Ron Wasserstein, ASA Executive Director

At its April 2023 meeting, the ASA Board recommended changes to four sections of the association’s bylaws.

The board will vote in August to accept these changes. Per the rules set forth by our constitution and bylaws, the board seeks comments from ASA members on the proposed changes. Please send comments to ASA Executive Director Ron Wasserstein by July 15.

Article I, Membership, Section 4

Current:
4. Termination. Membership in the Association will automatically be suspended if a member has failed to pay dues within one month after the expiration of the membership year. The Executive Director will reinstate such privileges and retain the original membership year if a suspended member pays his or her dues within six months after the expiration of the membership year. If in the opinion of the Executive Director the defaulting member has presented a satisfactory explanation for the default, a limited extension of time will be granted.

If a member acts in a manner detrimental to the Association, the Board of Directors will give notice to the member describing such charges. The member will then have due opportunity to respond and to have a hearing by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. After reviewing the committee’s report on the hearing, the Board of Directors may terminate membership by a vote of at least two-thirds of its members.

Termination of a member may also occur as a consequence of violation of the Association’s conduct policy. The grounds for termination and the process by which termination would occur are specified in the Association’s conduct policy.

Proposed:
4. Lapsed Membership. If a member has not paid dues within one month after the expiration of the membership year, membership is considered lapsed and benefits discontinued. However, if the member pays their dues within six months after the expiration of the membership year, membership is automatically reinstated. Reinstatement beyond the six-month period may be granted by the Executive Director upon receiving a satisfactory explanation for the default.

5. Termination. If a member acts in a manner detrimental to the Association, the Board of Directors will give notice to the member describing such charges. The member will then have due opportunity to respond and have a hearing by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. After reviewing the committee’s report on the hearing, the Board of Directors may terminate membership by a vote of at least two-thirds of its members.

Termination of a member may also occur as a consequence of violation of the Association’s code of conduct. The grounds for termination and process by which termination would occur are specified in the Association’s code of conduct.

(Note: Current Section 5 (Fellows) would be renumbered as section 6 if the above is approved.)

Article V, Offices

Proposed:
Add the following as section 1 to Article V, then renumber remaining sections.
1. Principles. The nominations processes reflect and are aligned with the Association’s values. Process and procedures reflect awareness of biases, implicit or otherwise, and mitigate their influence on the nominations process.

Article V, Offices, current Section 5

Current paragraph 1:
Leadership Positions. The President is the chief elected officer of the Association, serving as chair of the Board of Directors. The President is a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and presides at their meetings.

Current paragraph 5:
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Association and will carry out the policies determined by the Board of Directors and other functions specified by the Board of Directors.

Proposed paragraph 1:
Leadership Positions. The President is an elected member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The President is the chair of the board and the executive committee and presides at their meetings.

Proposed paragraph 5:
The Executive Director is the CEO of the Association and will carry out the policies determined by the Board of Directors and other functions specified by the Board of Directors.

Article VI, Board of Directors, Section 2

Current:
2. Meetings. The Board of Directors will meet at least three times a year. Meetings will be held at the call of the President or the majority of the members of the Executive Committee, or by a written petition signed by at least five members of the Board of Directors. Meetings will follow Robert’s Rules of Order, except where otherwise noted in the Constitution or Bylaws.

Proposed:
2. Meetings. The Board of Directors will meet at least three times a year. Meetings will be held at the call of the President or the majority of the members of the Executive Committee or by a written petition signed by at least five members of the Board of Directors. Meetings will follow Robert’s Rules of Order, unless other rules of order are adopted by the board.