The board of directors (the "Governing Board") is composed of eleven persons. Each governing board member shall serve until the position is filled by election by membership. The first election was held in 2001. The President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Society shall serve as permanent Governing Board members. The President of the Society shall be Chairman of the Governing Board. Governance of the corporation shall be based in North America but represented internationally. Therefore, at least five members of the Governing Board shall be from North America, at least one from Europe/Africa, and at least one from Australia/Asia. If there is any vacancy within the Society officers it shall be filled by the Board members then serving. Board members shall hold office for four years.