GCC Bylaws
Last revised: January 2024
GRADUATE CAREER CONSORTIUM, INC.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
CORPORATION
SECTION 1.1. Name. The name of this organization is Graduate Career Consortium, Inc. (“GCC” or “Corporation”).
SECTION 1.2. “Not-for-Profit” Corporation. GCC is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida. GCC is organized and will be operated exclusively for charitable, literary, and education purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or the corresponding provision or provisions of any subsequent United States revenue law.
SECTION 1.3. Principal Office. The principal office of GCC shall be located in Coral Gables, Florida, or in such other location within the State of Florida as may be determined by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 1.4. Other Offices. The GCC may also have offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Florida, as the Executive Committee of the GCC (the “Executive Committee”) may from time to time determine or as the business of the GCC may require.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
GCC’s primary purposes are to (a) support professional development and growth of individual members who are providing career and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars; and (b) provide international leadership for the profession, serving as a voice and advocate for graduate-level and postdoctoral career and professional development.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
SECTION 3.1. Non-Discrimination. GCC seeks to promote diversity and ensure equal opportunity and inclusion of all individuals in the membership, leadership, and activities of GCC regardless of sex, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender-identify, religion, creed, health, or socioeconomic status, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or source of income, or other protected status.
SECTION 3.2. Membership. Membership in the GCC shall consist of three (3) categories: Full, Emeritus and Trainee. Full and Trainee memberships may be available for purchase on an individual basis or in a group package referred to as an institutional bundle. Admission to any category shall require approval of a completed application whereby the applicant meets all requirements thereof.
SECTION 3.3. Membership Regulations. Prospective Members in any category must complete a membership application specified and provided by the GCC, support the purpose of the GCC, submit documentation confirming proof of their status, and pay the required membership dues. A member “in good standing” in any membership category is defined as one whose membership dues are current. Membership is on a rolling basis, extending from the date of payment receipt to the end of the fiscal year (see Section 8.1). The Executive Committee shall set the membership dues for each membership category on an annual basis. The Executive Committee may add, delete, or adjust membership qualifications and benefits as it deems necessary or desirable to further the purpose of the GCC. Eligibility requirements for Full, Emeritus, and Trainee memberships will be shared with the membership on the organizational website. The GCC shall have no members as contemplated by Section 617.0601, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 3.4. GCC shall grant Full Member status to individuals who provide career and/or professional development support to graduate students and/or postdoctoral scholars at: non-profit institutions of higher education; medical schools; research institutes; or government or non profit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. The Executive Committee determines questions of membership eligibility and standing.
SECTION 3.5. Membership Dues. The Executive Committee will set the annual membership dues and fees for the next fiscal year six months prior to the start of the fiscal year and announce the dues and fees to the membership electronically and at the annual business meeting. Membership dues are non-refundable. Membership dues may be paid in institutional bundles, following policies determined by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3.6. Membership Privileges. Full Members shall have only such privileges and receive such assistance from GCC as shall be determined by the Executive Committee from time to time. From time to time, the Executive Committee shall establish membership categories and set dues schedules as noted in Section 3.5 [Membership Dues].
Full Members are eligible to:
petition the Executive Committee with respect to any matter of relevance to the purpose of GCC;
nominate or be nominated for positions on committees or on the Executive Committee;
propose policy initiatives to the Executive Committee;
vote for members of the Executive Committee;
vote on amendments to the Bylaws;
attend the annual conference and regional meetings;
receive full access to GCC materials and website; and
receive additional privileges as determined by the Executive Committee.
Members shall be obligated to observe the Bylaws of GCC.
Membership benefits and privileges for Emeritus and Trainee memberships will be determined by the Executive Committee and shared with the membership on the organizational website.
SECTION 3.7. Voting Privileges. The voting privileges of GCC shall apply to all Full Members of GCC. Each Full Member is entitled to one vote.
