BY LAWS of the ATLANTA CHAPTER OF THE
ARMED FORCES COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION
(AFCEA)

ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION.

Section 1. Name: The name of this organization will be the Atlanta Chapter, Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association, hereinafter referred to as AFCEA, Chapter #115, or ” this Chapter”.

Section 2. Location: This chapter will be located in the Greater Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. A post office box will be maintained for receiving mail for the chapter.

ARTICLE II. RELATIONSHIP WITH ARMED FORCES COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION (AFCEA) INTERNATIONAL.

Governance. This chapter is established and organized under provisions of Article IV, CHAPTERS, of the Bylaws of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The Chapter Bylaws will be in addition and subordinate to provisions of the AFCEA International Bylaws. The AFCEA International Bylaws, while not fully restated herein, will generally apply, as applicable, to the Chapter. The AFCEA International Bylaws are available on AFCEA International’s website (www.afcea.org/about).

ARTICLE III. OBJECTIVES.

SECTION 1. Mission and General Objective:

a. AFCEA International Mission: AFCEA is a professional association chartered in Washington D.C., as a patriotic, educationally oriented, non-profit technical society. Its mission is:

1) To promote industry-government cooperation in developing effective Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) capabilities, including the development, manufacture and operation of equipment and systems, and provision of services;

2) To foster strong Armed Forces and national C4I organizations;

3) To contribute to the professional development of those serving in C4I fields; and

4) Through these activities, to further the security and military preparedness of the United States and its allies.

To accomplish its mission, the association provides the AFCEA forum: The environment wherein government and the military can discuss their requirements and industry can display the products of technology and educate others regarding scientific and technological advances applicable to government requirements.

b. AFCEA Atlanta Mission: In support of the AFCEA International mission, the Atlanta Chapter shall:

1) Implement the AFCEA mission in the environment of the Atlanta area;

2) Support the needs of the Atlanta Chapter membership;

3) Provide an effective local forum for information exchange between government, industry, and academia;

4) Provide scholarship and educational assistance designed to help and encourage outstanding and deserving students and teachers to further educational goals in the technical and scientific fields;

5) Provide educational opportunities to the local technology community; and

6) Provide support to soldiers whenever possible and feasible.

SECTION 2. Specific Objectives: In support of these general objectives, the Atlanta chapter will:

a. Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information in the disciplines involved with communications, electronics, command and control, avionics, computer technology, computer-aided analysis and fusion of intelligence data, information security, systems management and audiovisual techniques.

b. Work closely with the related technical societies/associations in the Georgia region to insure cooperative support programs in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

c. Operate as a nonprofit organization in accordance with the AFCEA International charter and U.S. Tax Laws.

ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION:

SECTION 1. Meetings:

a. General Membership: The Chapter will hold regular luncheons / membership meetings on the 4th Thursday of each month (except November (Third Thursday) and December in which there will be no meeting). The Chapter will generally hold the April and October meetings in the form of golf tournaments for fund raising purposes; the exact day may vary during these months. The Chapter may also hold luncheons as well as the golf tournaments in case of special speakers. The President will begin the luncheons at 11:30 a.m. (11:40 if members appear to be arriving late) and end them by approximately 1:00 p.m.

b. Board of Directors: The President will hold a Board of Directors meeting generally on the 2nd Thursday of each month. In the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President or other member of the board as directed by the President, may hold the meeting. The meeting will be in the form of a working luncheon. The Executive Vice President will keep a count of attendees.

SECTION 2. Notice in Writing: The President/Executive Vice President will provide a written notice of the meetings to the membership. The President/Executive Vice President will include the place, day, subject, hour, and purpose of the meeting. The Chapter officers will provide written notice to ensure those affected received notification at least seven days in advance of the date of the meeting.

SECTION 3. Elections: The President will form an election board to nominate officers each April. Then, the Chapter will conduct election of Chapter officers and members of the Board of Directors by private, written ballot at the May meeting of the Chapter or via the web site prior to end of the May. The Georgia Regional Vice President will install the new Chapter officers/Board of Directors at the June general membership meeting.

SECTION 4. Voting: Each member, identified by the most current AFCEA-provided Membership Roster, will be entitled to vote on matters properly brought before the membership. The Chapter does not allow proxy votes. A simple majority of the members present at chapter meetings will constitute a voting decision, provided twenty or more members are present. In the event the member number present is less than 20 at General Membership meetings or less than one-third of the members of the Board at Board of Director meetings, the President will conduct no further business and will adjourn the meeting. He/she will so advise the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE:

SECTION 1. Organization: The Chapter consists of the Chapter officers, a Board of Directors (BOD), standing and special Committees, and the General Membership.

