How GCICA Works
GCICA is a member association. Members choose national leaders, participate in regional chapters, and help carry out the association’s work through committees. The Board of Directors governs the association under the GCICA bylaws.
The structure at a glance
- Members vote on matters brought to membership meetings, elect the national President, Vice President, and at-large directors, and confirm chapter-elected directors.
- Board of Directors directs the association’s business. It includes the Executive Committee, directors elected at large, and a director elected by each chapter in good standing and confirmed by the membership.
- Executive Committee carries out Board policy between Board meetings. It consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Immediate Past President.
- Regional chapters bring members together locally. Each chapter elects its representative to the national Board. A Chapter President is a chapter leadership role; the Chapter Director is the chapter’s Board representative. Chapter officers and their selection are governed by applicable chapter rules.
- National committees handle specific work such as nominations, elections, membership, archives, and conventions. The national President appoints committee members and a presiding member.
The directors choose a Chairperson of the Board from among themselves. The Chairperson and the national President are distinct roles.
What the leaders do
- Board: Sets direction and oversees GCICA’s business and affairs.
- President: Serves as principal executive officer and presides at membership and Board meetings.
- Vice President: Acts for the President when needed and performs duties assigned by the President or Board.
- Secretary: Keeps meeting minutes, gives required notices, and maintains association records.
- Treasurer: Is responsible for association funds and financial records and reports.
- Board Chairperson: Presides over the directors and may call directors’ meetings as the bylaws provide.
- Chapter Director: Represents a chapter on the national Board.
How leaders are chosen
- National President and Vice President: Elected by the membership in odd-numbered years for two-year terms.
- National Secretary and Treasurer: Chosen by the Board of Directors.
- Directors at large: Elected on a rotating basis, normally for three-year terms.
- Chapter Directors: Elected by their chapters and confirmed by the membership, normally for three-year terms. A shorter initial or staggered term may apply under the bylaws.
- Board Chairperson: Elected annually by the directors from among current directors.
- Committee members: Appointed by the President and serve until replaced or removed.
These are the regular bylaw rules. The next election for a particular director or chapter office depends on that position’s actual election record and any applicable chapter rules. GCICA will post confirmed openings and dates with its official election notices.
How members can get involved
Interested in elected national leadership? Start with the Nominating Committee or Election Committee. Interested in local leadership? Contact your regional chapter. You can also explore GCICA committees and volunteer for work that matches your interests. Committee and leadership pages may require member sign-in.
GCICA elections follow its bylaws. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised provides guidance for proceedings where the bylaws do not provide a rule, as stated in Article XII.
View the National Board (members only) →
View GCICA Committees (members only) →
View Regional Chapters →
View Awards & Recognition →