The American Cancer Society, Inc. (referred to here as the "National Society") is governed by two national groups with distinctive roles: the National Assembly and the National Board of Directors. The voting members of both are volunteers from the medical and lay communities.

The American Cancer Society is pleased to announce the availability of the 2008 Strategic Plan Progress Report. This report presents the Society’s and the larger cancer community’s significant achievements and measurable progress toward the Society's strategic plan, 2015 goals, and nationwide objectives. In addition, the report calls attention to challenge areas that will require additional attention in the future. 2008 Strategic Plan Progress Report

National Assembly

The National Assembly elects the National Board of Directors and Officers. It also approves corporate Bylaw changes, elects the Nominating Committee, and approves the division of unrestricted funds between the National organization and Divisions (approximately 40% of revenue to the National organization and 60% to the Division).

The voting members of the National Assembly are six delegates from each of the 13 Divisions, 43 delegates who are members of the Board of Directors, up to 12 past officer delegates (former Presidents and Board Chairs), and some non-voting Honorary Life Members. The Nominating Committee, elected by the National Assembly and defined in the Bylaws, identifies qualified volunteers and recommends them to the Assembly for election as Board members and officers.

National Board of Directors

The National Board of Directors consists of 11 officers, 24 directors (12 medical professionals and 12 laypersons), and eight directors at large (four medical and four lay). Directors are elected for a two-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms. The National Board sets policy, establishes long-term goals, monitors general operations, and approves division charter agreements and charter requirements.

The National Board meets regularly throughout the year. A typical agenda includes discussion and voting on the Society's goals and strategies; reports from the Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer; and the receipt of Monitoring Reports on matters such as CEO adherence to National Society financial policies.

Officer Roles

The relationship of the President, Chair, and Chief Executive Officer reflects the relationship among the three working components they represent (National Assembly, National Board, and professional staff). The President, as the medical and scientific spokesperson for the Society, ensures public trust in the Society's positions. The Chair coordinates the stewardship and energy embodied in the Society's volunteers. The Chief Executive Officer applies the expertise of the professional staff to achieve the goals set by the organization.

Ethics and Financial Practices

To preserve the public's trust and protect the Society's strong reputation, the National Society has adopted many of the governance practices used by publicly traded for-profit companies. The National Society's written Code of Ethics contains a mechanism for managing and disclosing conflicts of interest, as well as a Confidentiality Agreement for staff and certain volunteers.

In addition, the National Society has established charters for the Audit Committee, Finance Committee and Compensation Committee. The Audit Committee assists the Board in overseeing accounting and internal control processes. The Compensation Committee oversees executive compensation. The Compensation Committee's charter provides a roadmap for compliance with IRS procedural requirements on compensation and transactions with insiders. The charter also follows the new for-profit practices that require the Committee to consist of only independent directors. The Finance Committee assists the Board in overseeing the financial performance and strategy of the Society.

These governance practices reflect the American Cancer Society's commitment to the highest standards of organizational integrity. For more information, please feel free to contact the Office of Corporate Communications or the Office of Governance and Corporate Affairs at the American Cancer Society National Home Office in Atlanta, Georgia.