WIAF Executive Committee
Forum Chair
MARK DE LA ROSA
Director of Audits
Office of the Controller, City Services Auditor
City and County of San Francisco
(415) 554-7574
Mark.p.delarosa@sfgov.org
Past Forum Chair
TANYA SCHULZE
Regional Inspector General for Audit, Office of Inspector General (IOG)
Department of Housing & Urban Development
(213) 534-2471
tschulze@hudoig.gov
Forum Vice Chair
VACANT (1)
Federal Representative
MATT SAKREKOFF
Assistant Director, Field Operations, Los Angeles Field Office
U.S. Government Accountability Office
(213) 830-1127
sakrekoffm@gao.gov
TANYA SCHULZE
Regional Inspector General for Audit, Office of Inspector General (IOG)
Department of Housing & Urban Development
(213) 534-2471
tschulze@hudoig.gov
Federal Representative
VACANT (1)
State Representative
MELANIE CHESNEY
Deputy Auditor General
Arizona Auditor General
(602) 553-0333
mchesney@azauditor.gov
State Representative
VACANT (3)
Local Representative
VACANT
Local Representative
VACANT (4)
Local Representative
VACANT (5)
Public Accounting Representative
VACANT (6)
Executive Director
JUNGJIN PARK
Executive Director
Intergovernmental Audit Forums
U.S. Government Accountability Office
(202) 512-3331
ParkJ@gao.gov
WIAF Charter
This charter sets forth the guiding principles and operating parameters of the Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum (Forum or WIAF), which was established in 1992.
PURPOSE
Mission
The Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum (Forum or WIAF) is an association of regional principals from federal, state, and local government audit organizations. It is a nonprofit association that exists to improve coordination, communication, and cooperation among accountability organizations in order to address common challenges and enhance government performance, accountability, and transparency. The Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum carries out its activities in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada; the territories of Guam and American Samoa; the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; the Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia; the Republic of Marshall Islands; and the Republic of Palau.
Goals
The Forum’s goals include, among other goals:
• Fostering networking, dialogue, and collaboration on current and emerging issues of common interest in the accountability community;
• Advancing audit standards, sharing best practices, and emphasizing the importance of accountability within government and the audit profession; and
• Maintaining and improving the competency of audit staffs through training and professional development.
MEMBERSHIP
Principal
The principal of each governmental organization—who is officially responsible for the conduct of audits and/or review of governmental organizations’ programs, activities, and/or functions, regardless of the level or branch of government—in this Forum’s region shall be qualified for membership. Principals have full voting rights, are eligible for membership on the Executive Committee, and have a commitment to attend Forum meetings.
Alternate
Each principal shall designate an alternate who shall serve whenever the principal is unable to vote or otherwise act on Forum matters. The alternate shall also be fully empowered to act on behalf of and instead of the organization’s principal in all Forum affairs.
Becoming a Member
Any government audit principal desiring to become a member of the Forum shall submit the membership application. The Executive Committee will review applications for membership. If membership requirements are satisfied, the Executive Committee will approve the application.
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of no more than 10 members, with:
• No more than 3 members to be elected from the federal government;
• No more than 3 members to be elected from state governments;
• No more than 3 members to be elected from local governments; and
• No more than 1 principal or alternate from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to be appointed by GAO as a non-voting member who is not eligible to be an officer.
There shall be no more than one executive committee member from the same organization.
Nomination Process for Members of the Executive Committee
The chair of the Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that a call for nominations is sent to members of the relevant governmental level at least 2 weeks prior to an election. The Executive Committee, at its option, may submit nominations. Forum members and their designated alternates are eligible to be nominated.
Election Process for Members of the Executive Committee
Members have the right to vote for members of the Executive Committee in their respective governmental level. Voting may be conducted during Forum meetings or by mail, telephone, e-mail, or other method as designated by the Executive Committee. Executive Committee members shall be elected by a majority of those who vote.
Term of Office for Members of the Executive Committee
The term of office for elected members shall be 3 calendar years, starting January 1 and ending December 31, with an automatic extension until the end of the term as Past Chairperson for Officers. The number of terms on the Executive Committee is not limited.
