Texas Excavation Safety System, Inc. (TESS) is a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Texas. TESS business is conducted in accordance with the laws of this state, the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, Board policies, and generally accepted business practices to accomplish the TESS mission.

The Board of Directors is elected from the TESS membership to manage TESS in accordance with Bylaws and Board policies. The Board of Directors, as the TESS governing body, is entrusted with the authority to establish policy for the governance of TESS. Board policy establishes the parameters and guidelines for Board members, committees, management, and staff.

Procedures for the Annual Meeting of the General Members, nomination and election of Board members, and vacancies on the Board are explained in the Bylaws.