| Since the founding of American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1880, the body now known as the Board of Governors has represented the ASME Membership as the highest level of leadership in the Society. Elected by the Membership from among its numbers, the Board is charged to decide on matters of Society policy, budget, appointments to leadership and representative positions, conferring of awards, and other important matters. Ultimately the Board of Governors is responsible for ensuring that the Society's action and direction conform with its vision and mission of enhancing the quality of life for all people as the premier organization for the advancement of mechanical engineering. Board Members are elected to three-year terms. Nine voting Members serve at-large. Their terms are staggered so that a third of the at-large seats become vacant every year. The President is elected to a term of one year as a voting member. The President also serves one year in advance of their term as the President-Elect, and one year following as the immediate Past President. The Executive Director of ASME serves as a non-voting Member ex-officio. | 