If a vacancy occurs in an elected position, the Executive Committee has the discretion to determine how to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
Selection and Succession of Officers
A Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and the Past Chairperson shall be the 3 officers of the Forum. These officers shall each serve a one-year term. The Chairperson shall be the primary executive officer of the Forum and shall preside over all meetings. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, the Past Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson.
The Vice-Chairperson is selected by the Executive Committee by a majority of the members voting. The Executive Committee will vote for one of the members in the governmental group that is next in the rotational order of federal, state, and local government so that a member from each group holds each position once every 3 years. The succession of leadership is from Vice-Chairperson to Chairperson to Past Chairperson.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson will succeed and serve the remaining term of the Chairperson and his or her own 1-year term as Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson position will be filled based on the normal rotation and voting process.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of the Vice-Chairperson, the position will be filled by a vote of the Executive Committee choosing among the remaining members of that governmental group. The newly elected Vice-Chairperson will serve the remaining term and then rotate to the Chairperson position.
Designation of State and Local Representatives to National Intergovernmental Audit Forum
When the officer positions are held by state or local representatives, those officers are the designated state and local representatives to the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum for the purpose of any potential travel compensation by the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum. Or, if the officers choose to not attend the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum, the state and local representatives to the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum will be determined by the remaining members of the respective governmental group.
Executive Committee Responsibilities
The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of the Forum. The Executive Committee is authorized to approve and carry out all the functions of the Forum except those designated to others in this charter. At its discretion, the Executive Committee can bring matters to the Forum’s membership for its action.
The duties of the Executive Committee include, among other duties:
• Advancing the Forum’s mission and goals;
• Promulgating the policies and programs of the Forum;
• Accepting, evaluating, and approving membership applications;
• Creating or dissolving committees as may be deemed necessary;
• Appointing chairpersons to committees;
• Reviewing actions of the Forum’s committees;
• Establishing positions and appointing non-voting advisory members to the Executive Committee; and
• Performing such other business as may be deemed necessary.
Executive Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at the discretion of the Chairperson or when petitioned by 3 members of the Executive Committee. A quorum shall be one-third of the total voting members of the Executive Committee. A majority of the voting members present is required to pass a motion.
Executive Director or Audit Forum Coordinator
The Executive Director or Audit Forum Coordinator will be an ex-officio, nonvoting, member of the Forum and all of its committees, and shall perform administrative and management duties in support of Forum activities.
Voting on Forum Matters Brought Before Members
Members shall have the right to vote on Forum matters brought before them by the Executive Committee, including voting on changes to the charter. Voting may be conducted during Forum meetings or by mail, telephone, e-mail, or other method as designated by the Executive Committee. Matters shall be approved by a majority of those who vote.
FORUM MEETINGS
The Forum shall hold meetings to advance its goals, best meet the needs of its membership, and address governance or other matters using the means, time, and place designated by the Executive Committee. Most Forum meetings are open to all interested individuals who pay the registration fee. At the discretion of the Executive Committee, meetings of members and meetings of the Executive Committee may be restricted to the members of those groups, respectively.
As a general guide, the Executive Committee will endeavor to hold Forum meetings at least twice a year. An exception is the years in which the Biennial Intergovernmental Audit Forum holds its meetings; in those years, the WIAF will endeavor to hold at least one Forum meeting.
CHARTER ADMINISTRATION
Charter Amendments
Proposed Charter amendments shall be presented in writing to the members prior to a vote. Amendments take effect upon approval by the majority of the members voting.
Charter Termination and Replacement and Duration of Forum
Termination and Replacement of 1992 Charter. Upon a final affirmative vote to adopt this charter, the 1992 Charter will be immediately terminated and simultaneously replaced by this charter. Any identified members from the 1992 Charter will be carried forward as members under this new charter. The existing Executive Committee members will carry out their full 6-year terms. The 2012 officers will also complete their rotation through the three officer positions. In addition, all money and other assets of the Forum existing at the time of dissolution shall be transferred to the new Forum when established.
Dissolution of Forum. The Forum may be dissolved by a majority of the members voting. In case of dissolution of the Forum and liquidation of its affairs, any money and other assets remaining after the payment of all obligations shall be distributed and designated at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Adopted by the Members of the Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum on the day of October 26, 2012.
