Board of Directors

According to our bylaws, “it is the function of the board to make possible the conduct of objective research, analysis and publication and other dissemination under the most favorable conditions, and to safeguard the independence of the research staff in the pursuit of their studies and in the presentation of the results of such studies. It is not part of their function to determine, control or influence the conduct of the particular investigations or the conclusions reached.”

The board is also responsible for selecting and evaluating the president and CEO; for electing corporate officers; for monitoring and approving executive compensation; for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations governing public charities; for maintaining a secure financial footing for the organization by managing the endowment, monitoring operating funds, and approving the annual budget; and for overseeing the annual audit function and internal controls.

Board members are established leaders in a range of fields who have a commitment to improving public policy. The board actively seeks a balanced membership that represents the diversity of the state in terms of a number of qualities—including but not limited to geography, political affiliation, gender, age, race, ethnicity, and profession. Public policy experience—whether at the local, state, or federal level—is also key. Political officeholders and candidates are excluded from service.

In its role of protecting PPIC’s independence, the board is not involved in choosing research areas, approving projects, or determining the content of reports or press releases. Instead, the board offers feedback and suggestions to management on PPIC’s strategic direction and on evaluation studies of our research and communications activities. It also offers help in outreach to policy audiences. In addition, the board is invited to comment on new proposals and receives briefings by management on PPIC’s quarterly activities and annual strategic planning.