In late 2025, the AASLH Finance Committee and AASLH Investment Committee proposed that they merge into one committee and that the Association should hire an investment firm. In March 2026, the AASLH Council approved the proposal and the Association contracted with an external investment (Woodmont Investment Counsel, Nashville, Tennessee) firm to manage AASLH’s investment funds. Professional and constant oversight over AASLH’s investments should result in greater returns and obviate the need for quarterly Investment Committee meetings, which can be folded into the Finance Committee, which already was serving as an oversight body to the Investment Committee.
In June 2026, the AASH Council voted to approve the proposed merger of committees and the changes to the Bylaws indicated below. This matter now goes to the members of AASLH at the Meeting of the Membership during the Annual Conference in Providence, on Friday, September 18, for a vote.
The following changes to the Bylaws will combine the Finance and Investment committees into one committee:
Section 7. Treasurer Powers and Duties
7.1 Treasurer Committee Service
The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee and shall serve on its Investment Subcommittee.
Article VII. Committees
Section 1. Types of Committees
1.1 Standing Committees
There shall be standing committees of the Association for:
● audit
● awards
● diversity and inclusion
● finance
● governance
● leadership nominating
● standards and ethics
…
Section 6. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall meet prior to and prepare financial reports for each Council meeting. All actions of the Finance Committee shall be reported to the Council. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee. Neither the chair nor any members of the Finance Committee shall serve on the Audit Committee. The responsibilities of the Finance Committee shall be:
● to review and approve all budgets and financial reports of the Association;
● to advise the Council on significant financial matters and decisions;
● to monitor the administration, collection and disbursement of the financial resources of the Association; and
● to make financial reports and recommendations to the Council.
…
Article IX. Financial Administration
Section 5. Financial and Investment Policies and Procedures
Upon recommendation of the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees, the Council shall adopt and periodically review and amend a comprehensive set of financial policies and procedures for the management and administration of Association funds, including, but not limited to, cash management, purchasing and investment.
