Space Science Institute

“Both the bylaws and the articles of incorporation were amended restated during the year ended december 31, 2014. The executive director position was changed from a voting to a non-voting member of the board. Additionally, a vice chair position was created for the board.”

“An electronic copy of the complete draft form 990 is made available to the board of directors for their review prior to the filing of the return.”

“All conflicts of interest are required to be disclosed by employees, officers and agents to the board of directors by communicating any conflicts of interest directly to the board at the time the potential conflict arises. Review of potential conflicts may take place initially in the business office, depending on the individual's place in the organization's hirerarchy. Individuals with a conflict of interest with a potential contractor may not participate in the selection of the contractors for that particular job. Board members with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from any votes related to the conflicted parties. Board approval is required before a situation is allowed to move forward where there is a potential conflict of interest involving a board member. All employees are informed of the policy during orientation and it is reviewed during annual ethics training. Business office personnel receive additional training on conflicts of interest and are responsible for bringing potential conflicts of interest to management's attention.”

“An ad hoc executive review committee of the board of directors performs the executive director annual performance review and recommends changes to the executive director's compensation to the board of directors. In order to make recommendations for changes in compensation, the review committee consults several sources of compensation data, including guidestar and salary surveys. The board of directors is responsible for approving the executive director's compensation. In 2014 there was no change in the executive director compensation, and that individual transitioned to become the director of the national center for interactive learning (ncil) at ssi in june, 2014. The board of directors identified an interim executive director, whose compensation was set through negotiations with and approval by the board of directors under the initial contract rule. The executive director performs annual performance reviews for the branch directors and approves changes to compensation that result.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to members of the public upon request.”

“Process has not changed from prior year.”