The name and title by which this organization shall be known is the Society of Air Force Physician Assistants, herein referred to as SAFPA.

Section I: Tax-Exempt Purposes

SAFPA is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes within the meaning
of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future federal tax law.
SAFPA is a nonprofit organization, and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or
individual.

Section II: Specific Purposes

In furtherance of these purposes, SAFPA shall promote the professional growth, education, readiness, leadership, and
recognition of Air Force PAs and support high-quality, accessible, cost-effective, patient-centered care. SAFPA shall:
a. Support professional and continuing education for PAs;
b. Promote the development, readiness, leadership, and professional role of Air Force PAs;
c. Support research and activities affecting the PA profession, military medicine, readiness, and patient care;
d. Provide information and educational resources to members, the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS), health professionals,
and the public; and
e. Conduct other activities consistent with SAFPA’s tax-exempt purposes.

Membership in SAFPA shall be open to individuals who support the purposes of SAFPA and meet the requirements for
membership stated in these Bylaws.

Section I: Membership Categories

a. Membership shall consist of the following classes:

i. Fellow Member
ii. Associate Member
iii. Affiliate Member
iv. Student Member
v. Honorary Member
vi. Lifetime Member
vii. Corporate Member

b. No member shall hold more than one membership in SAFPA. A Lifetime Member shall hold either Fellow or Associate
status based on current standing within the American Academy of PAs (AAPA).
c. Each membership class shall have the eligibility, voting rights, office-holding rights, committee privileges, dues
obligations, and AAPA-related rights stated in these Bylaws.
d. No additional membership class may be established except by amendment of these Bylaws.

Section II: Fellow Member

a. A Fellow Member shall be a current or former member of the United States Air Force or its reserve component who:

i. Is a graduate of a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician
Assistant (ARC-PA) or a predecessor agency, or is NCCPA-certified;
ii. Is an AAPA Fellow member in good standing.

b. Fellow Members shall be eligible to hold elected office and serve as delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates.
c. Fellow Members shall have privileges of the floor and voting privileges on all SAFPA and AAPA matters for which they
are otherwise eligible to vote.

Section III: Associate Member

a. An Associate Member shall be a current or former member of the United States Air Force or its reserve component who:

i. Is a graduate of a PA program accredited by ARC-PA or a predecessor agency, or is NCCPA-certified; and
ii. Has chosen not to join or maintain membership in AAPA.

b. Associate Members may participate in SAFPA events, activities, and committees and may lead committees, but may not
hold elected office.
c. Associate Members shall have privileges of the floor and may vote on SAFPA matters, but may not vote or exercise floor
privileges on matters reserved to AAPA members.

Section IV: Affiliate Member

a. An Affiliate Member shall be an individual who is a current or former member of another branch of the military, or who
practices in federal, state, or civilian health care, including physicians and other medical professionals, and who is
interested in and supportive of SAFPA.
b. Affiliate Members may vote on SAFPA matters, but may not vote on or participate in matters reserved to AAPA unless
they are AAPA Fellow members in good standing and have selected SAFPA as their constituent organization.

Section V: Student Member

a. A Student Member shall be an individual enrolled and attending classes in an ARC-PA-accredited PA program, or a
program accredited by a predecessor agency, with at least three (3) months remaining in the program.
b. Student Members shall have privileges of the floor but shall not vote or hold office.
c. One Student Member may be elected or appointed, in the manner prescribed by SAFPA policy, to serve as the non-voting
Student Liaison. The Student Liaison is not a director.

Section VI: Honorary Member

a. Honorary membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors upon an individual who is not a PA, has rendered
distinguished service to the profession, and is ineligible for another membership category.
b. Honorary Members shall have privileges of the floor, but may not vote, hold office, or chair committees.
c. Honorary Members shall be exempt from SAFPA dues.

