The New York Society of American Foresters is governed by an executive committee consisting of 5 Officers: Chair, Chair Elect, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.  In addition, the Chair of each of NYSAF's 5 geographic Chapters is also an ex-officio member of the NYSAF Executive Committee.

The NYSAF Chair is first elected to a two-year term as Chair-Elect and then moves successively through the positions of Chair, and Immediate Past Chair for a two-year term in each position. Both the Secretary and Treasurer are elected to a three-year term.

Chapter Chair's serve for a two-year term and may be re-elected to a second two-year term. Terms of Chapter Chair's are staggered.

Officers are elected by the full NYSAF membership. Chapter Chair's are elected by NYSAF members living in that particular geographic region.