The AMS Board of Directors is entrusted with ensuring the short and long-term health of the organization. It is composed of up to 12 members, including the Chairs of our three Commissions: Teacher Education Action, School Accreditation, and Regional Action. The Board works to ensure that AMS remains aligned with its mission and positioned for lasting impact.

The Board is responsible for:

• Governance and policy-making
• Financial stewardship
• Strategic planning
• Fundraising
• Membership engagement
• Leadership of standing committees
• Hiring and evaluating the AMS executive director

As AMS has grown and matured over the past 65 years, the role of the Board has evolved as well. Much of that work is effectively carried out by AMS’s professional staff and the senior leadership team. This evolution has enabled the Board to focus on high-level responsibilities essential to a thriving nonprofit organization.

Today, the Board centers its work on governance, fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and meaningful engagement with the AMS community. Each Board member may serve up to three terms: an initial two-year term followed by two three-year terms. After completing these terms, members may continue to serve on a year-by-year basis based on the evolving needs of the Board, leadership continuity, and strategic transitions. All terms and extensions require full-Board approval. Two seats are designated for external leaders with expertise in philanthropy, law, or finance, bringing a broad and informed perspective to the table.

The Board provides leadership and oversight through five standing committees:

Executive Committee

Provides leadership and decision-making between full Board meetings.
Chair: Anita Hanks, Board President, amspresident@amshq.org 

Finance Committee

Oversees budgeting and financial planning.
Chair: Debbie Senoff-Langford, Board Treasurer 

Directorship Committee

Manages Board nominations, onboarding, and leadership development.
Chair: Dr. Laura Saylor, Board Member-at-Large, leadership@amshq.org 

Audit Committee

Ensures financial integrity and compliance.
Chair: Margarita Diaz, Professional Director 

Development Committee

Focuses on fundraising strategies and donor relations.
Chair: Sabrina Binkley, Professional Director 

Meetings and Communication

The AMS Board meets three times each year—in March (in person after the conference), July (virtually), and October (virtually)—to assess organizational progress and guide AMS’s strategic priorities. 

Throughout the year, they vote on recommendations from the Commissions and Executive Director via Board Connect. The Board communicates with the AMS community through the annual AMS Community Impact Report, Strategic Plan Report, Annual Meeting Webinar in June, the AMS website, and AMS Connect.

Interested in Serving on the AMS Board?

We welcome dedicated and visionary leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of Montessori education. If you are interested in serving, we invite you to complete a Board Interest Form and answer a few questions about your background and interests.

Once submitted, the Chair of the AMS Directorship Committee will reach out to continue the conversation. The Directorship Committee conducts candidate interviews, reference checks, and—based on current skill and leadership needs—may recommend individuals for Board approval in collaboration with the Executive Committee.

Board seats are filled on an ongoing basis. We aim to cultivate a Board that reflects the diversity, experience, and spirit of the AMS community.

Board Appointment Process

AMS no longer conducts membership voting for Board of Directors candidates, including for a slate of nominees. This shift allows AMS to respond more strategically to its evolving needs by selecting individuals who bring specific expertise, diverse perspectives, and strong alignment with AMS’s mission and goals. This process ensures that Board leadership is thoughtfully cultivated and well-positioned to support the long-term success of AMS and the global Montessori movement. 

AMS members are warmly encouraged to express interest in Board service at any time by applying.

Together, we co-create the future of education.

For questions about Board service, please contact Dr. Laura Saylor, Chair of the Directorship Committee at leadership@amshq.org.