Section VII: Lifetime Member

a. A Lifetime Member shall be approved by the Board of Directors after nomination by a SAFPA member.
b. Lifetime Members shall have privileges of the floor and may vote on SAFPA matters. Only Lifetime Members who are
AAPA Fellow members in good standing may vote on AAPA matters.
c. Lifetime Members shall pay a one-time fee established by the Board of Directors. The fee shall be waived for Past
Presidents of SAFPA.

Section VIII: Corporate Member

a. Corporate membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors upon an individual who is ineligible for another
membership category and supports the purposes of SAFPA, including individuals engaged in selling products or services
to PAs or individuals employed by the government.
b. Corporate membership shall be approved by the Board of Directors upon request or nomination by a SAFPA member.
c. Corporate Members may attend SAFPA meetings and have privileges of the floor, but may not vote, hold office, or chair
committees.

Section IX: Applications

a. All membership applications shall be submitted in a format approved by the Board of Directors.
b. Review and approval of membership applications shall be the responsibility of the Director(s) at Large assigned the
Membership portfolio.
c. If an application raises concerns regarding conduct that may violate SAFPA Bylaws, ethics, or policy, the Membership
Director(s) at Large shall forward the application to the Secretary-Treasurer for consideration by the Board of Directors.

i. The application shall be presented at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
ii. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.
iii. A new application may be submitted with additional or supporting documentation no sooner than thirty (30) days
after the Board’s decision.

Section X: Membership Resignation

a. Any member may resign by submitting signed written notice to the Secretary-Treasurer.
b. Resignation shall become effective upon receipt unless a later effective date is specified.
c. Notice may be submitted electronically or by mail.

Section XI: Termination, Suspension, or Revocation of Membership

a. In addition to resignation under Section X, membership may be terminated, suspended, or revoked upon the occurrence of
any of the following:

i. Failure to pay dues. Membership may be terminated for failure to pay applicable dues. Termination shall become
effective thirty (30) days after written notice of delinquency is delivered electronically or by mail. A member may
avoid termination by paying the delinquent dues within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice.
ii. Prejudicial or unethical conduct. Membership may be terminated, suspended, or revoked for conduct materially and
seriously prejudicial to the interests of SAFPA, including unethical conduct or violation of these Bylaws or duly
adopted SAFPA policy, only after reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard orally or in writing, followed by a
determination of the Board of Directors.

b. All rights and privileges of membership shall cease upon termination or revocation.
c. A suspended member shall not exercise SAFPA rights or benefits during the period of suspension.
d. A suspended member may formally request reinstatement. The Board of Directors shall determine whether reinstatement
is appropriate.

Section XII: Membership Records

a. SAFPA shall maintain a membership record containing the name, contact information, and membership classification of
each member.
b. Termination, suspension, revocation, or reinstatement shall be recorded with the effective date of the action.
c. Membership records shall be maintained by or under the supervision of the officer or Director at Large designated by the
Board of Directors.

Section I: Elected Positions

a. The elected positions of SAFPA shall include President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer-Elect, nine (9) Directors at Large, and
delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates.
b. The President and Secretary-Treasurer shall assume office by succession as provided in Section II.

Section II: Terms of Office

a. The President-Elect shall serve one (1) year, then succeed to President for one (1) year, followed by one (1) year as
Immediate Past President. The President leadership track therefore constitutes a three-year succession.
b. The Secretary-Treasurer-Elect shall serve one (1) year, then succeed to Secretary-Treasurer for one (1) year, followed by
one (1) year as Immediate Past Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer leadership track therefore constitutes a
three-year succession.
c. Directors at Large and AAPA House of Delegates delegates shall serve two (2) year terms.
d. Two-year positions shall be staggered to provide continuity and an orderly senior/junior handoff. Specific staggering and
transition procedures may be established in SAFPA policy.

Section III: Eligibility

a. A candidate for elected position shall be a current SAFPA Fellow Member and shall maintain Fellow status in both
SAFPA and AAPA for the duration of the term.
b. A candidate for President-Elect shall have maintained SAFPA Fellow status for at least three (3) years as of the date of
assuming office and shall have held at least one prior position on the SAFPA Board of Directors.

