The CDAA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with participation from each of its Member Organizations. Four executive positions - President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary are elected to provide leadership to the Board as it works to achieve its mandate. The Past President is an non-voting member of the Board to ensure continuity and ease the succession process.
Operating under a Policy Governance framework, the Board has fiduciary responsibility for the overall strategic direction of the organization, policy development and financial oversight. Professional staff manage the day-to-day operations of the organization and advise the Board on a regular basis on matters pertaining to the progress on the vision.
The Board has three standing committees with specific terms of reference to ensure good decision-making: Finance & Administration, Governance, and Executive. Ad hoc committees, task forces and working groups further support the work of the organization.