Who will lead the SOA? You decide.

Background Checks

The following background forms are needed for this year’s election. Please note that all forms, except the ABCD Release Form, must be sent directly to Craig Kelbus, Mintz Group at ckelbus@mintzgroup.com.

1. ABCD Release Form - to be attached to Expression of Interest form
2. US Background Check form – to be emailed to Mintz Group
3. Canada and International (except EU and UK) Background Check form – to be emailed to Mintz Group
4. EU Background Check form – to be emailed to Mintz Group and EU Data Privacy Notice
5. UK Verifile Consent – to be emailed to Mintz Group
6. UK Verifile Screening form – to be emailed to Mintz Group

Why Does the SOA Nominating Committee Conduct Background Checks?

• Nominees cannot get a place on the SOA ballot without completing the information required in the background check.
• All ballot candidates-endorsed and by petition-must complete the background check approval form and the appropriate steps of the background check process.

How the background check process works:

• Background checks are conducted for President-Elect and Vice Chair and elected Board member positions.
• A reputable security firm conducts the background checks and follows all appropriate legal aspects of the process.
• Your authorization form is submitted directly to the security firm vendor that is conducting the background checks.
• Reports are sent to the SOA assistant general counsel and SOA director of governance.
• Any adverse reports are discussed with the Nominating Committee chair and vice chair.
• All reports are kept in a locked cabinet and destroyed at the start of the next election year.

If you undergo a background check, you will need to supply the following on the authorization form:

• Your name and any other name(s) you've used.
• Current address and previous address(es) within the past 20 years.
• Social security number, driver's license number, date of birth and place of birth.
• You are also asked to self-report any convictions and guilty pleas, as well as probation or community supervision for any federal, state or municipal criminal offense (excluding minor traffic violations).

If you're not currently residing in the United States, please note the following:

• A background check procedure is established in each country that reflects the laws of that country.
• It will balance the need to vet candidates with the imposition placed on candidates to respond.

How adverse items are addressed in the background check:

• Adverse items are criminal convictions about financial matters, dishonesty, integrity and anything that could cause reputation risk to the profession.
• Minor indiscretions from years past are not considered adverse.
• Nominees are notified of any adverse information in reports sent via Federal Express and email.
• Nominees have the opportunity to dispute or explain information contained in the report within seven days after receipt of the report by Federal Express.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions related to the information provided or questions about the background check process in general, please contact elections@soa.org.