Section IV: Declaration/Nomination

a. The Board of Directors shall establish and publish the opening and closing dates for declarations and nominations in the
spring of each year.
b. A third-party nomination shall not be placed on the ballot without acceptance by the nominee.
Section V: Time of Election
a. The Board of Directors shall make an election ballot available in the spring of each year by a method approved by the
Board.

Section VI: Election Procedure

a. Election procedures shall be administered by the President-Elect, subject to Board oversight.
b. Voting shall be conducted by electronic and/or written ballot.
c. Votes shall be tabulated by the date established by the Board, no later than two (2) weeks after the close of the election.
d. Candidates receiving a plurality of votes shall be elected. In the event of a tie, another round of voting shall be conducted
among the candidates who tied.

Section VII: Beginning of Term

a. Newly elected officers, directors, and delegates shall begin their terms on July 1.
b. After election results are announced, incoming and outgoing officeholders shall begin turnover and training to support
continuity before the new term begins.

Section VIII: Vacancies in Office

a. President. If the office of President becomes vacant, the President-Elect shall assume the office for the remainder of the
unexpired term and shall thereafter serve the full term as President for which the individual was elected.
b. President-Elect. If the office of President-Elect becomes vacant, the Board may assign the duties of the office to another
officer pending a special election. A special election shall be held within sixty (60) days. The newly elected
President-Elect shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and shall thereafter succeed to the full term as President.
c. Secretary-Treasurer. If the office of Secretary-Treasurer becomes vacant, the Secretary-Treasurer-Elect shall assume the
office for the remainder of the unexpired term and shall thereafter serve the full term as Secretary-Treasurer for which the
individual was elected.
d. Secretary-Treasurer-Elect. If the office of Secretary-Treasurer-Elect becomes vacant, the Board may assign the duties of
the office to another officer pending a special election. A special election shall be held within sixty (60) days. The newly
elected Secretary-Treasurer-Elect shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and shall thereafter succeed to the full
term as Secretary-Treasurer.
e. Other elected vacancies shall be filled by special election within sixty (60) days.

i. Eligible voters shall be those entitled to vote for the position in a regular election.
ii. The Board may appoint an eligible member to serve on an interim basis until the election. If no eligible candidate is
available, the Board may appoint an eligible member to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
iii. A person elected or appointed under this subsection shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section IX: Election of Delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates

a. Each delegate shall remain an AAPA Fellow member in good standing and a SAFPA Fellow Member in good standing for
the duration of the term.
b. Delegate positions shall be elected by SAFPA Fellow Members.
c. The number of delegates shall be determined by AAPA apportionment.
d. Delegate terms shall be two (2) years and staggered to support continuity. The senior delegate, by year of service in the
current term, shall serve as Chief Delegate.

Section I: Officers

a. The officers of SAFPA shall be the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary-Treasurer,
Secretary-Treasurer-Elect, and Immediate Past Secretary-Treasurer.
b. All officers shall be voting members of the Board of Directors.

Section II: Board Composition and Directors

a. The Board of Directors shall consist of seventeen (17) voting members:

i. The six (6) officers identified in Section I;
ii. Nine (9) Directors at Large; and
iii. Two (2) SAFPA Delegates to the AAPA House of Delegates.

b. All voting officers and directors shall be of the age of majority in the state in which SAFPA is organized and shall meet
the membership qualifications required for their respective positions.
c. Directors at Large and the SAFPA Delegates are voting directors.

Section III: Non-Voting Liaisons

a. SAFPA shall include the following non-voting advisory liaisons:

i. One (1) Student Liaison; and
ii. One (1) Air Force Physician Assistant Readiness Course (AFPARC) Liaison.

b. Liaisons are not directors, do not vote, and are not counted for quorum.
c. Liaison terms shall normally be two (2) years, subject to continued eligibility or appointment.
d. When all positions are filled, SAFPA Board activities include nineteen (19) participants: seventeen (17) voting Board
members and two (2) non-voting liaisons.

