As an individual membership, professional society, NCMA is led by volunteer members who are elected officers. Leadership occurs on the national, regional, and chapter level.

The Board of Directors is the primary, national governing body. The Board consists of 24 National Officers, who make up the Executive Council, plus one National Directors from each of the 141 chapters.

The National Officers are authorized to appoint Functional Directors to provide assistance in the accomplishment of their goals and objectives. In addition, the Board of Advisors provides top-level counsel to the National Officers of NCMA in planning and achieving the Association's objectives.

The Council of Fellows is a prestigious group of NCMA members who have made significant contributions to the field of contracting/acquisition and to NCMA. Their greatest responsibility is the development of future leaders for the organization. The fellow designation is the third highest national award given by NCMA.

The chapters are also led by volunteers. In addition to the National Director, each chapter has a Chapter Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary, and many have other elected officers. NCMA provides an excellent opportunity for leadership experience in an organization run by volunteers.

The chapters are organized into eight regions, each of which is led by a national vice president (NVP) and a NVP-Elect. The NVP and NVP-Elect from each region are national officers who are part of the executive council. For a list of chapters by region, see the Regional Leaders/National Vice-Presidents list.