominate a candidate, members must complete the online nomination form. Please note that nominees must live and/or work in the District of Columbia. 

It’s important to submit all nominations by the specified deadline, as no additional nominations will be accepted once the nomination period closes. This year’s nomination period will run from 9:00 AM ET, Monday, November 2, 2026, through 11:59 PM ET, Monday, November 30, 2026. 

After the nomination period ends, the current Coalition Executive Board will review all submissions. The Executive Board will carefully evaluate each submission and vote on the candidates for the open officer positions. Each voting member of the Executive Board shall hold one (1) vote on any motion before the Executive Board. 

Once the voting process concludes, the newly elected officers will be announced to the entire membership in January 2027.

1. Who is eligible to submit a nomination?

All DC Tobacco Free Coalition members are eligible to submit a nomination for open positions during the nomination cycle. Nominees must live and/or work in the District of Columbia.

2. How will I receive the nomination form?

An email with a link to the nomination website will be shared with the full membership at the start of the nomination cycle.

3. How do I nominate someone for a position?

To submit a nomination, simply click the link to the nomination website provided in the email you received. The nomination form is located on the nomination site. Complete the form and submit your nominee.

4. Can I nominate myself?

Yes.

5. Can I nominate more than one person for a single position?

Yes.

6. Can I nominate an individual for multiple positions?

Yes, but that individual can only hold one position on the Executive Board, unless that individual is also the immediate past Chairperson.

7. What is the composition of the Executive Board, and how long do Board members serve?

The DC Tobacco Free Coalition Executive Board shall consist of the following positions:

• Chair - 2-year term

• Immediate Past Chair (non-voting) - 1-year term

• Vice Chair - 1-year term

• Secretary - 1-year term

• 4 Committee Chairs - 2-year terms

  • Programs 

  • Sustainability

  • Policy

  • Communications

• Youth Representative (shall not be greater than 30 years of age and shall possess youth public health subject matter expertise and/ or be representative of an organization serving youth of the District of Columbia) - 2-year term

• Researcher/Clinician (Must have research project experience in the District of Columbia) - 2-year term

• Two At-Large Positions - 2-year terms

• Fiscal Agent (Ex-Officio, non-voting) The Fiscal Agent may continue to serve in their role for as long as both parties mutually agree. However, the Executive Board reserves the right to appoint a new Fiscal Agent at any time, and the Fiscal Agent may also choose to step down at their discretion.

• State Health organization (Ex.-Officio, non-voting)

8. What positions are up for nomination this year?

All DC Tobacco Free Coalition Executive Board positions are up for nomination this year, including:

• Chair: 2-year Term

• Vice Chair: 1-year Term

• Programs: 2-year term

• Policy: 2-year term

9. What are the roles and responsibilities of each Executive Board position?

Each Board Chairperson shall preside over their respective committee meetings, report the committee’s business and recommendations to the Executive Board, and ensure their committee meets at least quarterly. All Executive Board members work collaboratively to advance the Coalition’s mission of creating a tobacco-free District of Columbia through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

CHAIR 

The Chairperson shall serve as the administrator, presiding at all meetings of the members and the Executive Board, and shall have oversight for meeting arrangements, agendas, and notices. The Chairperson shall have the right to vote at Executive Board meetings in case of a tie. The Chairperson shall oversee the activities of the Fiscal Agent and ensure the integrity of the fiduciary responsibility. The Chairperson shall also perform such other duties as the By-laws or the Executive Board shall specify, including representation of the Coalition at outside meetings.

VICE CHAIR 

The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of or at the request of the Chairperson and such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairperson, which may include serving as spokesperson representing the Coalition before the public.

SECRETARY 

The Secretary shall provide oversight in the review of agendas, by-laws, and minutes to be presented to the Council and Executive Board, shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the Committee Chairs, shall track membership, and shall perform such other duties as the Executive Board shall prescribe.

PROGRAMS 

Leads the development and coordination of evidence-based programs, initiatives, and research partnerships that align with the Coalition’s priorities. Tracks emerging data and trends in tobacco control, supports evaluation of Coalition activities, and connects members with research resources to strengthen community impact. Reports program outcomes and recommendations to the Executive Board.

SUSTAINABILITY  

Oversees efforts to identify and secure funding and in-kind resources to support Coalition programs and outreach. Coordinates member participation in fundraising activities, explores partnership opportunities, and ensures resources are used effectively to sustain Coalition goals. Reports committee activities and funding recommendations to the Executive Board.

POLICY 

Guides the Coalition’s advocacy agenda, tracking local and national policy developments and mobilizing member action. Works closely with partners and stakeholders to promote evidence-based policies, prepare policy briefs or testimony, and advance equitable tobacco control laws in DC. Shares updates and policy recommendations with the Executive Board for review and alignment.

COMMUNICATIONS 

Leads communications strategy to increase awareness of the Coalition’s mission and events. Oversees social media, newsletter, and campaign messaging, ensuring alignment with public health goals. Promotes Coalition activities, highlights member successes, and strengthens community engagement. Provides quarterly updates and recommendations to the Executive Board.

YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE 

Brings the youth voice to the Coalition by representing the perspectives and needs of young people in DC. Advises on youth-focused outreach, prevention, and cessation efforts, and helps connect the Coalition with local schools, youth programs, and peer networks. Participates in quarterly meetings and reports youth engagement priorities to the Executive Board.

RESEARCHER/CLINICIAN 

Provides professional insight from the healthcare and academic community to inform Coalition strategies. Offers evidence-based recommendations, supports data-driven initiatives, and helps bridge the gap between research, clinical practice, and community-level tobacco control work. Shares findings and recommendations with the Executive Board at least quarterly.

TWO MEMBERS AT-LARGE

Serve as versatile contributors across Coalition initiatives, supporting programs, advocacy, communications, and outreach as needed. Members At-Large provide input on strategic direction, represent member perspectives, and assist with special projects and events to advance Coalition priorities. Participate in quarterly meetings and report on engagement activities or committee contributions to the Executive Board.

10. When is the deadline to submit nominations?

The nomination cycle will begin on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET and run through 11:59 PM ET on Monday, November 30, 2026. All nominations MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on Monday, November 30, 2026, to be eligible for consideration.

11. Who is eligible to vote?

The current Board of the DC Tobacco Free Coalition will review all nominee submissions and vote during the final 2026 Executive Board Meeting on December 10, 2026. Each voting member of the Executive Board shall hold one (1) vote on any motion before the Executive Board. To read the Coalition’s voting rules and procedures, please view the Amended By-Laws here>

12. How will the election results be announced?

The DC Tobacco Free Coalition Executive Board will announce the election results to the entire membership via the Coalition’s website and via email in January 2027.

13. What if I encounter technical issues while submitting my nomination?

If you encounter any technical issues while submitting your nomination, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nichelle Gray at grayn.dctfc@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to assist you and ensure your nomination is successfully submitted before the deadline.