What title should the founder of a nonprofit corporation use?

Full question:

I am starting a Non Profit Corporation. What would be an appropriate title for the founder: President/CEO or just Executive Director? Can I also have a vice president? In that case what would be an appropriate title for the Chairperson of the Board. Do I need to specify the role of the Precident/CEO in the By laws?

  • Category: Corporations
  • Subcategory: NonProfit Corporation
  • Date:
  • State: Maryland

Answer:

In Maryland, a non-profit corporation must have at least three officers: a president, a secretary, and a treasurer. You can choose to use the title of President/CEO or Executive Director for the founder. Both titles are acceptable, but the choice may depend on the structure and culture of your organization.

Yes, you can have a vice president. The title for the Chairperson of the Board can simply be 'Chair' or 'Chairperson.' The specific titles and roles can be defined in your corporate bylaws.

It is advisable to specify the role of the President/CEO in the bylaws to clarify responsibilities and authority. Bylaws can include any provisions for the management of the corporation, as long as they are not inconsistent with state law or the articles of incorporation (Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns § 2-110).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A nonprofit can choose either a CEO or an executive director as its top leader. The title often reflects the organization's culture and structure. Both roles typically involve similar responsibilities, such as overseeing operations and managing staff. It's important to define the role clearly in the bylaws to ensure proper governance.