About the Governance of the Soaring Society of America

It's been brought to my attention that some members have asked where they might find documentation relating to the governance of the SSA (on its website). I hope this sheds some light and puts to rest any notion the SSA is not transparent. As the Director of Region 6 it is my opinion that the SSA is largely transparent about its funding and expenditures. This I believe is a testament to its past and present leadership, the organization's Executive Committee, Phil Umphres, and its Chairman, Ken Sorenson.

While one may rightfully critisize the organization's website and user experience, the organization's financial statements are available to the public for anyone to see and download in .PDF format. See: https://www.ssa.org/BudgetAndFinance

Additionally, the organization's Board Meeting agendas, Board Meeting minutes, and Executive Committee meeting minutes are available too.

See: https://www.ssa.org/BoardReports.asp (Board Minutes and Executive Committee Minutes)

See also: https://www.ssa.org/Bluebooks (Board Meeting Agenda and Volunteer Committee Reports)

Members may also access information about the SSA Foundation. Here's a link to the page where you can click on and access the SSA Foundation's Financial Reports and Trustees' meeting minutes: https://www.ssa.org/Foundation?show=blog&id=3740

John Godfrey chairs the SSA Foundation and in my opinion has done an incredible job as the Chair of the foundation's independent Board of Trustees. I'm confident this entity will continue to preserve and grow the foundation's assets on behalf of the SSA and its membership.

Lastly, I can tell you Denise Layton and the staff at Hobbs do an amazing job of servicing our membership. If you have questions about something, please don't be afraid to call and ask. If you're considering making a donation to the SSA's Eagle Fund and want to know more about how those funds may be used or where the greatest need is, Denise and the staff can help you with that too. Likewise, your Regional Director provides you yet another line of communication to the organization's leadership and staff. Please know we're here to serve you and help preserve and grow this wonderful sport.

Sincerely,

Chris Schrader
SSA Director, Region 6