AOS is governed by its board of management, the Council. The Council consists of voting and non-voting members and officers elected by AOS members.

AOS Council

Currently, voting members of Council include four officers (President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary), twelve Elective Councilors, and the three most recent past Presidents.  Non-voting members of Council include two student representatives, all other living past Presidents, the Editors-in-Chief of the AOS journals, the Chair of the Investing Trustees Committee, and the Executive Director of the Society.

Meet the AOS Council

Bylaws and Policies

The governing documents and policies of the organization reflect the history, culture, and professionalism of the society:

AOS Bylaws
AOS Code of Professional Conduct
AOS Meeting Code of Conduct
AOS Social Media Policy
AOS Non-Discrimination Policy
AOS Diversity Statement
AOS Data Privacy Policy
AOS Editorial Grievance Policy

Non-Disclosure Statement

The American Ornithological Society files its required information and tax returns (IRS Form 990) with the IRS each year. Form 990 allows the IRS and the public to evaluate nonprofits and how they operate. IRS Form 990 ensures that nonprofits disclose any potential conflicts of interest, compensation of board members and staff, and other details having to do with financial accountability and avoidance of fraud. Three years of AOS’s Form 990 are made available for the public on our website.

AOS 990 IRS Form for Public Disclosure, Fiscal Year 2021
AOS 990 IRS Form for Public Disclosure, Fiscal Year 2020
AOS 990 IRS Form for Public Disclosure, Fiscal Year 2019