ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the American Technical Education Association, Inc. (ATEA).

ARTICLE II – PURPOSES

The purposes of the Association shall be to:

1. Promote technical education for interested and qualified youth and adults.
2. Promote technical education and training in order to support the technical training needs of business, industry, education, and government.
3. Seek to establish interaction with other related professional organizations, agencies, businesses, and industries employing technical education graduates.
4. Provide professional development for teachers, administrators, and support personnel in postsecondary technical education.
5. Establish and promote standards for technical education programs and management.
6. Provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas among persons in technical education, business, industry, and government.
7. Involve local, state, and national legislators in ATEA activities.
8. Promote advocacy for postsecondary technical education.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section A       Eligibility. It is a priority of ATEA to recruit new members including Board members from administration, faculty, staff, and business partners that are representative of the populations we serve. All persons and organizations who can contribute to the purposes of the Association shall be eligible for membership.  Every member of the association is a member of a region in accordance with the address of correspondence from the member. The following are membership categories:

1. Individual
   1. Regular. An individual who pays annual dues with all rights and privileges as established by the organization.
   2. Life. A membership for the duration of the individual’s life with all rights and privileges as established by the organization.
   3. Retired. An individual who has retired from full-time work may retain regular membership in the organization by paying annual dues at a reduced individual rate.
   4. Honorary. The Board of Trustees may extend membership in recognition of an individual or organization who has rendered exceptional service to the Association in a manner deserving special recognition.
   5. Student. An individual who is enrolled in a technical or related educational program at the postsecondary level.
2. Institutional/Agency. Educational institutions, public and private, and agencies may become members in this category. An agency is defined, but not limited to, Federal and State Departments of Education or sub-divisions thereof and other professional organizations.
3. Corporate/Business. Companies, businesses, and industrial firms that manufacture products for technical education; develop equipment, software, and supplies for technical education; or provide professional services for technical education are eligible for membership in this category.
4. Affiliations. Discipline specific groups or associations can become affiliated with ATEA while keeping their own identity. In order to affiliate, each member of the organization must also become a member of ATEA and comply with any other requirements established by the ATEA Board of Trustees.

Section B       Dues. The dues for each category of membership shall be established by the Board of Trustees.

Section C       Membership Period. The period of membership shall be as defined by the ATEA Board of trustees.

ARTICLE IV – ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION

Section A       Administration. The affairs of the Association shall be managed by the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and other duly elected officers as specified and provided in other articles of these Bylaws.

Section B       Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be selected by the Executive Committee and recommended to the Board of Trustees for appointment to the position. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the operation of all Association activities.

Section C       Annual Meeting. The Association will plan and conduct at least one annual meeting for the membership of the Association each fiscal year.

ARTICLE V – TRUSTEES

Section A       Board of Trustees. There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of twenty-four (24) members at-large and one (1) to six (6) representatives from business and industry appointed by the Board of Trustees as well as one member who is the Chair of the Regional Presidents.

Section B       Board Criteria, Nomination Process and Timeline ATEA Board Member attributes suitability for the ATEA Board is determined based, in part, on the following criteria:

• Connections to employers and businesses in technical industries,
• Connections or direct involvement to technical higher education,
• Connections to governmental entities that are involved in labor, manufacturing, or educational grants,
• Compatibility with the ATEA team,
• Adds racial or racial-and-ethnic diversity,
• Adds or complement geographic distribution and representation to the ATEA,
• Does not have a conflict of interest with the ATEA Mission or fund-raising of the ATEA,
• Leader in their organization,
• Willing to give $1,000 annually to the ATEA, personally or institutionally,
• Suitable to team approaches and collaboration.

1. Prospects for future ATEA Board members are procured from three different sources from the, (1) First Vice President of the ATEA based upon professional connections and suitability criteria, (2) membership of the Board of the ATEA, and (3) Executive Director of the ATEA.
2. Ten-to-fifteen confidential prospects should be considered between March and August each year. Prospective board members are initially considered by the Executive Director of the ATEA and the President.
3. Six semifinal board members are evaluated by the Executive Committee of the ATEA before the fall/winter Board meeting.
4. Three-to-six names are presented to the full board at a fall/winter meeting for nomination to the board. The Board nominates those considered acceptable.
5. A letter is mailed to the prospective board member that has been nominated by the named board member and/or Executive Committee member. 
6. Nominated board members are asked to send a letter of interest to serve on the ATEA board and a resume.
7. The executive committee is informed of nominees that have expressed an interest to serve. The nominee is placed on the subsequent board agenda for approval.The preferred board meeting is spring.
8. Nominated board members attend the spring board meeting, the nominator introduces them, and they speak of their interest, and the board votes.  They leave the room for the discussion if there is one and the vote.
9. The nominated person is either approved or denied by a formal vote of the Board. A declined nomination may be resurrected, as

