ATSSA The Signal JanFeb 2017

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34 American Traffic Safety Services Association
COMMITTEES
FAQs About ATSSA Committees
ATSSA’s work in the roadway safety industry is carried out through
committees, subcommittees, councils and task forces. Each
committee has a specific purpose and depends on the support and
dedication of its members to assure its success. Hundreds of ATSSA
members serve on committees every year, dedicating their time and
expertise to ensure the association’s progress.
From time to time, the committees’ ATSSA staff liaisons are asked
about the procedures to follow and the roles of committee members.
The following information is a guide that addresses those questions.
What is the time frame for application approval?
It’s actually a pretty quick approval process and is done in three
easy steps.
• Fill out an application online at
• Send the application to for
processing.
• Notification will be sent once you’ve received approval.
How does ATSSA decide who serves as
committee chairman?
Committee chairmen are nominated by a member of the committee.
After that, the committee members vote on the nomination.
What is the process for moving from “friend” to a seat
on a committee?
First, ask the committee’s ATSSA staff liaison to place you on a
waiting list. The staff will maintain wait lists for committees in the
order the application is received for committee membership.
(Individuals on wait lists must designate their type of membership for
committee rotation purposes.)
Who is responsible for securing committee speakers?
Typically, the committee will form a task force that’s responsible for
obtaining speakers. If the committee chooses not to have a task force,
the members work together to provide speakers.
Does my company have a “seat at the table,” or is it only the
committee member?
Seats on the committee belong to the individual and not the company.
How can I get on an ATSSA committee? I’ve been on a wait
list forever.
There’s good news. ATSSA’s board of directors recently revised the
ATSSA Procedures for Standing Committees, which outlines the
requirements for the rotation of committee members. To find out
more, visit
Can I ask questions and bring up issues during a committee
meeting even if I’m just attending as a friend or visitor?
Yes, each agenda has a section for new business. Once the committee
meeting is completed, questions can be brought up at that time.
If I’m a friend of a committee, can I participate in
subcommittees or other activities?
Yes, it’s encouraged that friends of a committee participate on a
subcommittee and activities.
What are the costs and steps of joining a committee?
There’s no cost for ATSSA members to join committees. Just fill out
an application form online and submit it.
Where can I find the application form to be on a committee?
Applications can be found at An online
Committee Management Toolbox was recently rolled out and can be
found on the ATSSA website.
How long do I have to serve on a committee, and what is
mandatory when serving?
There are no term limits. However, each committee will designate the
number of committee members in the following categories with the
sum of all categories not to exceed the committee limit of 30:
• contractors
• manufacturers and suppliers
• public officials
• all other ATSSA membership categories
When a category of committee members reaches its maximum
number and the wait list of members in that category is at least 20
percent, the committee must institute a program to rotate members
off and onto the committee.
It’s mandatory for members to attend committee meetings and serve
on task forces. This helps the committee complete its work.
How much work and time is involved in being a
committee member?
The amount of work and time varies with each committee. Some
committees have a lot of task forces, but it’s not necessary to be on
every one. Most meetings are conducted by conference calls or “Go
To Meetings.” Committees meet twice a year—during ATSSA’s
Midyear Meeting in August and ATSSA’s Annual Convention &
Traffic Expo in Jan./Feb.
What are the responsibilities of a committee chairman?
The chairman is responsible for leading the committee, making sure
its work is aligned with ATSSA’s strategic plan. The chairman, who
must be an ATSSA member on the committee when elected to the
position, serves for two years with the option of being elected to serve
not more than one additional two-year term (not more than four
years).
The following is an overview of responsibilities of
committee chairmen.
• keeps abreast of industry changes and advises the staff liaison of
those that might affect the work of the committee