Columbia’s elections are just around the corner. This April, residents will cast votes for their village boards and for Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors. Six villages will elect representatives to CA’s board — Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge, Oakland Mills, Owen Brown, Town Center and Wilde Lake.

This column is not another reminder about the importance of voting. It is a call for you to serve.

CA is a sizable organization, with an annual budget approaching $90 million, and more than 1,700 employees across various employment categories. We play an integral role, along with our many community partners, in providing Columbia with the high quality of life that has become its standard, and a major factor in the community’s designation as the No. 1 small city in the United States (by Money Magazine).

The individuals who serve on CA’s board of directors can help set the course for the community. While CA board members are elected from their respective villages, they represent and serve the entire community, and they are responsible for the well-being of the organization.

We want anyone who is considering running for a seat on CA’s board of directors to know more about the community and CA. That is why we are, again, offering two information sessions for prospective candidates.

The sessions will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m., both at CA Headquarters, at 6310 Hillside Court, which is located off Stevens Forest Road and Broken Land Parkway.

Individuals from various backgrounds and all sectors can help CA as we move forward. CA’s board sets policy, oversees our budget and works closely with the president/CEO to ensure that strategic decisions and directions are being implemented and followed, and that the organization continues best practices in support of the community.

This is a volunteer role. We are very mindful of board members’ time and other commitments. On that note, CA’s board meets twice a month — a work session typically on the second Thursday evening of the month and a board meeting on the fourth Thursday evening. There are no meetings in August, and board members meet just once per month in November and December.

Join us at an information session. The setting and conversation are informal, with a focus on addressing questions you may have about the opportunity, about CA, about the community, and about the role of board members and how your service will benefit you and Columbia.

E-mail [email protected] with questions/comments.