SECTION 3.8. Denial, Suspension and Termination of Membership. Members who violate any provision of these Bylaws, commit any act injurious to GCC, or engage in a conduct determined by the Executive Committee, in its sole discretion, to be unethical or in any way detrimental to the purpose of GCC, may be denied membership or removed or suspended from GCC by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Executive Committee present at a meeting at which the matter is considered. A member may be removed from GCC for non-payment of dues following reasonable attempts to collect membership dues.
ARTICLE IV
GOVERNANCE
SECTION 4.1. The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of eight (8) persons, provided that at no time shall the number of Committee Members be less than six (6). The Executive Committee shall be composed of President, President-Elect, Past President, Communications Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Diversity and Member Engagement Officer, and Professional Development Officer. The voting Full Members of the GCC shall elect these members as provided in Section 4.3.
SECTION 4.2. Duties and Powers. The Executive Committee shall govern and oversee the affairs, funds, and property of GCC. It may exercise all such powers of GCC and do all such lawful acts as are permitted by statute or these Bylaws. The Executive Committee is the final authority on GCC operations. Voting membership on the Executive Committee is non-transferable. An individual who is employed by GCC, or a component entity, shall be ineligible for election to The Executive Committee
To fulfill its responsibilities, the Executive Committee may from time to time create committees, subcommittees, program, task forces, work groups, or others as deemed necessary, advisable, or appropriate to GCC’s purpose.
The members of the The Executive Committee shall have the following duties:
President. The duties of the President, or their designee, shall include: presiding when present at all meetings of the Executive Committee; responsibility for the preparation of agendas; appointment of Committee Chairs; provision of an annual report to the Executive Committee; and service as an ex officio member on all committees which the Executive Committee may establish from time to time. The President shall provide ongoing direction to the Executive Committee of GCC to enable achievement of GCC’s goals. The President shall, with the Secretary and Treasurer, execute for GCC any contracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds or other instruments which the Executive Committee has authorized to be executed, except in those instances in which the authority to execute is expressly delegated to another officer or agent of GCC, or a different mode of execution is expressly prescribed by the Executive Committee or these Bylaws. The President shall perform other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee. The term of the President is one (1) year starting August 1, after which they assume the role of Past-President.
President-Elect. The President-Elect shall perform such duties as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee, the President, and these Bylaws. In addition, the President-Elect shall serve as Chair in the event of the vacancy or absence of the President until such time as the Executive Committee shall elect a new Chair. The President-Elect shall oversee and guide the activity of the Conference Committee. The President-Elect serves a one-year term starting August 1, after which they accede to the Position of President.
Past-President. The Past-President shall perform such duties as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee, the President, and these Bylaws. The Past-President shall oversee and guide the activities of the Governance Committee. The term of the Past-President is one (1) year starting August 1.
Secretary. The Secretary or their designated representative shall attend meetings of the Executive Committee; provide for the production and safekeeping of the minutes of such meetings; and have copies of the minutes of each meeting sent to members of the Executive Committee. The Secretary shall insure that Executive Committee notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws or as required by law, be custodian of the organization records and maintain a copy of the Bylaws. The Secretary shall maintain the list of Full Members and process all new member applications. The Secretary shall oversee and guide the activities of the Data and Analytics Committee. The term of the Secretary is two (2) years starting August 1.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall cause the collection, receipt, deposit, and disbursement of all funds of GCC as directed by the Executive Committee; shall oversee the keeping of regular books of account; and shall submit such financial information as the Executive Committee may from time to time require; and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer, if required by the Executive Committee, shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of duties in such sum as may be paid by GCC. The Treasurer shall cause the preparation of and submit to a meeting of the Executive Committee an annual budget based on anticipated income and the needs of planned programs and operations. The Treasurer shall provide at each Annual Meeting a complete financial statement of GCC for the preceding year, and such other statements from time to time as may be required by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall oversee and guide the activities of the Finance Committee. The term of the Treasurer is two (2) years starting August 1.
Communications Officer. The Communication Officer shall perform such duties as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee, the President, and these Bylaws. The Communication Chair shall oversee and guide the activities of the Communications Committee and direct the overall internal and external communications strategy of the GCC. The term of the Communications Chair is two (2) years starting August 1.
