1.1 Board of Directors 2026–2027

The Board consists of elected Directors serving for 3-year terms, with staggered elections to ensure continuity and rotation.

1.2 Officers and Executive Committee

1.3 Committee Chairs 2026–2027

Directors lead key committees to drive organizational initiatives.

2.0 History — A Mission Rooted in History and a Global Network

Founded in New York in the 1880s, the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) originally served the entire United States. In the 1980s, the network evolved into independent regional chapters, and FACC Houston became a standalone organization.

In parallel, the network of French Chambers of Commerce abroad was formalized in 1904 through the creation of the CCI France International (CCI FI), ensuring continuity in supporting companies both in France and internationally. FACC Texas is part of this global network.

Renamed FACC Texas in 2020, the organization is one of 19 FACC chapters across the United States. Today, FACC Texas offers the bradest range of services within the FACC network, fully aligned with the mission of CCI France International to support business development, investment, and economic ties between France and international markets.

2.1 Mission, Vision, and Goals (2024–2027)

The 2024–2027 roadmap was developed through a dedicated Strategic Vision Committee, led by Alexander Adotevi as President, alongside the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Chairman. This committee conducted a structured reflection on the organization’s priorities, positioning, and long-term ambitions. The resulting roadmap was formally voted and adopted by the Board of Directors in 2024, providing a shared framework for action and accountability across all Board members and committees.

2.2 The FACC Value Proposition

At the core of every FACC initiative is the same mission: Helping companies better understand the U.S. market, build meaningful connections, and accelerate growth.

Our unique value comes from the combination of:

• Deep knowledge of the U.S. business environment
• Access to corporate, institutional, government and innovation ecosystems
• The ability to connect decision-makers with the right people, insights and opportunities

2.3 What We Do

FACC Texas delivers support and services to its members across three main categories:

3.1 Revenue Trend & Current Snapshot

FACC Texas has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years, providing connections, events and support to its members.

3.2 Operating System

In 2018, the Board voted on an operating model promoting growth and services. This model was reaffirmed in 2024:

• Non-profit, self-sufficiency and financial sustainability
• Revenue growth proves the quality of our services
• Investment in a strong team to deliver the best services to members

4.1 CCIFI Mission and Vision

CCI France International (CCIFI) is the global network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry abroad. Recognized as a public utility organization by the French State, CCIFI brings together 125 chambers in 98 countries, representing over 33,000 member companies. Its mission is to support the international development of businesses, promote French economic interests abroad, and strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between France and its partner countries.

CCIFI delivers its mission through a platform of 7 core service lines shared across all member chambers:

4.2 Benchmark — FACC Texas vs. Global Network

FACC Texas is ranked 20th out of 120 French Chambers worldwide in terms of total revenue among CCIFI chambers, with a 15.7% growth rate from 2023 to 2024.

5.1 Role Definition

A Board Member of a non-profit chamber of commerce serves as a steward of the organization’s mission, resources, and long-term sustainability. In this capacity, Directors are responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring sound governance, and acting in the collective interest of the membership. They do not manage day-to-day operations, but rather provide oversight, guidance, and accountability to the executive team. Board Members are expected to bring their professional networks, expertise, and influence to bear in support of the organization’s goals.

At FACC Texas, the role of a Director is defined by three core components:

• Strategic Steering: Focus on strategy and alignment with the mission.
• Revenue Generation: Secure billable time and drive growth through networks and industry influence.
• Delegation of Execution: Execution-level tasks are assigned to FACC team members.

5.2 Individual Director Responsibilities (Bylaws Article IV)

Directors of the Board have specific responsibilities as defined in the FACC Texas Bylaws:

Governance Participation:

• Attend Board meetings held at least quarterly (Article 4.05)
• Participate in voting on Board decisions (Article 4.08)
• Comply with all Chamber policies (Article 4.06)
• Serve on assigned committees as designated

Committee Service:

• Directors may serve on standing committees for maximum 3 consecutive terms (6 years) (Article 6.03)
• Directors may serve on ad hoc committees for specific projects (Article 6.03)
• Executive Committee members have delegated Board authority between meetings, except for specific reserved powers (Article 6.01)

Term Limits:

• Maximum 3 consecutive terms as Director (9 years total) (Article 4.03)
• Directors serve staggered 3-year terms

5.3 The Role of Directors in FACC’s Collective Impact

FACC Texas creates value through collective action. The organization enables members to:

• Access markets and networks beyond their individual reach
• Gain intelligence on strategic topics relevant to their business sectors
• Participate in high-impact programming designed to address market needs
• Amplify their influence through a unified French business voice in Texas

Directors of the Board are stewards of this ccollective impact model. Their role is to ensure FACC continues to deliver value to all members while maintaining the financial sustainability of the organization.

5.4 Specific Actions Expected from Directors of the Board

To fulfill this stewardship role, a Director of the Board is expected to:

5.5 Committee Structure and Roles (Bylaws Article VI)

6.1 The FACC Network in the USA

FACC Texas has emerged as a leading force in the USA network through a diversified service portfolio aligned with the CCIFI framework. This contrasts with historical models (like FACC New York) that relied heavily on single services like J-1 visas.

6.2 CCIFI (CCI France International)

FACC Texas is a member of CCIFI, a global network of 125 chambers in 98 countries with 33,000 member companies. CCIFI is an association recognized as a public utility organization by the French State.

CCIFI Leadership: The network is led by a Board of Directors (President: Frédéric SANCHEZ) and an Executive Team in Paris (General Delegate: Charles MARIDOR).

6.3 Institutional Stakeholders

• French Consulate in Houston & French Embassy: Diplomatic representation and support.
• Business France: French government agency promoting companies abroad.
• Greater Houston Partnership (GHP): Primary business organization for the Houston area.
• Texas Economic Development Agencies & Elected Officials: Support for business development.

6.4 Key Partners

• BPI France: French public investment bank providing financing and export support.
• Evolen: French consulting firm specializing in international expansion.
• IFRI: French think tank providing strategic analysis on international relations.

7.2 Organizational Structure

FACC Texas operates with a dedicated team of around ten people, including our interns across executive leadership, business development, operations, and communications. The team is organized to deliver services, manage member relationships, organize events, and maintain strategic partnerships.

8.1 Official Board Documents

Directors of the Board have access to two dedicated folders containing official organizational documents:

Access Support: If a Director of the Board experiences difficulties accessing these folders, contact Audrey Martineau (Key Account Manager) for assistance.

8.2 Communication Channels

Directors of the Board receive organizational information through multiple channels:

• Newsletter: FACC Texas publishes a regular newsletter featuring organizational updates, member news, event announcements, and market insights. Directors should ensure they are registered. Subscribe to FACC Texas Newsletter →
• Email Communications: Important announcements, meeting notices, and strategic updates are distributed via email to all Board Members.
• Board Meetings: Strategic discussions, organizational updates, and governance matters are addressed during regular Board meetings.

A Message of Gratitude

On behalf of the entire FACC Texas team, we would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your service as a Board Member.

Your commitment, expertise, and dedication are at the heart of everything we accomplish together. By choosing to contribute your time and energy to FACC Texas, you are actively supporting a mission that matters — strengthening the transatlantic business community, empowering French and American companies, and building bridges that create lasting impact.

We are deeply committed to a culture of continuous improvement, and we believe that the best ideas come from those who are most engaged. We would be truly honored to receive your feedback, insights, and suggestions as we work together to make FACC Texas an even stronger and more valuable organization for our members and partners.

Your voice matters, and your contribution — in whatever form it takes — makes a real difference. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With appreciation and enthusiasm, The FACC Texas Team