Solution-oriented

volunteer groups

ISPA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities which provide wonderful avenues for members to get more involved with ISPA and build new connections.

ISPA Board Service

The time and energy board members devote to their service is returned to them through the development of meaningful relationships with spa industry peers and the opportunity to impact the spa industry for years to come.

Board Selection Process

Each year, the Nominations Committee is tasked with evaluating the needs of the current board and proposing the names of members to fill the vacancies that occur in the set rotation of board members each year. The ISPA Nominations process is thorough and has evolved over the years to identify high-level leadership qualities and attributes. Annually, any eligible member* interested in serving on the ISPA Board of Directors can put their name forward through the Expression of Interest Form below. From there, individuals go through a standard process which can include up to two interviews (conducted via video conferencing). Individuals selected for the slate of candidates can serve up to a three-year term. The board slate of candidates is presented to the ISPA membership for approval. A thorough orientation process is conducted before the new directors take office at the ISPA Conference. Elected directors can serve two consecutive terms before observing a one-year hiatus.    

Responsibilities and Commitments

The primary responsibility of the board is to take a leadership role serving the ISPA membership. Directors serving on the board should be involved and engaged in the association. Regular tasks include attending required meetings, reviewing board materials thoroughly, actively participating in board discussions and following through on commitments.  

Director’s responsibilities include:

  • Meetings: The board decides the number of in-person meetings during the budget process each year. In a typical year, the board meets in person three times a year, in addition to the annual ISPA Conference.
  • Financial: Directors are fully responsible for the financial commitment to travel and attend in-person meetings and can anticipate spending an average of $1,500 USD out of pocket to attend each in-person meeting. Conference travel expenses are in addition to the in-person meetings.
  • Monthly check-in: Several hours are required each week to review ISPA business, communications, and board information in addition to monthly board connects.
  • ISPA Foundation: Support the ISPA Foundation and its initiatives through fundraising, donations and participation in ISPA’s Auctions.
  • Overall: Being available as/when needed while working a full-time position.
  • Eligibility*: Per the ISPA Bylaws, any current, primary member in good standing is eligible to apply. Individual members of the association such as transitional, student, and educator members are not eligible to serve on the board.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact samantha.smith@ispastaff.com.

The window to submit an Expression of Interest form for the ISPA Board of Directors is currently closed, but will reopen in early 2024.

The 2024 Nominations Committee includes Patrick Huey (ISPA Chair, ex-officio), Ella Kent, Frank Pitsikalis, Garrett Mersberger, Jane Segerberg, Jeff Kohl, Jennifer Wayland-Smith, Kelleye Martin (co-chair) and Todd Shaw (co-chair).

ISPA Ambassadors

ISPA Ambassadors help promote the value of being part of the ISPA community to grow the membership base and share their expertise through volunteer service throughout the year. These tasks involve participating in discussions, sharing feedback through surveys, assisting with tasks onsite at the annual ISPA Conference, serving as a source for Pulse magazine and helping identify future research topics.

ISPA Ambassador Requirements:

  • Must be a current member of ISPA.
  • Must have an ISPA tenure of at least two years.
  • Must have attended at least one ISPA Conference.
  • Must be willing to volunteer approximately 1-2 hours each month to assist with tasks outlined above.

If you have an interest in volunteering, or if you do not meet the criteria listed above and would like to serve in another capacity with ISPA, please email alexandra.harper@ispastaff.com.

Resource Partner Task Force

The ISPA Resource Partner Task Force is a committee of exhibitors who collaborate to share insights and provide feedback to consistently improve and evolve the Expo floor at the ISPA Conference. As a member of the Resource Partner Task Force, you are able to contribute to what we are able to accomplish at future events through monthly collaboration calls.

ISPA Collaborative on Higher Education (CoHE)

The ISPA Collaborative on Higher Education (CoHE), coordinated through CORE Unlimited, is a group of industry leading experts in university recreation & wellness throughout North America who serve to:

  • Provide expertise and insight in areas of industry trends, program development, marketing and membership initiatives  overcoming potential barriers
  • Create allies in brand management and growth
  • Advise on business development opportunities
  • Drive innovation and best practices for the industry
  • Serve as educators and ambassadors for ISPA and the industry as a whole

The current CoHE group is comprised of: Jennifer Aarons (Stockton University), Amber Brown (UCLA), David Frock (Clemson University),  Aaron Hobson (University of Wisconsin – Madison), Tamara Jarrett (CORE Unlimited), Melissa Longino (University of Dayton) and Mary Wisnom (Bowling Green State University). 

Pulse Magazine Contributor

Pulse Magazine serves as the official publication of the International SPA Association. Each issue is filled with innovative ideas, tips and relevant takeaways shared by the ISPA member community. If you have an interest in serving as a guest contributor or a source for a specific topic, please contact scot.gillies@ispastaff.com.

Scroll to Top