Section IV: Duties of Officers

a. President

i. Shall preside at meetings of SAFPA and the Board of Directors.
ii. Shall appoint standing and ad hoc committees and designate committee chairs, subject to approval of the Board of
Directors.
iii. Shall provide an account of Board activities at the annual membership meeting.
iv. Shall coordinate annual notification of SAFPA Board membership to AAPA.

b. President-Elect

i. Shall preside in the absence of the President.
ii. Shall chair the Elections and Awards Committees and perform other duties assigned by the Board.
iii. Shall succeed to the office of President at the end of the President-Elect term, or earlier if the office of President
becomes vacant.
iv. Shall prepare for the responsibilities of President and support leadership transition.

c. Immediate Past President

i. Shall preside in the absence of both the President and President-Elect.
ii. Shall support leadership continuity and perform duties assigned by the President or Board of Directors.

d. Secretary-Treasurer

i. Shall maintain the current Bylaws, minutes of Board and membership meetings, membership records, required notices,
and other official organizational records.
ii. Shall have custody of SAFPA funds; receive and deposit monies; make authorized disbursements; and maintain
complete and accurate financial records.
iii. Shall provide financial reports to the Board and membership as required.
iv. Shall prepare or cause to be prepared required financial statements, federal and state tax filings, and other required
reports.
v. Shall maintain and circulate amendments adopted in accordance with Article XIII.

e. Secretary-Treasurer-Elect

i. Shall assist the Secretary-Treasurer in assigned duties.
ii. Shall become familiar with SAFPA records, financial procedures, reporting requirements, and administrative
responsibilities.
iii. Shall participate in transition and training in preparation for assuming the office of Secretary-Treasurer.

f. Immediate Past Secretary-Treasurer

i. Shall assist with transition and continuity of organizational and financial records.
ii. Shall provide historical guidance regarding SAFPA financial and administrative procedures and advise the
Secretary-Treasurer as needed.

Section I: Authority and Management

a. Subject to applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws, the activities and affairs of SAFPA shall be
managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
b. The Board shall oversee SAFPA programs, finances, committees, membership activities, and other organizational affairs
necessary to carry out SAFPA’s purposes.

Section II: Policy

a. The Board may adopt, amend, repeal, and implement SAFPA policy by majority vote.
b. SAFPA policies shall be maintained in a Policy Manual separate from these Bylaws and shall not conflict with applicable
law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws.

Section III: Committees

a. The Board may establish standing and ad hoc committees as necessary for the performance of its duties.

Section IV: Position Portfolios and Operations

a. The Board of Directors may assign Directors at Large (DALs) to operational portfolios according to the needs of
SAFPA. These portfolios are intended to provide members and prospective Board candidates with a general
understanding of the responsibilities associated with each position. Detailed procedures and specific assignments shall be
maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual and may be modified by the Board without amendment of these Bylaws.
b. DAL operational portfolios may include:

i. Communications. Responsible for SAFPA communications and publications, including the Towner-Schafer
Report (TSR), website, social media, and other member communications. Works with SAFPA leadership and
other DALs to solicit content, distribute organizational information, and promote SAFPA programs and
activities.
ii. Membership. Responsible for membership administration, recruitment, retention, and member engagement.
Maintains or assists with membership records, monitors renewals, communicates with prospective and current
members, and coordinates with other DALs to support membership growth across all eligible membership
groups.
iii. Activities/Education. Responsible for coordinating SAFPA educational activities, continuing medical
education (CME), membership events, and educational programming. Works with the AFPARC Liaison and
other Board members to support planning and execution of the Air Force Physician Assistant Readiness
Course (AFPARC) and other SAFPA educational initiatives.
iv. Outreach. Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with external professional organizations,
educational institutions, military organizations, government agencies, community organizations, and other
groups aligned with SAFPA’s mission. Promotes SAFPA visibility, professional collaboration, and outreach
opportunities.
v. Guard/Reserve. Serves as the primary Board representative for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve
members. Supports recruitment, communication, engagement, and representation of Guard and Reserve
members and works with the Membership and Communications DALs to increase participation and visibility
within SAFPA.

