Governance & Ethics Manual
Section 02 · GEM

Board Governance & Leadership Structure

Defines the roles, authority, responsibilities, and relationships among the Board of Directors, Officers, Advisory Board, Committees, and executive leadership — ensuring the CTCA fulfills its mission while maintaining the highest standards of nonprofit governance.

Version 1.0 Approved by Board of Directors

Purpose

The Certified Trading Card Association ("CTCA") is committed to governance that is transparent, ethical, independent, and accountable.

This Governance & Leadership Structure defines the roles, authority, responsibilities, and relationships among the Board of Directors, Officers, Advisory Board, Committees, and executive leadership to ensure the Association fulfills its mission while maintaining the highest standards of nonprofit governance.

Governance Structure

Five Primary Leadership Bodies

The CTCA consists of five primary leadership bodies, each with defined roles and authority.

Members are the foundation of the Association.

Membership provides engagement, feedback, participation, and support for the mission.

Membership classes and voting rights are established by the Bylaws and Board policies.

Working Bodies

Committees & Councils

The Board may establish standing or special committees to advance the mission of the CTCA. Committees operate under Board-approved charters and report to the Board through designated leadership.

Committees may recommend policy but may not adopt policy unless expressly delegated by the Board.

Grading Council
Breaker Council
Retail Council
Marketplace Council
Technology Council
Manufacturer Council
Distributor Council
Collector Advisory Committee
Ethics & Governance Committee
Finance & Audit Committee

Authority Matrix

Who Is Responsible For What

Board of Directors

GovernanceStrategyFinancial oversightExecutive oversightOrganizational policyRisk oversightBylaw amendmentsBudget approval

President / CEO

OperationsStaff leadershipProgram executionMember engagementPartnership developmentBudget implementationCommunicationsOrganizational performance

Advisory Board

Strategic adviceIndustry insightInitiative recommendationsThought leadershipIndustry engagement

Committees

ResearchRecommendationsStandards developmentInitiative supportSubject-matter expertise

Principles & Practices

Governance Principles in Detail

Commitment

The CTCA believes that strong governance is essential to fulfilling its mission and maintaining the confidence of collectors, businesses, strategic partners, regulators, and the public.

Every leader shares responsibility for protecting the Association's independence, integrity, and long-term success.

Certified Trading Card Association — Governed with Integrity. Led with Purpose. Serving the Hobby.