SECTION 2. The Chapter Officers: The Chapter offers one-year terms for each officer with no restrictions on the number of terms. The Chapter Officers, all members of the BOD, are as follow:

a. President: Responsible for carrying out the direction of the BOD in the management and complete operation of the Chapter. The president is chairman of the BOD and presides over the meetings of the Board and membership. The President sets the agenda for the meetings.

b. Executive Vice President: Acts for the President in the President’s absence and succeeds the President in the event the President is unable to continue in office. The Executive Vice President is responsible for oversight of arrangements at monthly chapter meetings and performs other duties as prescribed by the President. He/she serves on the Treasurer’s annual mini-board for budget planning.

He/she will circulate copies of the BOD minutes to the BOD and oversees any corrections.

c. Vice President of Programs: Responsible for ensuring guest speakers are identified and invited to the monthly luncheons. The Vice President of Programs will introduce the speaker at the luncheon and ensure an appropriate certificate of appreciation/gift is available for presentation. The Vice President for Programs is the Chairman of the Program Committee.

d. Vice President of Membership: Ensures chapter membership records are current. He/she will coordinate and direct the Chapter’s membership and retention campaigns. The Vice President for Membership will administer the AFCEA International Anniversary Pin Program and Five Star Award Program. The Vice President for Membership will coordinate with the Secretary to reconcile the Atlanta Chapter membership roster from AFCEA International with the Chapter mailing list. The Vice President for Membership may form a membership committee, as needed, to assist in furthering the membership and retention goals of the chapter.

e. Vice President of Corporate Membership: Ensures chapter corporate sponsor records are current. He/she will coordinate and direct the Chapter’s Corporate Sponsorship, fundraising, retention, and recruitment campaigns. The Vice President of Corporate Membership will assist the President in coordinating special presentations to new corporate sponsors. The Vice President for Corporate Membership may form a membership committee, as needed, to assist in furthering the sponsorship and fundraising goals of the chapter.

f. Treasurer: Receives and deposits all Chapter funds. He/she disburses all funds and maintains all tax records required of the Chapter operating as a non-profit, tax-exempt entity. With the approval of the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer may be appointed to assume the duties of the office in the event of the temporary absence of the Treasurer. He/she holds an annual mini-board in May or June of each year to plan the budget for the next year.

g. Secretary: Sees to the administration of the Chapter, maintaining all official records of the Chapter. The Secretary will submit minutes of each board meeting to the Executive Vice President within a week of subject meeting. He/she will make the corrections accepted by the Executive Vice President and return the corrected minutes to the Executive Vice President seven days before the monthly meeting. The President may appoint an Assistant Secretary to assume the duties of the office in the event of the temporary absence of the Secretary.

h. Vice President of Scholarships: Oversees the publicity for and the administration of the local chapter’s scholarship program. Ensures the BOD has an opportunity to review and vote on scholarship submissions. Serves as liaison for AFCEA International’s scholarship program.

i. Vice President of Publicity: Responsible for advertisement and promotion of the Chapter and its events. This includes submissions to the Signal Magazine after each chapter meeting or event and may include publicity in other publications. Acts as the chapter’s photographer.

j. Vice President of Awards: Responsible for the Chapter’s Award Program to include forming a nominating committee when appropriate for large-scale and annual awards. He/she accepts nominations as desired and recommends, for the Chapter President’s approval, deserving chapter awardees for monthly honors.

k. Vice President of Young AFCEANs: Represents the young members of AFCEA and advises the President and Board of Directors on the issues and concerns of young AFCEANS. This includes proposing and conducting appropriate chapter programs and activities for young AFCEANs and recommending policies to attract and retain young members. He/she represents the chapter at regional, national, or international conferences where Young AFCEAN representation is requested. He/she serves as a member of the Georgia Region Young AFCEAN Advisory Council (YAAC) in support of the Georgia Regional Vice President.

l. Vice President of Science Fairs: Responsible for the Chapter’s Science Teaching Tools and Science Fair Programs. Solicits select County Science Advisors in the local Atlanta area for teacher nominations to receive a cash award to purchase supplies, etc for their science program. Provides the list to the Treasurer for awards. In charge of the January program to honor said teachers. Also, solicits these same advisors as well as the Statewide science fairs for the times and dates of local science fairs. Locates volunteers from the membership to participate in the fairs and award prizes to students, and in Statewide contests, to the students’ teachers. Reports the results to AFCEA International. Selects one of the state winners to go forward for international AFCEA competition.

m. Vice President of Education: Responsible for establishing a repository of courses, seminars, and other educational opportunities in the Atlanta area. Works with the Webmaster to maintain an educational page on the Atlanta AFCEA website-can use links to other sites as well. Courses/seminars include those on technology and business.

n. Small Business Liaison: Represents small business issues and concerns. Manages the chapter’s small business mentorship program and encourages small business participation in the chapter.