Section C       Eligibility. Any individual who is a member in good standing of the Association, is a representative of a major donor to the Association, or is an active participant in the Association from business and industry is eligible for nomination and appointment to the Board of Trustees.  Trustees may be re-appointed to successive terms except for the officers who are limited to two-year terms. In recognition of the importance of participation by both outstanding administrators and instructional personnel in the governance of the Association, special attention will be given to the inclusion of an adequate representation of both groups on the Board of the Association.

Section D       Term of Office. Each Trustee, with the exception of the Chair of the Regional Presidents, shall be appointed for a three-year term of office that shall run concurrently with the fiscal year.  The terms shall be staggered in such a manner that one-third of the Trustee positions shall be up for appointment each year.

Section E       Meetings. The Board of Trustees will conduct at least two meetings each fiscal year with one meeting held at least four months prior to the Annual National Conference and one meeting held at the time of the Annual National Conference of the Association. 

Section F        Duties. The Board of Trustees is authorized to perform all responsibilities related to the governance of the Association. The general duties of the Board shall be:

1. To elect officers in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association.
2. To conduct the business affairs of the Association in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association.
3. To establish policies and procedures for the conduct of the affairs of the Association.
4. To authorize activities that are in the best interest of the Association.
5. To promote growth of the Association that will contribute toward achieving its purposes.
6. To approve the annual operating budget of the Association.
7. To appoint the Executive Director of the Association.

Section G       Appointment. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held prior to the National Conference (Fall Meeting) each year, the Board shall identify the open Trustee positions to be filled by appointment for the succeeding three-year period and shall communicate this to the membership.

The Board of Trustees shall make these appointments at their meeting during the National Conference each year.

Section H       Proxy Representation. Any Trustee unable to attend a meeting of the Board of Trustees may designate, in writing to the President, a Trustee to serve as a proxy for the specified meeting. This proxy is authorized to cast the absent Trustee’s vote on all matters of business brought before the meeting.

Section I         Accountability. Any Trustee who fails or is unable to perform the duties of a Trustee may be asked to resign and the President will appoint a replacement.

Section J        Quorum. It shall be required that a simple majority of the Trustees be present in order to convene an official meeting of the Board of Trustees. In the absence of a quorum, Article XI, Section B may be implemented to allow association business to be conducted by the members present.

Section K       Enactment. A simple majority vote of the Trustees present, in person or represented by proxy, is required to carry out all matters of business presented to the Board at a meeting.  Between Board meetings, a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee under authority granted in Article IX, Section A, is required to carry out Association business.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS

Section A       Officers. The officers of the Board of the Association shall be President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Immediate Past President, and Treasurer. The Executive Director will serve as an ex officio non-voting officer of the Association.

Section B       Eligibility. Only current members of the Board of Trustees are eligible for nomination and election to serve as officers. 

Section C       Terms of Office. All officers shall serve two–year terms that begin at the conclusion of the Annual National Conference. The President, First Vice President, and Immediate Past President shall be limited to one two-year term. The Treasurer and Second Vice President shall be eligible to serve two-year terms without any limitation.   

Section D       Election. Every two years at the meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Annual National Conference, the Board will elect a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, and a Treasurer. 

Section E       Duties of Officers. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, Executive Committee, and the annual meeting of the membership. The President shall appoint all committees except the Executive Committee, and shall perform all duties normally assigned to a President.

                        The First Vice President shall act as President during the absence of the President and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the President. The First Vice President shall succeed to the office of President upon completion of the two-year term by the incumbent President.

                        The Second Vice President shall act as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the standing committees appointed by the President. The Second Vice President shall perform such other duties as assigned by the President.

                        The Immediate Past President shall act as counselor to the President and perform such duties as assigned by the President.

                        The Treasurer shall assist the Executive Director in preparing an annual budget, presenting periodic financial reports to the Board of Trustees, advising the Board on financial affairs of the Association, and performing other financial functions as assigned by the President of the Association.

ARTICLE VII – REGIONAL COUNCILS

Section A       Regions. The United States and other nations having members in the association shall be organized into geographical regions. The number and boundaries of regions shall be established by the Board of Trustees.

