Marc Nynas, DC, remembers with a chuckle the first time he put his application in for consideration to run for a seat on the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Board of Governors (BoG), the association’s top leadership panel that uses feedback from the House of Delegates to make key decisions on policy and other important association matters. It did not go as planned.
“Four of my friends on the Nominating Committee wouldn’t even grant me an interview. Maybe I should have listened to them!” he laughs.
Lucky for ACA, Dr. Nynas was undeterred. With a little more experience under his belt, he submitted his application again. This time he was successful. He was elected to a seat on the BoG in 2023. That same year he was also voted to serve as board vice president.
“My previous experience serving on the Nominating Committee, where I learned that we have so many wonderful leaders in our midst at ACA, helped me to reframe that experience of not being selected for a board interview [the first time],” he adds, “and I am certainly glad that I did not walk away at that point.”
With the deadline to submit applications for delegate, alternate delegate and three available seats on the BOG approaching (see “Leadership Opportunities” below), Dr. Nynas wants to remind all ACA members that they too can make an impact on their association, but they’ll never know if they don’t try. “If you’ve put your name in, in the past, please consider doing so again. If you have been interviewed in the past and didn’t make it on the ballot, try again, and by all means if you made it to the step of being on the ballot and campaigning only to hear someone else’s name called…congratulations, you made it further than I did my first attempt. Please consider running again!”
“ACA and the chiropractic profession need the best of us,” he continues. “It’s a great board and we’re having fun while we get the work done.”
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The ACA Blog caught up with Dr. Nynas recently to learn more about his leadership journey:
What first made you want to become involved in leadership at ACA?
I felt some of my experiences at the state and regional levels could benefit ACA. I’ve somehow managed to always be involved in insurance-related issues at various state, local and national levels with the Montana Chiropractic Association (MCA), Rocky Mountain Health Network and ACA. I felt these experiences would translate well to serving the profession.
Have you always considered yourself a leader, or do you think you had to build that competency?
It is definitely something I have grown into. Looking back, there are some situations I’d like to have a re-ride on, but it’s been an interesting journey to get where I am today.
What has been surprising to you about your leadership journey?
The biggest thing is learning how to disagree. It’s a fine line between working to compromise verses arguing to win. It’s important to be able to voice a differing opinion without causing discord and listening to others disagree with me without feeling as though it is personal.
Have you had any leadership mentors at ACA?
[Former ACA President] Ray Tuck is the one that really stands out. He was one that encouraged me to keep working after the first time I tried to run for the BoG and wasn’t granted an interview. Ray was always willing to lend an ear and some advice. Lee Hudson, a former Montana delegate, was always pushing me along and setting an example with his own service. The other one that stands out is Dale White. I was the new MCA president at the time and was sent to COCSA to represent us. To say I felt completely out of place is an understatement! We’ve all heard about how we may forget what was said but will always remember how people made us feel. Well, between Dale White, Jack Albrecht, and Jorge Garcia I stayed involved. I really think I would have quit after that meeting if it wasn’t for those three doctors. I think that’s something we need to cultivate more.
What about serving in leadership is most rewarding?
This has changed over the years. At one point I would have said convincing a third-party administrator to leave chiropractors alone in the state of Montana was the best thing ever. But I’m at a point now where I’m really tracking folks that have asked for advice, helping with guidance, and seeing how many of the next group of leaders I can help along in their own journeys.
What is your advice to others who may be interested in leadership?
RUN! It doesn’t matter if you apply for multiple committees and only get one. Focus on that, do good work, and I promise it’ll be noticed. Get a foot in the door and just work for the betterment of our profession. Believe me when I say there are no unimportant roles.
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Leadership Opportunities
House of Delegate Elections
ACA members who are seeking election as a Delegate or an Alternate Delegate must signify such intent in writing by Sept. 13 to the Corporate Secretary of the American Chiropractic Association by either:
• Verified mail: 1701 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 200, Arlington VA 22209
• Verified email: [email protected]
• Verified Facsimile: (703) 243-2593
Board of Governors Elections
The Board of Governors application process begins in October. Every candidate for governor, except the public member, must be a member of ACA (or SACA) in continuous good standing for at least two years immediately preceding the election. Doctors running for a position on the board must hold an active chiropractic license. All applicants must be current in all financial obligations to ACA. Details on applying and more information will be posted to the Volunteer Portal when the call for applications begin.
Volunteer on a Committee
In late winter/early spring each year, ACA asks members to apply to volunteer on one or more committees, task forces and advisory boards. It’s a great way to start your leadership journey at ACA. Check out the Volunteer Portal next time applications are requested.