WIAF Executive Committee
Forum Chair
MARK DE LA ROSA
Director of Audits
Office of the Controller, City Services Auditor
City and County of San Francisco
(415) 554-7574
Mark.p.delarosa@sfgov.org
Past Forum Chair
TANYA SCHULZE
Regional Inspector General for Audit, Office of Inspector General (IOG)
Department of Housing & Urban Development
(213) 534-2471
tschulze@hudoig.gov
Forum Vice Chair
VACANT (1)
Federal Representative
MATT SAKREKOFF
Assistant Director, Field Operations, Los Angeles Field Office
U.S. Government Accountability Office
(213) 830-1127
sakrekoffm@gao.gov
TANYA SCHULZE
Regional Inspector General for Audit, Office of Inspector General (IOG)
Department of Housing & Urban Development
(213) 534-2471
tschulze@hudoig.gov
Federal Representative
VACANT (1)
State Representative
MELANIE CHESNEY
Deputy Auditor General
Arizona Auditor General
(602) 553-0333
mchesney@azauditor.gov
State Representative
VACANT (3)
Local Representative
VACANT
Local Representative
VACANT (4)
Local Representative
VACANT (5)
Public Accounting Representative
VACANT (6)
Executive Director
JUNGJIN PARK
Executive Director
Intergovernmental Audit Forums
U.S. Government Accountability Office
(202) 512-3331
ParkJ@gao.gov
WIAF Charter
This charter sets forth the guiding principles and operating parameters of the Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum (Forum or WIAF), which was established in 1992.
PURPOSE
Mission
The Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum (Forum or WIAF) is an association of regional principals from federal, state, and local government audit organizations. It is a nonprofit association that exists to improve coordination, communication, and cooperation among accountability organizations in order to address common challenges and enhance government performance, accountability, and transparency. The Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum carries out its activities in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada; the territories of Guam and American Samoa; the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; the Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia; the Republic of Marshall Islands; and the Republic of Palau.
Goals
The Forum’s goals include, among other goals:
• Fostering networking, dialogue, and collaboration on current and emerging issues of common interest in the accountability community;
• Advancing audit standards, sharing best practices, and emphasizing the importance of accountability within government and the audit profession; and
• Maintaining and improving the competency of audit staffs through training and professional development.
MEMBERSHIP
Principal
The principal of each governmental organization—who is officially responsible for the conduct of audits and/or review of governmental organizations’ programs, activities, and/or functions, regardless of the level or branch of government—in this Forum’s region shall be qualified for membership. Principals have full voting rights, are eligible for membership on the Executive Committee, and have a commitment to attend Forum meetings.
Alternate
Each principal shall designate an alternate who shall serve whenever the principal is unable to vote or otherwise act on Forum matters. The alternate shall also be fully empowered to act on behalf of and instead of the organization’s principal in all Forum affairs.
Becoming a Member
Any government audit principal desiring to become a member of the Forum shall submit the membership application. The Executive Committee will review applications for membership. If membership requirements are satisfied, the Executive Committee will approve the application.
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of no more than 10 members, with:
• No more than 3 members to be elected from the federal government;
• No more than 3 members to be elected from state governments;
• No more than 3 members to be elected from local governments; and
• No more than 1 principal or alternate from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to be appointed by GAO as a non-voting member who is not eligible to be an officer.
There shall be no more than one executive committee member from the same organization.
Nomination Process for Members of the Executive Committee
The chair of the Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that a call for nominations is sent to members of the relevant governmental level at least 2 weeks prior to an election. The Executive Committee, at its option, may submit nominations. Forum members and their designated alternates are eligible to be nominated.
Election Process for Members of the Executive Committee
Members have the right to vote for members of the Executive Committee in their respective governmental level. Voting may be conducted during Forum meetings or by mail, telephone, e-mail, or other method as designated by the Executive Committee. Executive Committee members shall be elected by a majority of those who vote.
Term of Office for Members of the Executive Committee
The term of office for elected members shall be 3 calendar years, starting January 1 and ending December 31, with an automatic extension until the end of the term as Past Chairperson for Officers. The number of terms on the Executive Committee is not limited.
