American Ornithological Society

“The organization's bylaws were amended during the year to include the following language: a meeting of the fellows shall be held in conjunction with each stated meeting of the society. Additional meetings of the fellows may be called by an affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the voting members of council. Notice of an additional meeting must be provided to the fellows at least three weeks prior to the meeting. Meetings of the fellows may be in person, by telephone, or by other communications technology, so long as fellows in good standing who are participating in the meeting can hear one another simultaneously, vote on matters submitted to the fellows, pose questions, and make comments, and the meeting is documented with written minutes. These bylaws may be amended by the fellows at an annual or additional meeting of its members provided that such amendments have been approved by council (as described in article iii, section 3) and distributed to the fellows at least twenty-one days in advance of the meeting. Ratification of proposed changes requires approval by a majority of the fellows eligible to vote at that meeting or by proxy (as described in article iii, section 5) unless specified in the motion, changes approved by the fellows at their annual meeting will become effective at the close of that stated meeting. And changes approved by the fellows at an additional meeting will become effective at the close of that fellows meeting or at a date specified in the motion.”

“The aos has members who pay annual dues.”

“The aos members elect a council and officers; council meets three to four times a year to address governance issues.”

“The aos audit committee reviews and approves the 990 prior to submission. The 990 is distributed to aos council and is also made available through the society website, americanornithology.org, as well as upon request.”

“Aos officers, council members, and employees annually submit a conflict of interest disclosure statement as a requirement for their service to, or employment with, the society. Potential conflicts are recorded and monitored by the executive director in consultation with the secretary of the society.”

“The executive compensation policy authorizes the executive committee of the council to conduct the executive director's annual appraisal, and to recommend to council executive compensation and benefits. The policy requires a compensation study to be performed periodically; a study conducted in fy2020 was used to inform compensation for 2021.”

“Governing documents, policies and financial statements are available upon request and on the website.”