Our Governance

The American Cetacean Society is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, governed by a national, volunteer Board of Directors and managed from its headquarters in San Pedro, California. Because ACS is organized as a single organization rather than as separate local legal entities, ultimate fiduciary and policy oversight for the operations of the American Cetacean Society lies within the purview of its National Board of Directors.

The heart and soul of ACS activity happens at the local chapter level. Each chapter is managed by a board, which provides oversight for the chapter’s annual programs and budget in support of ACS’s mission, vision, and values. Local chapter boards are managed through clear and direct pathways of communication and report back to the National Board of Directors.

Photo credits: © Ari Friedlaender