The FPPC is composed of five members appointed for staggered four year terms. The Chair and another member from a different political party are appointed by the Governor. Other members are appointed by the State Controller, Secretary of State and the Attorney General. No more than three Commissioners may be from the same political party. The Chair is the only salaried, full-time member of the Commission and together with the Executive Director oversees the routine business of the Commission and its staff, subject to the overall direction of the Commission. The Chair acts for the Commission between meetings and provides policy priorities to the staff.

The Commission’s staff is separated into four divisions: Administration and Technology, Audits and Assistance, Enforcement, and Legal.