Diversity and Member Engagement Officer. The Diversity and Member Engagement Officer shall perform such duties as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee, the President, and these Bylaws. The Diversity and Member Engagement Officer shall oversee and guide the activities of the Membership and Belonging Committee, and spearhead efforts towards ensuring the GCC is a diverse and inclusive organization for all members. In addition, this Officer will work to increase membership, especially towards populations which are historically underrepresented in GCC and in higher education. The term of the Diversity and Member Engagement Officer is two (2) years starting August 1.
Professional Development Officer. The Professional Development Officer shall perform such duties as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee, the President, and these Bylaws. The Professional Development Officer shall oversee and guide the activities of the Professional Development Committee, and support efforts to increase overall professional development resources and activities for GCC members. In addition, this officer will work with the Treasurer to identify revenue generation opportunities from professional development activities. The term of the Professional Development Officer is two (2) years starting August 1.
SECTION 4.3. Elections. Elections shall be held each spring, with oversight provided by members of the Governance Committee. A call for nominations shall occur in the first half of April. Full members in good standing may self-nominate or be nominated by another Full Member. For a candidate to be placed on the ballot, the candidate must accept their nomination. The Governance Committee shall review and finalize the slate of nominations for the Executive Committee in early May. These nominations shall be published to the Full Membership by the second half of May, at which point voting will commence. Voting will close no earlier than two weeks (14 days) after it commenced. New members of the Executive Committee shall be installed at the annual business meeting.
In order to participate in an election, voting-eligible members must be registered and have appropriate dues paid in full before the start of an election.
For a vote to be binding, a minimum of 10% of Full Members must cast ballots in an election. Voting will remain open for fourteen (14) days. If the binding vote is not achieved within the fourteen (14) day period, voting will be extended in increments of seven (7) days until the binding vote is achieved. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the Executive Committee.
SECTION 4.4. Compensation of Executive Committee Members. An Executive Committee Member shall receive no salary or other compensation for services as a Executive Committee Member. An Executive Committee Member may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with necessary or appropriate activities on behalf of GCC, consistent with GCC Policy, and the approved annual budget.
SECTION 4.5. Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of an Executive Committee Member, whether by resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or otherwise, the Governance Committee, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall appoint an eligible member successor to serve for the remainder of the term. In filling these vacancies, to the extent practicable, the greatest balance of interest and experience at all levels and among all elements of GCC shall be maintained by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 4.6. Annual Business Meeting. An Annual Business Meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held during the Annual Conference. The Executive Committee shall transact such other business as may be necessary or appropriate. Failure to hold an Annual Business Meeting does not cause forfeiture or give cause for dissolution of the Corporation, nor does such failure affect otherwise valid corporate acts, except as set forth in Section 617.1430, Florida Statutes, relating to a deadlock among the Executive Committee Members.
SECTION 4.7. Regular Meetings. The Executive Committee shall provide for four (4) or more Regular Meetings of the Executive Committee in each year, including the Annual Business Meeting, as called by the President to transact such business as may be necessary and appropriate. Executive Committee Members shall be required to attend at least fifty percent (50%) of Regular Meetings held in each year in person.
SECTION 4.8. Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called for a specific purpose by the President or by written request of two (2) Executive Committee Members then in office. The person or persons calling a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee may fix the time. The President shall fix the place.
SECTION 4.9. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at such places within GCC service area as may from time to time be fixed by the President or as shall be specified or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof. Members of the Executive Committee (and any committee of the Executive Committee) may participate in a meeting of the Executive Committee (or any committee of the Executive Committee) by means of virtual conferencing.
SECTION 4.10. Notice.The Executive Committee may provide by resolution the date, time, and place for the holding of Regular Meetings other than the Annual Meeting of the Executive Committee without notice other than such resolution. Written notice of Annual, other Regular, or Special Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be sent by or at the direction of the Secretary at least two (2) calendar days and not more than thirty (30) calendar days prior the meeting to each Executive Committee Member at their address as shown by the records. Such notices may be sent by mail, overnight courier, electronic transmission, or facsimile transmission. Notices of Special Meetings shall state the purpose of the meeting.
