Our Mission
The mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association is to empower the congenital heart disease community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes. Every member of our Board plays a crucial role in helping us advance this mission.
Role of a Board Member
As a member of ACHA’s Board of Directors, you’ll serve as a steward of our mission—offering leadership, insight, and financial support to ensure our work makes a lasting difference in the congenital heart disease community. While our dedicated staff and CEO handle daily operations, the Board helps guide the big picture: setting strategy, securing resources, and serving as trusted ambassadors of our cause.
We are deeply committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of our community—across backgrounds, experiences, geography, professions, and perspectives.
What You’ll Do
Fundraising & Financial Support
Vision 2030—ACHA’s 5-year Strategic Plan—charts a bold path forward for our organization. Through this Plan, we will significantly grow our research and year-round advocacy efforts, expand our peer support and educational tools, and deepen our impact in communities across the country. Members of the Board of Directors play a vital role in helping to secure the necessary financial resources to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.
For 2027, each Board Member is required to:
- Make a personal annual donation of at least $1,000.
- Raise or contribute a total of at least $6,000 (including the $1,000 personal donation) annually through personal gifts, connections, or fundraising efforts. Board members are required to participate in a minimum of one fundraising activity annually (Walk for 1 in 100, ACHA Your Way, etc.), and all funds they personally contribute and/or procure for this activity count toward the $6,000 requirement.
This financial commitment ensures that our Board leads by example and inspires confidence when we seek support from donors, partners, and funders. Philanthropy isn’t just about dollars—it’s about opening doors, sharing stories, and helping others see the value of our mission.
With the transformative goals of Vision 2030, the Board recently established new financial commitments for the coming years to ensure ACHA's Board lays the foundation for the future trajectory of the organization. Individuals considering Board service at this time should be aware that the annual financial commitment will increase to $8,000 in 2028 and $10,000 by 2030.
Leadership & Oversight
- Partner with fellow Board Members and our CEO to carry out ACHA’s strategic goals.
- Help evaluate our impact by reviewing plans, progress, and performance metrics.
- Actively participate in quarterly Board and committee meetings—reading materials in advance and offering thoughtful contributions. Board members are also required to attend an in-person Board Retreat annually.
- Review and approve major decisions, including the budget and key policies.
- Join one standing or ad hoc committee and be open to special projects as needed. Current committees include: Governance, Finance, Nominating, and Advocacy & Public Policy.
- Support the recruitment of new Board Members who reflect our mission and values.
- Champion a Board and staff culture that welcomes and reflects diversity and inclusion.
Community Engagement & Representation
- Be a visible and vocal supporter of ACHA in your personal and professional circles.
- Attend and participate in at least one ACHA community event each year—such as Walk for 1 in 100 or ACHA Your Way.
- Stay connected to what matters to the CHD community by participating in activities like CHD Connections, Advocacy Day, webinars, and regional gatherings.
Time & Term Expectations
- Board Members serve a three-year term, with eligibility for one renewal term.
- The Board meets quarterly via virtual meetings.
- An in-person annual retreat is held once a year.
- Committee meetings generally occur quarterly or are scheduled as needed by each committee.
Who We're Looking For
Ideal candidates bring a deep belief in our mission and a commitment to making a difference. While backgrounds vary, our most effective Board Members share some common traits:
- Passion for advancing the mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association.
- Capacity and willingness to financially support our mission and reach out to others to do so as well.
- Ability and willingness to commit time and talent.
- Comfortable building relationships and sharing information about ACHA and our various activities with others.
- Leadership experience primarily in the corporate or healthcare sectors.
- Good judgment, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.
- An openness to learning and thinking creatively about challenges and opportunities.
Please Note: Board service is a volunteer role. While administrative support related to your duties is provided, there is no financial compensation for serving on the Board.