The Governance of the ACA

The ACA Board of Directors is the governing body of the association and meets three times each calendar year.  The Board is comprised of people with a wide variety of skills and expertise, ranging from environmental scientists and legal experts to volunteers and paddlesports safety professionals.  Each and every Board member shares a passion for outdoor recreation and involvement in the management of the American Canoe Association.

In addition, the Safety Education & Instruction Council, the National Competition Council, and several National Activity Committee's serve in advisory roles to the Board and can make policy recommendations for the Board to consider.

ACA members have general powers and authority to vote on, and conduct certain affairs of the association as described in the bylaws.

All ACA members are eligible to, and encouraged to attend the Annual Membership Meeting each fall.  

• View the ACA National Bylaws (revised 2009).

Upcoming ACA Board of Directors Meetings:

• November 6-7, 2010 - Asheville, NC
• March 5-6, 2011 - Savannah, GA

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors:

• President - Dr. Robin Pope (North Carolina)
• Vice President - Dr. Connie Blackwood (Montana)
• Treasurer - Josh Hall (South Carolina)
• Secretary - Larry Ausley (North Carolina) 
• At-Large - Sam Fowlkes (North Carolina)
• At-Large - Anne Maleady (Virginia)

*In July of each year, the Nominating Committee begins to take applications for consideration on who to nominate for the slate that the Board approves in the fall and the general membership then votes upon.  If you are interested in learning more about this process, please contact the ACA Executive Director.