About AGA

Professional Ethics Board

I. Purpose of Board 

The purpose of the Professional Ethics Board is to elevate the awareness of and disseminate information on ethics issues for AGA members, for individuals who hold the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation, and their employers.  PEB will uphold the Code commensurate with high standards of professional and personal conduct; and it will review violations of those standards.

II. Functions and Responsibilities

The board shall oversee all aspects of AGA's ethics program. Through AGA's CEO, the board is responsible for:

  • Maintaining and interpreting AGA's Code of Ethics.
  • Reviewing the Code annually to determine whether changes to the Code are needed.
  • Proposing amendments to the Code.  (Proposed changes will be submitted to the National Office for submission to the National Governing Board (NGB).)
  • Interpreting questions related to the Code.
  • Overseeing the investigation and disposition of alleged violations of the Code.
  • Providing information to AGA members and to individuals who hold the CGFM designation on ethics issues.
  • Assisting AGA's meetings department in providing training sessions on ethics topics.
  • Promoting an ethics' perspective in AGA publications and at AGA educational events.

III. Structure of Board

The board shall consist of nine members (including the chair and vice chair). Of the nine members, at least two shall be from federal government and at least two shall be from state/local government.

Each board member shall be appointed for a three-year term and may be reappointed for an additional three-year term. To provide continuity, the terms of board members will be staggered.  The chair and vice chair will each serve a one-year term but can be appointed to serve additional terms. The Association's CEO shall be an ex-officio board member.

The National President shall appoint the nine members, the board chair and board vice chair. The National Governing Board (NGB) shall approve all appointments.

IV. Reference to Bylaws and/or Policy and Procedures 

  1. Bylaws
    • Article III states that: "In order to foster the highest professional standards and behavior, and exemplary service to all levels of government, the Code of Ethics has been developed as guidance for the members of the Association, Certified Government Financial Managers (CGFMs), and for the information of their employers."
    • Article V, Section 4 (i) provides that the NGB shall “review all actions and programs of National Boards, Committees, Councils and Task Forces …”
    • Article VIII, Section 1 provides that “The National President, upon ratification by the NGB, may establish such Boards, Committees, Councils and Task Forces as may be needed to assist the NGB and the National President in carrying out the programs and operations of the Association.” 
    • Article VIII, Section 4 provides that “The responsibilities of the Boards, Committees and Councils shall be specified in these Bylaws and/or stated in the Policies and Procedures approved by the NGB.”
  2. Policy and Procedures Manual:
    No specific references are made to the Professional Ethics Board.