SECTION 4.11. Waiver of Notice. Notice of a meeting of the Executive Committee need not be given to an Executive Committee Member who signs a waiver of notice either before or after the meeting. Attendance of an Executive Committee Member at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of that meeting and a waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting and the manner in which it has been called or convened, except when a Executive Committee Member states, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival at the meeting, any objection to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. The waiver of notice need not describe either the business to be transacted at or the purpose of the special meeting.
SECTION 4.12. Quorum. Only the presence of at least three (3) Executive Committee Members of the whole Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Executive Committee, except as otherwise provided by statute or by these Bylaws. If less than a majority of the Executive Committee Members then in office are present at said meeting, a majority of the Executive Committee Members then present and in office may adjourn the meeting without further notice. Votes by proxy shall not be acceptable.
SECTION 4.13. Manner of Acting. Action by a majority of the Executive Committee Members present in person at a properly called meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the act of the Executive Committee, except as otherwise provided by statute or these Bylaws.
SECTION 4.14. Executive Committee Member Action Without a Meeting. Any action required, or permitted to be taken, at a meeting of the Executive Committee (or a committee of the Executive Committee) may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by the written consent of all members of the Executive Committee (or of any Committee of the Executive Committee). The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action to be taken and signed by each Executive Committee Member (or committee member), which consent(s) shall be filed in the minutes of the proceedings of the Executive Committee. The action taken shall be deemed effective when the last Executive Committee Member signs the consent, unless the consent specifies otherwise.
SECTION 4.15. Deemed Assent. An Executive Committee Member who is present at a meeting of the Executive Committee or a committee of the Executive Committee when corporate action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless (i) the Executive Committee Member objects at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon their arrival) to the holding of the meeting or transacting specified business at the meeting, or(ii) the Executive Committee Member votes against or abstains from the action taken.
SECTION 4.15. Removal of Executive Committee Members. Any Executive Committee Member may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the Full Membership at a duly called Business Meeting. The Executive Committee Member to be removed must be notified, in writing, not less than five business days prior to the meeting that said removal would be a subject of the meeting. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall include the failure to attend any three (3) consecutive meetings or more than one-half the Regular Meetings held during any fiscal year. In addition, Executive Committee Members shall be automatically removed for non payment of annual dues in the amount set by the Executive Committee. Executive Committee members removed pursuant to this section shall not continue to serve on the Executive Committee and such removal shall create a vacancy.
ARTICLE V
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The President of the GCC shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer. They shall be responsible for the overall active management of the affairs of GCC; achievement of GCC goals; management of the budget; effective communication; financial leadership; fiduciary responsibility; and implementation of policies, procedures and programs as determined by the Executive Committee. The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the administration of GCC’s offices; have the authority to employ, supervise and discharge personnel as from time to time may be deemed necessary; and shall do and perform other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee. The Chief Executive Officer shall attend meetings of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES AND OTHER GROUPS
SECTION 6.1. Standing Committee Duties. Standing Committees shall promote the work of the GCC, under general direction and oversight by the Executive Committee. The Standing Committees shall consist of the Executive Committee, the Governance Committee, the Communications Committee, the Conference Committee, the Membership and Belonging Committee, the Finance Committee, the Data & Analytics Committee, and the Professional Development Committee. Membership in the standing committees is voluntary and open to all Members. The Executive Committee oversees the leadership of standing committees, including the leadership transition process. A call for volunteers will happen once per year, and members must reaffirm commitment to participate in the standing committee. The chair(s) of standing committees will be subject to a 2-year term limit in the chair role, with an option for a 1-year extension.
