Announcing: 2-Year Officer Terms for 2027

A major update is coming to AAPC local chapter leadership. Starting with the 2027–2029 election cycle, officer terms will shift from one year to two years — a change driven directly by officer feedback.

We Asked, You Answered

346 out of 351 officers responded to our poll March-June: "Would you support changing officer elections from every year to every other year (2-year terms)?"

346

Officers Responded

Out of 351 total surveyed

76%

Voted Yes

263 members in support

24%

Voted No

83 members opposed

Why Officers Support 2-Year Terms

The majority of officers feel that 2-year terms would provide better stability, allow officers to grow into their roles, and reduce the burden of holding elections each year. Here's what the data shows:

Concerns About 2-Year Terms

While support was strong, officers also raised valid concerns — particularly around volunteer recruitment and leadership freshness.

AAPC SPECIAL EVENT

Dare to lead: Explore Chapter Leadership

August 13, 6PM EST — Information Session

Encourage interested chapter members to join AAPC National for a conversation about what chapter leaders do, how to get involved, and how it helps propel careers and confidence! The session features a short presentation with Q&A. Interested members will be encouraged to attend, and a lead list will be provided to officers.

Register here

AAPC Marketing Support Plan: Aug–Sept

AAPC hears these concerns and have planned a marketing campaign to provide extra support during nomination months to encourage member participation across multiple channels.

Advertising

Site-wide ads on AAPC.com and ads in AAPC the Magazine

Email Campaigns

All-member email plus weekly email promotions throughout the period

Social Media

Social media ads and a Facebook Live session with Alex

Become an Officer — Webpage

A Permanent Resource

A dedicated page under Local Chapters helps recruit new officers year-round. Invite interested members to explore the chapter hub.

Walk through the Benefits

👍 Use this page to walk potential officers through the benefits of being an officer.

  • This page was new for 2026
  • Some officers have reported more interest from members


2-Year Officer Terms: Q&A

Everything you need to know about how the transition to 2-year terms will work.

When do 2-year terms begin?

This election cycle, for January 2027-December 2028 terms.

How will elections work?

The election process remains the same — it's simply for a 2-year term instead of one.

What do we need to do now?

You, along with your fellow officers, need to communicate the term change when seeking nominations for October's election.

Does this mean I have to serve another 2 years if I am an officer now?

No. The 2026 election serves as a clean slate. If you choose to run again, it will be for another 2 years.

Why not add a year to currently serving officers and skip this year's election?

We want officers to be able to opt-in to the 2-year term.

How does this change impact term limits?

We currently encourage no more than 2 years in one officer position or 4 years consecutively in office. This guidance is currently under review.

Will AAPC update its materials?

Yes — the chapter handbook, Call for Nominations Form, Ballot Form, and Chapter Officer Agreements will all be updated.

What if someone can't serve the full two years once elected?

No election required. Replacement is by appointment, agreed upon by existing officers. Submit change to local chapters.

Can officers switch roles mid-term?

Yes, if the officer group agrees — though not encouraged for continuity. Submit any change to local chapters.

Annual Recognitions Continue

The Chapter Officer Reward Program, Chapter of the Year, and Officer of the Year will all remain annual recognitions — unchanged by the move to 2-year terms.

🏆 Chapter of the Year

Annual recognition for outstanding chapter performance.

Officer of the Year

Annual recognition for exceptional officer leadership

🎁 Officer Reward Program

Ongoing annual rewards for dedicated chapter officers

Questions? Contact AAPC National.