The academy shall meet at least once annually to award new memberships and shall hold such other meetings as necessary to carry out its purpose. The time and place of meetings shall be designated by the executive committee. One-third of the members of the academy shall constitute a quorum for conducting business. The executive committee may make rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the academy as prescribed in this chapter. No person may be denied membership on the basis of race, religion, gender, place of residence in Alabama, or cultural background.