c. Directors at Large shall collaborate across portfolios as needed and may perform additional duties assigned by the
President or Board of Directors.
d. Detailed duties, procedures, transition requirements, and administrative responsibilities for each DAL portfolio shall be
maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual.

Section V: Liaisons and Delegates

a. Student Liaison. Serves as the primary representative between SAFPA student members and the Board of Directors,
promotes student participation in SAFPA activities, and assists with communication and transition of student members
into other membership categories. The Student Liaison serves in a non-voting advisory capacity. Detailed duties shall be
maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual.
b. AFPARC Liaison. Serves as the primary liaison between the United States Air Force and SAFPA for planning and
coordination of the Air Force Physician Assistant Readiness Course (AFPARC). The liaison communicates Air Force
requirements and planning information to the Board and coordinates with the Activities/Education DAL regarding
SAFPA support of AFPARC. The AFPARC Liaison serves in a non-voting advisory capacity. Detailed duties shall be
maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual.
c. Chief Delegate. The Chief Delegate shall serve as a the primary representative of SAFPA within the AAPA House of
Delegates. The Chief Delegate shall lead and coordinate the SAFPA delegation, facilitate the development and
submission of resolutions and testimony, communicate House of Delegates activities to the Board and membership, and
support continuity and transition among delegates. Detailed duties shall be maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual.
d. Delegate. Represent SAFPA in the AAPA House of Delegates and participate in House proceedings in accordance with
AAPA requirements and SAFPA policy. Eligibility, election, and terms of delegates are governed by Article IV

Section I: Regular Meetings

a. The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings at least two (2) times each year at times and places designated by the
President. One regular meeting shall ordinarily be held in conjunction with the annual SAFPA membership meeting at
AFPARC.
b. A majority of the voting members of the Board of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum, provided that at least
two (2) officers are present. Non-voting liaisons shall not be counted in determining or satisfying quorum.
c. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, action of the Board shall require a majority of votes cast at a meeting at which
a quorum is present.

Section II: Special Meetings

a. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President, by any two (2) voting members of the Board, or by any
person authorized under applicable law.
b. The purpose of a special meeting shall be stated in the notice, and no other business shall be conducted.
c. Notice of a special Board meeting shall be provided electronically or by mail to each voting Board member at least
fourteen (14) days before the meeting, unless a shorter period is permitted by applicable law and agreed to by the Board.

Section III: Electronic Meetings and Action Without a Meeting

a. Any meeting of the Board may be conducted by telephone, videoconference, or other electronic means in lieu of an
in-person meeting, provided all participating Board members are able to communicate simultaneously. Participation by
such means constitutes presence for quorum and voting.
b. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may take action without a meeting by written or electronic consent in
the manner and with the level of approval required by law. Any such action shall be documented and maintained with the
official Board records.

Section I: Annual Meeting

a. The annual meeting of SAFPA shall be held in conjunction with AFPARC.
b. If AFPARC is not held, the Board of Directors may conduct the annual meeting electronically. Any membership meeting
conducted electronically shall provide participants the opportunity for simultaneous aural communication, and electronic
participation shall constitute presence for quorum and voting.

Section II: Special Meetings

a. Special meetings may be called by the President, by a majority of the Board of Directors, or upon written request of at
least twenty percent (20%) of the voting members of SAFPA.
b. Only business stated in the meeting notice may be conducted at a special meeting.

Section III: Voting

a. Ten percent (10%) of members entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum.
b. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, a majority of votes cast shall constitute action of the membership.
c. Membership action may be taken by written or electronic ballot, subject to applicable law. The ballot shall state the
proposed action, voting options, response deadline, quorum requirement, and applicable approval requirement.
d. Ballot participation must satisfy the applicable quorum and approval requirements.

