Society Governance

APS is a membership organization. The Presidential Line is elected by the entire membership and consists of four persons, who rotate through one-year terms as Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Past President.

The President presides over the Board of Directors, which has the ultimate responsibility for the actions of the Society. The Board of Directors consists of the Presidential Line, the Treasurer, and nine or ten Councilors, including the Speaker of the Council, elected by the Council. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Editor in Chief (EIC) serve as non-voting members of the Board. Between meetings of the Board, the Board Executive Committee, consisting of the Presidential Line, CEO, EIC, Speaker of the Council, and the Treasurer, meet at regular intervals as necessary.

The Speaker of the Council presides over the Council of Representatives and is elected from the Council. The Council consists of the General Councilors, International Councilors, the Presidential Line, the Treasurer and Councilors representing the Divisions, Forums and Sections. In addition, the Chair of the Nominating Committee is a voting member of Council. The Chair of the Panel on Public Affairs, the CEO and the EIC are non-voting members of Council. The focus of the Council is on all matters of science and membership, including science policy. Activities of the Council are planned and organized by the Council Steering Committee (CSC). The CSC consists of four elected Councilors, the Speaker, the Speaker-Elect, and the President-Elect. The CEO and the Past Speaker serve as non-voting members of the CSC, which meets at regular intervals between Council meetings.

The Society is dependent on the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, who serve on its Committees and provide the leadership for its Divisions, Topical Groups, Forums, and Sections. Day-to-day operations of the Society are overseen by the CEO.

APS Leadership

Meet the Board of Directors, Council of Representatives, and Management Staff, and find out about upcoming meetings.
Learn more

Occasionally, the APS President or CEO issues letters, op-eds, or other communications that are of particular member interest. These communications are approved by the Board Executive Committee.
Learn more

View APS Presidents since 1899

APS Committees

APS is a volunteer-driven organization. Since 1899, physicists have contributed their time and resources to running the APS in cooperation with staff. All APS committees operate on a calendar year basis and committee terms run from January 1 through December 31.
Learn more

2024 APS Annual Business Meeting

Members are invited to attend the 2024 APS Annual Business Meeting on Friday, January 26, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET.

Attend the meeting

Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Guidelines. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.