The Convention also elects the Board of Governors. There are nine Alumni Governors, elected for three year terms, and two Student Governors, elected for two year terms.  The terms of the Alumni Governors are staggered to provide continuity as are the terms of the Student Governors.  There are other restrictions on who may be elected to assure that no region or chapter may dominate the Board.

The Board of Governors generally holds four regular meetings each year. One of these is at the Convention; others are held at various chapter houses in the fall, winter and spring.

The Governors elect the President, Vice President, and treasurer of the Fraternity from among themselves. The President, with Board approval, appoints the Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, who may or may not be Governors. In addition to these officers, there is an undergraduate Assistant Secretary elected by the Convention.

This structure reflects the Constitution as amended on April 21, 1968. The Fraternity has not always been governed this way. During the 19th century as the Fraternity grew throughout the country, it became necessary to establish a central alumni organization to coordinate the activities of the undergraduate units. In 1879 a corporation was formed under a special act of the New York State legislature known as "The Executive Council of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity." This corporation was disbanded in 1968 with the adoption of a new Constitution by the 136th Convention.

In 1911, the office of Traveling Secretary was established. Since then, the position has ben re-named "Field Representative," though the basic duties and qualifications remain the same. The Field Representative is a recently graduated Alpha Delt employed to visit each of the various chapters, discuss chapter operations, suggest improvements and commend innovation. The International also employs an Executive Secretary who manages the International Office in Morton Grove, Illinois, and handles the daily administrative details of the Fraternity.

The Field Representative and Executive Secretary are the only salaried employees of the Alpha Delta Phi. All other officers receive only travel reimbursement.