Ethics, Accountability, and Transparency

To preserve the public's trust and protect the American Cancer Society's strong reputation, ACS has adopted many of the governance practices used by publicly traded for-profit companies. The Society's written Code of Ethics Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy contains a mechanism for managing and disclosing conflicts of interest, as well as a Whistleblower Protection Policy for staff and volunteers.

In addition, ACS has established charters for all committees, including Audit, Compensation, Finance, and Governance committees.

The Audit and Risk Committee assures accountability and transparency through its oversight of internal controls, compliance, ethics, and accounting processes and practices.

The Human Capital Committee is composed of independent directors who assure that the total compensation paid to the Corporation’s executives is reasonable and complies with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Finance Committee monitors the financial performance and strategy of the Corporation.

The Governance Committee (i) ensure that the Corporation’s Board, as well as individual Board members, has the skills and competencies necessary to perform at the highest level, and (ii) supports the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to identify persons for election as officers, directors, and Honorary Life Members and (iii) ensures the Board understands how governance, as related to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) organizational strategy, supports business outcomes that link to the Corporation’s organizational commitment to health equity, while also providing support and advice on the ESG organizational strategy.

These governance practices reflect the American Cancer Society's commitment to the highest standards of organizational integrity. For more information, please feel free to contact the Office of Corporate Communications or the Office of Enterprise Governance and Corporate Affairs.