SECTION 6.2. Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee shall consist of the President (who shall serve as Chair), Past-President, President-Elect (who shall serve as Vice Chair), Communications Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Diversity and Member Engagement Officer, and Professional Development Officer. The Executive Committee shall invite the Chairs of all other standing committees to a leadership meeting, on a consistent basis. The Executive Committee shall ensure the efficient and timely operation of the organization; maintain records for organization and ensure continuity; develop and approve the budget; oversee committee leadership; oversee committees’ work; oversee communications about the organization to members and public; arrange for annual and special meetings; present an annual summary of the financial state of the organization; and speak on behalf of the organization. The Executive Committee, in concert with the Conference Committee Chair(s), will set the registration costs for conference attendance.
SECTION 6.3. Governance Committee. The Governance Committee shall be overseen and guided by the Past-President. The Governance Committee shall be responsible for facilitating the election process, including recruiting nominations and voting for the Officers, collaborating with the Executive Committee on identifying structural and governing needs, and overseeing annual bylaws amendments. Governance committee volunteers who decide to run for an elected position on the Executive Committee should step down from the Governance Committee during the timeframe in which annual elections occur. Governance Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings, and shall make regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.4. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee shall be overseen and guided by the Communications Officer. The Communications Committee shall maintain and manage all aspects of the GCC online presence, including the website, listserv, and social media; shall facilitate communications to internal and external audiences under the direction of the Executive Committee; and shall assist in efforts to recruit new members. In addition, the Communications Committee will support programs and projects that showcase the value of GCC to external audiences. The Communications Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and provide regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.5. Conference Committee. The Conference Committee shall be overseen and guided by the President-Elect. The conference committee will be chaired by a GCC member or members ideally at an institution in or near the region/city where the annual conference will be held. The Conference Committee chair will participate in Executive Committee meetings periodically and shall organize and oversee all aspects of the annual conference, including agenda, invited speakers, and registration; and prepare a report on the organization of the annual conference to be made available to all full members in the annual report. The Executive Committee, in concert with the Conference Committee Chair(s), will set the registration costs for conference attendance. The Conference Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and provide regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.6. Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is overseen and guided by the Treasurer. The Finance Committee is responsible for the financial stewardship, strategic management of funds, and financial sustainability of the GCC. This committee may oversee efforts that are revenue-generators for the organization. The Finance Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and provide regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.7. Professional Development Committee. The Professional Development Committee is overseen and guided by the Professional Development Officer. The Professional Development Committee shall be responsible for executing professional development events, overseeing the mentoring program, and developing related learning opportunities for member skill development. The Professional Development Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and provide regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.8. Membership and Belonging Committee. The Membership and Belonging Committee is overseen and guided by the Diversity and Member Engagement Officer. The Membership and Belonging Committee shall be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to increase member engagement, including but not limited to climate and needs assessments, new member support, and diversity and inclusion programs. This committee collaborates with and supports programs and projects related to community building both regionally and internationally, and assists in efforts to increase and diversify membership. Membership and Belonging Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and shall make regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.9. Data and Analytics Committee. The Data and Analytics Committee is overseen and guided by the Secretary. The Data and Analytics Committee shall be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data related to GCC operations and topics related to the field of graduate career and professional development. The committee shall develop and maintain a data governance policy for GCC, oversee the benchmarking survey efforts, and assist in leading projects to make data accessible to members and the public, as appropriate. The committee will also be responsible for generating resources and best practices around graduate training outcomes data. Data and Analytics Committee chair(s) will participate in Quarterly Leadership Meetings and shall make regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.10. Other Committees and Groups. The Executive Committee may establish, oversee and, as appropriate, dissolve one or more committees or, subcommittees (standing or otherwise), task forces, or work groups. Groups constituted by the President or Executive Committee to meet specific ad hoc needs shall be subject to Executive Committee approval or ratification. All groups shall make regular reports to the Executive Committee or as otherwise directed.
SECTION 6.11. Powers and Limitations. Any committee, subcommittee, task force, or work group shall have and may exercise the powers and duties delegated or assigned by the Executive Committee, consistent with GCC Policies and these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
SECTION 7.1. Annual Conference. Members of the GCC shall meet yearly in the month of June, or on a date duly designated by the Conference and Executive Committees.
