One of the greatest strengths of the MSMA is its decentralized structure. While the Association maintains a national board, the main learning and networking opportunities of MSMA are presented by the 20 local chapters.

Working with the national board, local chapters elect officers, maintain finances, adopt bylaws consistent with the national bylaws, and plan their own meetings and programs. Two crucial goals of the MSMA are met at the local level, increasing the professional knowledge of members and attracting new members.

Under the authority of the MSMA bylaws, the national board manages the affairs of the Association, including determining the policies, procedures, objectives and budgets necessary to meet the goals of the Association. The local chapters are represented on the national board by three regional directors elected by each region's members. The national board maintains the following standing committees: Membership, Education, Finance and Chapter Development.

Development of new chapters is a primary objective of the national board. The board provides advice, a handbook to explain the procedures for start-up, and seed money to cover initial administrative costs.

MSMA' s unique policy of letting each chapter set its own course has fostered member participation at all levels. It is this participation which has allowed the MSMA to grow and prosper.