SSAFE operates with an Advisory Council, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Officers, and a Secretariat.  SSAFE activities adhere to all applicable privacy and confidentiality guidelines and antitrust laws and regulations.  

Advisory Council
The Advisory Council consists of all Members, Partners and invited Collaborators.
Responsibilities are to:

• Review annual plan and budget as presented by the Secretariat
• Represent SSAFE in advocacy with external audiences
• Recruit and review new membership applications

Board of Directors
Each Member nominates one person to be placed onto the Board of Directors.  The term is one year and Members may be re-elected.
Responsibilities are to:

• Hold annual meetings
• Elect Officers, new Members and Partners
• Transact other business that may come before it
• Approve the annual plan and budget
• Elect the Executive Committee At-Large Members annually

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of the President, Treasurer, and Secretary, along with two At-Large Members elected by the Board of Directors.  The number of Executive Committee Members shall not be less than 20% of the number of Board of Director Members.  The term is one year and Members may be re-elected. 
Responsibilities are to:

• Make necessary timely decisions in the absence of the full Board of Directors and to report information to the Advisory Board
• Hire and direct the Secretariat

Officers

• The Board of Directors will elect or appoint a President, Treasurer, and Secretary
• The President will function as the Chief Executive and actively manage the corporation’s activities
• The Treasurer will keep financial records, deposit receipts and disburse corporate funds as necessary and as directed by the Board of Directors
• The Secretary will provide notice of Board of Directors meetings and will record the minutes of each meeting

Secretariat
The Secretariat is the central contact for the organization. 
Responsibilities are to:

• Serve as external point-of-contact for SSAFE  
• Execute the annual plan
• Provide necessary coordination and communication at the direction of the Executive Committee

Program Budget and Expenses

• With the review and approval by the Board of Directors, the Secretariat develops an annual plan including: program priorities; projected expenditures; and anticipated revenue. 
• Individual projects are funded by: subscription; grants; and in-kind support over and above the membership contributions.