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ACCT Board of Directors – Responsibilities Overview

Purpose
ACCT Board members are guided by the organization’s Bylaws, Mission, and Vision Statements; 

ACCT Mission Statement

ACCT International establishes and promotes the standard of care and measure of excellence that defines professional practice and effective challenge course programs. ACCT develops, refines, and publishes standards for the design, installation, maintenance, and management of challenge courses; provides forums for education and professional development; and advocates for the challenge course and adventure industry.

ACCT Vision Statement

ACCT International is an industry leader, advancing the industry and enabling members' on-going success.

The Board works to govern responsibly, safeguard financial health, and ensure the continued progress of the Association. They work with staff and fellow directors to guide the organization, strengthen its standards, manage priorities, and use its finances wisely.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

The ACCT Board of Directors is composed of nine (9) volunteer members elected by the membership and the Executive Director, who serves as a non-voting member. Elected members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.

The Board of Directors oversees the Executive Director, who manages ACCT staff and day-to-day operations. While the Board provides strategic direction, ACCT functions as a staff-led organization to ensure stability and continuity beyond the volunteer board’s three-year term limit. While the Executive Director reports to the Board, they manage ACCT staff and oversee day-to-day operations of the Association. Board members are responsible for maintaining clear communication and alignment between governance and staff leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

  • Approve and oversee the annual budget and long-term financial plans.

  • Review financial statements and audits to ensure the association remains financially sound.

  • Monitor expenses and revenue to keep ACCT on stable footing.

Serve as ANSI Standards Developer (ASD)

  • Guide the Standards Development Process to ensure compliance with ANSI Essential Requirements and ACCT Procedures.

  • Ensure ACCT’s Standards remain current and relevant.

Set and Manage Annual Priorities and Strategy

  • Work with staff to ensure the Association's strategic plan is maintained in years that one exists and to develop a new strategic plan whenever one is needed.

  • Work with staff to define annual goals based on the strategic plan.

  • Track progress against these priorities and make adjustments as needed.

Promote Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability

  • Uphold ACCT’s Code of Ethics.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest and maintain high standards of integrity.

  • Ensure ACCT complies with all relevant laws, standards, and governance policies.

Serve as an Ambassador of ACCT

  • Promote ACCT, its mission, and values at conferences, meetings, and industry events.

  • Foster positive relationships with organization volunteers, educators, operators, regulators, and industry peers.

Time & Commitment:  

  • Prepare for monthly and multi-day meetings by reviewing the agenda, reading applicable documents, and providing feedback when requested.

  • Participate in monthly virtual board meetings (2-3 hours/month)

  • Attend three sets of multi-day extended meetings each year (typically October, January/February during the Annual Conference, and April). These meetings may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid. (24-30 hours per meeting set)

  • Attend additional meetings as needed to address projects, time-sensitive issues, or participate on a board task force.  (6-12 hours/month)

  • Serve as a liaison to a committee or accredited member group, attending meetings or connecting with chairs as needed.

    • Liaison workload can be broad and varied based on the group. Responsibilities can include maintaining strong communication between the board and group,  managing small group projects or tasks, etc. (Time commitment varies based on group)

Estimated time commitment: An average of 10-15 hours per month, though some months with extended meetings may require closer to 40 hours per month.