Section IV: Notification

a. Notice of a membership meeting shall state the date, time, location or electronic method, and, for a special meeting, the
purpose of the meeting.
b. Notice shall be provided electronically or by mail to members entitled to vote at least fourteen (14) days before the
meeting, unless applicable law requires a different period.

Section I: Judicial Body

a. The Board of Directors shall serve as the SAFPA judicial body.

Section II: Discipline

a. SAFPA, acting through the Board of Directors as its judicial body, may discipline, suspend, revoke, or terminate the
membership of a SAFPA member for violation of these Bylaws or duly adopted SAFPA policy.
b. Any disciplinary action resulting in suspension, revocation, or termination of membership shall be conducted in
accordance with the notice and opportunity-to-be-heard requirements of Article III, Section XI.
c. Nothing in this section prevents the Board from imposing a lesser disciplinary action when appropriate.

Section III: Prefer Charges

a. Any Fellow or Affiliate Member may, in good faith, prefer charges against another SAFPA member believed to have
violated SAFPA rules, regulations, policies, or these Bylaws, or to have acted in a manner injurious to SAFPA.
b. Upon receipt of charges, the Board shall determine whether further proceedings are warranted. Any proceeding that may
result in suspension, revocation, or termination shall comply with Article III, Section XI.

Section IV: Removal and Resignation

a. Any officer or director may be removed for cause by the Board of Directors, subject to applicable law.
b. Before removal, the individual shall receive written notice of the grounds and a reasonable opportunity to respond orally
or in writing. The individual shall not vote on the removal.
c. Removal requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting Board members present and eligible to vote at a meeting at which a
quorum is established.
d. An officer or director may resign by written notice to the President or Secretary-Treasurer. Resignation is effective upon
receipt unless a later date is stated.
e. Vacancies shall be addressed in accordance with Article IV, Section VIII.

Section I: Standing Committees

a. Standing committees may be designated by the Board of Directors or established by the President with the consent of the
Board.
b. The list and operational duties of standing committees may be maintained in the SAFPA Policy Manual.
c. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, committee chairs and members shall be appointed by the President subject to
Board approval.
d. Standing committees shall meet as needed and provide reports as directed by the Board. Committee meetings may be
conducted electronically when participants can communicate simultaneously.

Section II: Ad Hoc Committees

a. The Board of Directors, or the President with consent of the Board, may establish ad hoc committees as necessary.
b. An ad hoc committee shall report as directed by the Board and may meet electronically when participants can
communicate simultaneously.

In all matters not otherwise governed by applicable law, SAFPA’s Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or other rules adopted by SAFPA, the current edition of the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure shall govern.

Section I: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of SAFPA shall be July 1 through June 30.

Section II: Budget

The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.

Section III: Dues and Fees

Annual dues, fees, late fees, and assessments for each membership class shall be established and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section I: Proposal

Amendments may be proposed by the Board of Directors, a committee, or any Fellow, Associate, Affiliate, or Lifetime
Member entitled to vote on SAFPA matters.

Section II: Notice

The complete text of each proposed amendment shall be provided to eligible voting members at least thirty (30) days before
the vote.

Section III: Voting

a. Fellow, Associate, Affiliate, and Lifetime Members entitled to vote on SAFPA matters may vote on amendments.
b. Amendments may be considered at an annual or special membership meeting or by written or electronic ballot.
c. Adoption requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of votes cast, provided the quorum requirements of Article VIII are met.
d. A written or electronic ballot shall state the proposed amendment, voting deadline, quorum requirement, and approval
requirement.

Upon dissolution of SAFPA, after payment of its liabilities, the remaining assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding provision of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government or to a state or local government for a public purpose.

Current as of: 1 October 2026

These Bylaws supersede all prior versions.