Board of Directors

Constitutional Background and Board of Directors

The Atlanta Soto Zen Center is a 501 c3 not-for-profit corporation, legally operated by a Board of Directors that meets every other month or so to oversee expenses, define goals and priorities, and to oversee the general operation of the center. The Abbot (Zenkai Taiun Michael Elliston) is a standing member of the Board and has responsibility of all Dharma-related matters such as instruction, induction and training of initiates and disciples, scheduling and format of services and retreats, and outreach to members of the global sangha. The Board concerns itself with legal and financial issues, oversight and maintenance of the facilities and programs of the center.

The Board of Directors consists of between 5 and 15 individuals (currently 8), which include the Abbot, elected directors and appointed directors. One-third of the elected seats are elected each year, providing continuity to Board operations. The Board specifies the definition of membership in the corporation and the manner and timing of elections. Active initiates and disciples are voting members. Elected board members must be disciples. The Board elects officers from among its membership and pursues its work by forming committees (aka “teams”) focused around ongoing and special projects with a presiding chair (“team lead”). Board committees or teams may include participants from the general membership (including non-voting members).

Current Board members (members with an asterisk preceding their name hold seats which are up for election):

For more details, please see the ASZC By Laws and Addendum: Members. Records of the ASZC Board of Directors are open to inspection by the membership (other than individual donor information) - please contact the Secretary for more information.