o. Vice President of Enlisted Matters: Represents the enlisted members and AFCEA and advises the President and Board of Directors on the issues and concerns of enlisted members in the chapter. Encourages enlisted participation in the chapter. Also, ensures the proper flags are present and set-up for the meetings.

p. Webmaster: Responsible for the Chapter’s Internet presence via a web page. The Webmaster is responsible for posting all information deemed public. The Webmaster is the administrator for all Chapter domains, email accounts, and list servers. The Webmaster is responsible for posting special announcements, photographs, and archival information on the web. The Webmaster works closely with all Vice Presidents and Committee Chairs to ensure the Chapter web site is reflecting their area of interest accurately. The Webmaster shall post no information without the permission of the Chapter President.

q. Past Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, and Board Members at Large: Responsible for assisting the Chapter Officers in their areas of expertise and participation in BOD meetings.

SECTION 3. The Board of Directors: The Board is presided over by the President of the Chapter. All elected Chapter officers will be members with one-year office terms. As long as the Georgia Regional Vice President is in the Atlanta area, he/she will also serve on the BOD. There are no restrictions to the number of terms a member may serve on the BOD. The BOD is the governing body of the Chapter having supervision, control and direction of the affairs of the Chapter–its committees and publications. The Board establishes policies, controls changes, and manages the accomplishment of the Chapter objectives. The Board supervises the disbursement of chapter funds. The BOD has the power to amend these bylaws, to fill casual vacancies in its membership, and to remove members of the Board when it is decided by proper vote such action is in the best interest of the Chapter. The BOD may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as deemed advisable. Voting by the BOD will be carried out with the President abstaining except in case of a tie vote when the President will vote to resolve the tie. No proxy voting will be allowed. The President will hold a Board of Directors meeting generally on the 2nd Thursday of each month. In the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President or other member of the board as directed by the President, may hold the meeting. A minimum of one-third of the members of the board will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE VI- STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

SECTION 1. Standing Committees: The President will appoint the following committees upon assuming office:

a. Scholarship Committee: If desired by the Vice President of Scholarships, the President will select one or more members to serve under the Vice President of Scholarships for administration, including establishment of criteria and selection of the candidates. The BOD approves the criteria and makes the final selection of recipients.

b. Programs Committee: Consists of an Assistant Vice President for Programs and the Executive Vice President of the Chapter. The committee works with the Vice President for Programs to arrange speakers, select special programs, and administer the Chapter programs. The Programs Committee is responsible for coordinating with the guest speaker and ensuring protocol is followed. The Committee also handles speaker logistical requirements and briefing material. The committee also assists the Vice President of Corporate Membership, as required, with the scheduled golf tournaments.

c. Membership Committee – Consists of one or more member serving under the Vice President for Membership and Vice President for Corporate Membership to develop and manage recruiting and retention aggressive programs.

SECTION 2. Special Committees (Identified by the President and approved by the BOD):

a. Nominating Committee: The President will provide the names of a nominating committee (three members plus himself/herself) to the BOD at the March meeting each year. The committee will provide a list of nominees for the next fiscal year for board approval at the May BOD meeting so the list can be voted upon by the entire membership later that month. The Committee will identify one or more candidates for each of the chapter offices and a minimum of three Members at large. The Committee will report the slate of the candidates to the membership at the May meeting.

b. Tactical C4 Conference Committee: The President will provide the names of the committee to the BOD at the July or August meeting of the BOD. The Committee will work with FORSCOM to sponsor, organize, and conduct the annual FORSCOM Tactical C4 Conference. The Committee Chairperson will organize subcommittees as needed to plan and support the event. The Chairperson will be a member of the BOD and keep the board informed of progress on this major Chapter event.

APPENDIX A

Chapter Plan AFCEA Atlanta

As of August 2005

- To conduct a quality chapter forum through meetings and other chapter events.

- To provide interesting and informative programs at chapter meetings using speakers from the Department of Defense, other government agencies, industry, and academia.

- To conduct an annual conference in conjunction with FORSCOM. Although FORSCOM G-6 will choose the theme and approve the agenda, the chapter may use a portion of the time for chapter recognition, information exchange, and raising money for scholarship and related chapter activities.

- To conduct an active program of scholarship and education support for college and pre-college students to include the following:
• Annual scholarship awards for undergraduate college students who are pursuing degrees appropriate to the goals of AFCEA at Atlanta area colleges and universities.
• Financial support to the AFCEA International Scholarship Fund.
• AFCEA high school science fair and teaching tool program in the greater Atlanta area to encourage students to direct their educational goals in the information and telecommunications areas.
• An active Young AFCEAN program to expose AFCEA’s goals and mission to our future technologists and leaders.
- To seek out and form professional relationships with other technologically focused organizations with similar goals.