AMA Bylaws Changes
AMA Bylaws Changes
The AMA Bylaws Committee, as directed by the AMA President and the Executive Council, is responsible for reviewing Bylaws, recommending changes, and preparing written proposed amendments for deliberation by the Executive Council. If the recommended amendments are accepted by a majority vote of the Executive Council, the amendments must then be ratified before adoption by a mail ballot to AMA Leader Members. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of Leader Members responding within 45 days of issuance of the mail ballot is required to adopt the amendments.
During the April 19, 2008 AMA Executive Council meeting, the Bylaws Committee presented proposed Bylaw amendments for deliberation to the Executive Council. The Bylaw amendments were unanimously passed and directed by the Executive Council to be submitted to the Leader Members for ratification.
Bylaws Changes
Motions III and IV are changes to the Bylaws that will guarantee primary insurance coverage for club officers related to their duties as officers. The insurance industry calls this the “vicarious liability” for the acts of others or flying accidents caused by others. Changes were recommended because the current wording in the Bylaws is too vague and doesn’t clearly provide for indemnification of club officers.
Motions V through XI concern changes in the Bylaws regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Vice President and the creation of a new AMA Chief Financial Officer position. These changes were recommended so the Executive Vice President can assume a new role, more typical of a Vice President, performing duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the President or Executive Council. This new role will allow the Executive Vice President to work more closely with the President and Executive Council in planning, organizing, and implementing programs.
The financial aspect of the Executive Vice President’s position will now be the responsibility of the new Chief Financial Officer. The position will be appointed by a three-quarters affirmative vote of the Executive Council to a three-year term. The Chief Financial Officer will also be a voluntary position.
The proposed changes were ratified by the Leader Members in a ballot sent June 6, 2008. The requirements and responsibilities of both positions are detailed in the following. The position of Executive Vice President is up for election this year.
Chief Financial Officer
Class:
• An AMA Executive Officer and nonvoting ex officio member of the Executive Council.
• Voluntary position with AMA budget for travel and business expenses.
• Appointed by the Executive Council to a three-year term. Reports directly to and receives direction from the AMA President and Executive Council.
Summary:
• Primary responsibilities include developing and structuring financial plans for the organization.
• Maintaining contact with brokers, investment bankers, and trust department officials regarding AMA stock investments.
Responsibility:
• Responsible for overseeing the keeping of financial statements and budgets updated and accurate.
• Keeping in close contact with banking officials regarding loan requests, negotiating of interest rates, and general banking services.
• Monitoring and dealing with AMA’s stock market investments, and dealing with all relevant individuals associated with AMA’s investments.
• Verifying and handling all tax-related matters associated with nonprofit organizations.
• Providing annual fiscal reports to the membership, periodic fiscal reports (not less than quarterly) to the Executive Council and oversight on the AMA Comptroller.
Essential Functions: • Attendance and participation in Executive Council Meetings.
• Supervise budget preparation and financial planning for the organization.
• Structure loan requests, negotiate interest rates, and manage other applicable bank services.
• Anticipate cash shortfalls and have plans in place to cover those needs if they occur.
• Work with stockbrokers, investment bankers, and trust department officials on a regular basis regarding AMA’s stock investments.
• Be well versed in and able to evaluate all tax-related matters and codes for nonprofit organizations, including direct involvement in auditor selection.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Credentials and Experience: • Bachelors Degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• CPA required.
• Minimum 5 years experience in accounting preparing financial reports and budgets.
• Investment experience preferred.
Executive Vice President
Class:
• An AMA Executive Officer ranking immediately below the President and a voting member of the Executive Council.
• Voluntary position with AMA budget for travel and business expenses.
• Elected by mail ballot of Leader and Open members to a three-year term.
• Reports directly to and receives direction from the AMA President and Executive Council.
Summary:
• Primary responsibilities include working closely with the President, Executive Council and Executive Director to support the mission and vision of the AMA.
• Shall assume the duties of the AMA President upon the death, incapacity, inactivity, resignation, impeachment or removal of the AMA President.
• May assume some of the ceremonial duties of the AMA President, such as attending functions and events when the President is unable to attend.
Responsibility: • Responsible for working with the President, Executive Council and the Executive Director to identify strategic issues and goals; and develop plans and methods to achieve goals and objectives.
• Assist in coordinating programs, events, projects and activities to ensure timely, proper, and efficient completion.
• Monitor and evaluate programs and advise when it is necessary to deviate and update programs and plans to reflect a new direction.
Essential Functions:
• Attend and participate in Executive Council meetings.
• Conduct Executive Council meetings in the President’s absence.
• Develop productive relationships with AMA staff and department heads.
• Develop positive relationships with external organizations that impact on the AMA.
• Work toward providing additional value, services, and satisfaction for AMA members and clubs.
• Serve on or chair any AMA committees as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President or Executive Council.
Credentials and Experience:
As per ARTICLE IX “Nominations and Elections” Sections 1-6:
• To be eligible to discharge the duties of AMA Executive Vice President, the nominee must be a Leader Member of the AMA, and must previously have served as a member of the Executive Council or as Associate Vice President or as a Contest Board member for at least one year.