SECTION 7.2. Business Meeting. One annual business meeting for the membership will be held during the annual conference and set by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may call additional meetings of the membership with at least three (3) weeks’ notice to the membership. Only Full Members (and guests approved by the Executive Committee) may participate in a business meeting.
SECTION 7.3. Meeting by Use of Telecommunications. Some or all of the members of the Executive Committee or of any committee, subcommittee, task force, or work group may participate in any meeting by means of a telephone conference or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by this means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, and therefore, contribute toward a quorum. All requirements and provisions for a meeting herein also shall apply should the meeting occur by telecommunications.
SECTION 7.4. Vote. Business items sent to the membership at least three (3) weeks prior to the business meeting will pass with a majority of those participating in the meeting. Items proposed less than three (3) weeks in advance of a business meeting require a super majority vote composed of two-thirds of those participating in the meeting.
SECTION 7.5. Quorum. Twenty-five Full Members – or 25% of GCC Full Members, whichever is fewer – shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 8.1. Fiscal Year. The Fiscal year of GCC shall begin on August 1 and end on July 31 of the following calendar year or as set from time to time by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 8.2. Policies. GCC policies shall be subject to these Bylaws and be consistent with GCC Policies.
SECTION 8.3. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under any provision of law or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice whether before or after the time stated therein shall be equivalent thereto. Presence at any meeting without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement shall be deemed equivalent to a waiver of notice of that meeting.
SECTION 8.4. Depositories. All funds received by GCC shall be credited to GCC and placed in depositories approved by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 8.5. Checks, Drafts and Notes. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of GCC shall be signed by such Officer or Officers or agent or agents as the Executive Committee may from time to time designate.
SECTION 8.6. Bond. The Executive Committee may, in its discretion, require the bonding of all Officers and staff members having access to the funds of GCC, the cost of which shall be at the expense of GCC.
SECTION 8.7. Capital Stock. GCC, not being organized for direct gain and being a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of the State of Florida relating to such organizations, has no capital stock and no certificates of shares shall be issued.
SECTION 8.8. Gifts. The Executive Committee may accept on behalf of GCC any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for general purposes or for any special purpose of GCC. Gifts given in trust shall be administered as stipulated by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 8.9. Contracts. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Executive Committee may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the GCC, and such authority may be general or confined to a specific instance. Unless so authorized by the Executive Committee, no officer, employee, agent or representative shall have any power or authority to bind the GCC by any contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit, or render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose or to any amount.
SECTION 8.10. Rules of Order. “Robert’s Rules of Order”, latest revised edition, shall be parliamentary authority for all meetings and matters not specifically covered by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS AND
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
SECTION 9.1. Notice. Proposals to change the Bylaws may be submitted by any member of the Executive Committee or by a petition submitted to the Executive Committee signed by at least 10% of the Full Members. At the next business meeting, the participants will determine if the proposed changes to the Bylaws will be sent to all Full Members for a vote.
SECTION 9.2. Vote. Adoption of changes to the Bylaws requires approval of a majority of those voting. Adoption of changes to the Articles of Incorporation requires approval of a super-majority (two-thirds) of those voting. Amendments or changes to the Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation take effect immediately, unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
SECTION 10.1. Voluntary Dissolution. GCC may voluntarily dissolve upon a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Executive Committee. Such dissolution shall become effective upon the filing of the required Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Secretary of State.
SECTION 10.2. Distribution of Assets. Upon the dissolution of Corporation, all obligations are to be paid. Any remaining assets are to be disposed of in accordance with Florida Statutes and Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding dissolution of 501(c)(3) Corporations. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by any Court of competent jurisdiction in the County in which the principle office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE VI
CORPORATE RECORDS
SECTION 11.1. GCC Records. The GCC shall keep as permanent records minutes of all meetings of its members, if any, Executive Committee and Committees having any authority of the Executive Committee, a record of all actions taken by the members or Executive Committee without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken by a committee of the Executive Committee in place of the Executive Committee on behalf of the GCC.