If a vacancy occurs in an elected position, the Executive Committee has the discretion to determine how to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
Selection and Succession of Officers
A Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and the Past Chairperson shall be the 3 officers of the Forum. These officers shall each serve a one-year term. The Chairperson shall be the primary executive officer of the Forum and shall preside over all meetings. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, the Past Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson.
The Vice-Chairperson is selected by the Executive Committee by a majority of the members voting. The Executive Committee will vote for one of the members in the governmental group that is next in the rotational order of federal, state, and local government so that a member from each group holds each position once every 3 years. The succession of leadership is from Vice-Chairperson to Chairperson to Past Chairperson.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson will succeed and serve the remaining term of the Chairperson and his or her own 1-year term as Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson position will be filled based on the normal rotation and voting process.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of the Vice-Chairperson, the position will be filled by a vote of the Executive Committee choosing among the remaining members of that governmental group. The newly elected Vice-Chairperson will serve the remaining term and then rotate to the Chairperson position.
Designation of State and Local Representatives to National Intergovernmental Audit Forum
When the officer positions are held by state or local representatives, those officers are the designated state and local representatives to the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum for the purpose of any potential travel compensation by the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum. Or, if the officers choose to not attend the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum, the state and local representatives to the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum will be determined by the remaining members of the respective governmental group.
Executive Committee Responsibilities
The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of the Forum. The Executive Committee is authorized to approve and carry out all the functions of the Forum except those designated to others in this charter. At its discretion, the Executive Committee can bring matters to the Forum’s membership for its action.
The duties of the Executive Committee include, among other duties:
• Advancing the Forum’s mission and goals;
• Promulgating the policies and programs of the Forum;
• Accepting, evaluating, and approving membership applications;
• Creating or dissolving committees as may be deemed necessary;
• Appointing chairpersons to committees;
• Reviewing actions of the Forum’s committees;
• Establishing positions and appointing non-voting advisory members to the Executive Committee; and
• Performing such other business as may be deemed necessary.
Executive Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at the discretion of the Chairperson or when petitioned by 3 members of the Executive Committee. A quorum shall be one-third of the total voting members of the Executive Committee. A majority of the voting members present is required to pass a motion.
Executive Director or Audit Forum Coordinator
The Executive Director or Audit Forum Coordinator will be an ex-officio, nonvoting, member of the Forum and all of its committees, and shall perform administrative and management duties in support of Forum activities.
Voting on Forum Matters Brought Before Members
Members shall have the right to vote on Forum matters brought before them by the Executive Committee, including voting on changes to the charter. Voting may be conducted during Forum meetings or by mail, telephone, e-mail, or other method as designated by the Executive Committee. Matters shall be approved by a majority of those who vote.
FORUM MEETINGS
The Forum shall hold meetings to advance its goals, best meet the needs of its membership, and address governance or other matters using the means, time, and place designated by the Executive Committee. Most Forum meetings are open to all interested individuals who pay the registration fee. At the discretion of the Executive Committee, meetings of members and meetings of the Executive Committee may be restricted to the members of those groups, respectively.
As a general guide, the Executive Committee will endeavor to hold Forum meetings at least twice a year. An exception is the years in which the Biennial Intergovernmental Audit Forum holds its meetings; in those years, the WIAF will endeavor to hold at least one Forum meeting.
CHARTER ADMINISTRATION
Charter Amendments
Proposed Charter amendments shall be presented in writing to the members prior to a vote. Amendments take effect upon approval by the majority of the members voting.
Charter Termination and Replacement and Duration of Forum
Termination and Replacement of 1992 Charter. Upon a final affirmative vote to adopt this charter, the 1992 Charter will be immediately terminated and simultaneously replaced by this charter. Any identified members from the 1992 Charter will be carried forward as members under this new charter. The existing Executive Committee members will carry out their full 6-year terms. The 2012 officers will also complete their rotation through the three officer positions. In addition, all money and other assets of the Forum existing at the time of dissolution shall be transferred to the new Forum when established.
Dissolution of Forum. The Forum may be dissolved by a majority of the members voting. In case of dissolution of the Forum and liquidation of its affairs, any money and other assets remaining after the payment of all obligations shall be distributed and designated at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Adopted by the Members of the Western Intergovernmental Audit Forum on the day of October 26, 2012.