Q: Is our non-profit corporation writing group in the state of Washington required to have a vice president?
We are a local chapter of Romance Writers of America in Washington state. All chapters nationwide are required to redo their bylaws this year. National RWA says having a vice president is optional, but chapters must meet the requirements of the state they are incorporated in. RCW 24.03.125 in the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act states "The officers of a corporation shall consist of a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer ..." When I called the Secretary of State's office to determine whether a vice president was absolutely required, I was told to consult my lawyer. The person then added that if it was stated in the RCW's, she would assume it was required. It would be nice to know for sure.
A: Frequently, corporations statutes require this, but also provide that certain offices may be shared by the same person. Thus, if the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act allows it, the offices of president and vice president, for example, could be held by the same person.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