Section B       Officers. The Regional Offices shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Immediate Past President

Section C       Regional Councils. Each region shall be deemed duly established by election of a Regional Council. If a region is not duly established, the Association President may appoint a Regional Council.

Section D       Regional President. The Regional President represents the region at the Annual National Conference of the Association.

Section E       Finances. Regions may raise money for conferences, scholarships, monetary awards, and other activities desired to be carried out by the region. Revenues and financial records shall be handled in accordance with the Procedures Manual.

Section F        State Chapters. Regional Councils may promote the formation of State Chapters of ATEA within their region.

ARTICLE VIII – REGIONAL PRESIDENTS

Section A       Presidents. Each duly established region shall elect a Regional President.

Section B       Eligibility. Any person holding an individual membership in good standing of a region is eligible to be elected as President of that region.

Section C       Term of Office. The term of office of a Regional President shall be for two (2) years and shall run concurrent with the terms of the national officers.

Section D       Representation on the Board of Trustees. The Regional Presidents, as a group, will elect from their number a Chair who will represent them as a member of the Board of Trustees for a two-year term.

ARTICLE IX – COMMITTEES

The following committees shall be constituted to assist in the operation of the Association.

Section A       Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Immediate Past President, Treasurer, and Executive Director of the Association.

                        The Executive Committee is authorized to act for the Board of Trustees on all matters concerning the governance of the Association when the Board is not in session. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be in conformity with these Bylaws, must be reported to the entire Board in a timely manner, and shall be subject to approval of the Board.

                        This committee will make recommendations to the Board on any matters affecting the Association. The committee will ensure that the Association maintains appropriate long-range goals with respect to its program of work, fiscal objectives, and research agenda. It will maintain liaison with all other committees to facilitate their work in support of the Association. 

Section B       Past Presidents Council. The Past Presidents Council shall be comprised of all Past Presidents who maintain active membership in the Association. The President shall appoint a Past President to serve as the Chair of the Past Presidents Council. The responsibilities of the Council shall include a review of the Association’s activities to ensure their alignment with the mission of the Association, an assessment of the effectiveness of the activities in achieving the mission of the Association, and the identification of potential future leaders of the Association for recommendation to the Nominating Committee.

Section C       Nominating Committee. The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of Trustee candidates to present to the Board for appointment.

Section D       Membership and Promotion Committee. The President shall appoint a Membership and Promotion Committee for the purpose of providing advice and assistance in promoting membership in the Association.

Section E       Editorial Committee. The President shall appoint an Editorial Committee for the purpose of reviewing articles for publication in the ATEA Journal. The operations and procedures of the Editorial Committee are to be reviewed by the Board of Trustees on an annual basis coinciding with the fiscal reports.

Section F        National Program Planning Committee. The President shall appoint a National Program Planning Committee with appropriate representation from other co-hosting agencies whose responsibilities shall be to plan and organize the program for the Annual National Conference.

Section G       Recognition and Awards Committee. The President shall appoint a Recognition and Awards Committee that will establish criteria and select awards that are appropriate, recognizing performance and leadership in the profession.

Section H       Legislative Committee. The President shall appoint a Legislative Committee for the purpose of advocacy of postsecondary technical education. The committee will monitor legislative issues, prepare position papers and work closely with the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) and the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

Section I         Partnerships and Alliances Committee. The President shall appoint a Partnerships and Alliances Committee to collaborate with professional groups and organizations sharing common interests with ATEA. The committee shall foster partnerships with educational institutions, business, industry, labor,and government to enhance workforce development strategies.

Section J        Other Committees. The President shall establish other committees and/or subgroups as appropriate in order to perform the business of the Association.

ARTICLE X – BUDGETS

Section A       Preparation and Submission. A proposed budget showing anticipated income and expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year shall be prepared by the Executive Director in consultation with the Executive Committee. The proposed budget shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for adoption at the meeting scheduled during the Annual National Conference.

Section B       Budget Revisions. At any meeting of the Board of Trustees, based upon the financial status reports, the Executive Director in consultation with the Executive Committee may submit proposed revisions to the annual budget for approval by the Board of Trustees.

Section C       Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

Section A       Authority. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) positive vote of the total Board of Trustees, either at a meeting or electronically, provided that the proposed amendment(s) has (have)been submitted to the Trustees in writing or electronically at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting of the Trustees at which action on the amendment(s) is (are) expected.

Section B       Emergency. In the event of unforeseen critical needs, the Executive Committee or members present for scheduled Trustee meetings can suspend the Bylaws if it is in the best interest of the Association.