SECTION 11.2. GCC Information Available to the Public. The GCC shall maintain a registered agent and registered office in accordance with Florida law, and current information regarding the GCC shall be readily available to the public. At a minimum, such information must include the text of the charter or articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, the name of the Corporation, the date of incorporation, the street address of the principal office of the Corporation, the Corporation's federal employer identification number, the name and business street address of each Executive Committee Member, the name of its registered agent, and the street address of its registered office.
ARTICLE XII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 12.1. Indemnification. Each person (including here and hereinafter, the heirs, executors, administrators, or estate of such person) (1) who is or was a Executive Committee Member or trustee of the Corporation, (2) who is or was an officer, agent or employee of the Corporation and as to whom the Corporation has agreed to grant such indemnity hereunder, or (3) who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as its representative in the position of a Executive Committee Member, officer, trustee, partner, agent, or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise and as to whom the Corporation has agreed to grant such indemnity hereunder, shall be indemnified by the Corporation as of right to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by current or future legislation or by current or future or administrative decision (but, in the case of any future legislation or decision, only to the extent that it permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior to the legislation or decision), against all fines, liabilities, settlements, losses, damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, asserted against them or incurred by them in their capacity as such Executive Committee Member, officer, trustee, partner, agent, employee or representative, or arising out of their status as such Executive Committee Member, officer, trustee, partner, agent, employee or representative. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any such person against any such fine, liability, cost or expense, including attorneys’ fees, whether or not the Corporation would have the legal power to directly indemnify him against such liability.
SECTION 12.2. Insurance. GCC may purchase and maintain insurance for any person who was or is a Executive Committee Member, officer, employee, volunteer or agent of GCC, or was or is serving at the request of GCC as a Executive Committee Member, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another entity against expenses incurred by said person in any such capacity or arising out of the person’s status as such, whether or not GCC has the power to indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions of this Article.
SECTION 12.3. Advances. Costs, charges and expenses (including attorney fees), incurred by a person referred to in Section 1 of this Article in defending a civil or criminal suit, action or proceeding may be paid (and, in the case of Executive Committee Members of the GCC, shall be paid) by the GCC in advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking to repay all amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the GCC as authorized by this Article, and upon satisfaction of other conditions established from time to time by the Executive Committee or required by current or future legislation (but, with respect to future legislation, only to the extent that it provides conditions less burdensome than those previously provided).
SECTION 12.4. Savings. If this Article or any portion of it is invalidated on any grounds by a court of competent jurisdiction, the GCC nevertheless indemnifies each Executive Committee Member of the GCC to the fullest extent permitted by all portions of this Article that has not been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by law.
ARTICLE XIII
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
SECTION 13.1. Purpose. The purpose of the conflicts of interest policy is to protect the GCC’s interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or Executive Committee Member of the GCC. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state laws governing conflicts of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable corporations.
SECTION 13.2. Definitions.
Interested Person - Any Executive Committee Member, principal officer, or member of a committee with Executive Committee delegated powers who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person. If a person is an interested person with respect to any entity in the health care system of which the GCC is a part, they are an interested person with respect to all entities in the health care system.
Financial Interest - A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment or family–
an ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the GCC has a transaction or arrangement, or
a compensation arrangement with the GCC or with any entity or individual with which the GCC has a transaction or arrangement, or
a potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the GCC is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are substantial in nature.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Section 13.3, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate Executive Committee or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
SECTION 13.3. Procedures.
Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflicts of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of their financial interest and must be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the Executive Committee Members and members of committees with Executive Committee-delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, they shall leave the Executive Committee or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining Executive Committee or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
An interested person may make a presentation at the Executive Committee or committee meeting, but after such presentation, they shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement that results in the conflict of interest.
The chairperson of the Executive Committee or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
After exercising due diligence, the Executive Committee or committee shall determine whether the GCC can obtain a more advantageous transaction or arrangement with reasonable efforts from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably attainable under circumstances that would not give rise to a conflict of interest, the Executive Committee or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested Executive Committee Members whether the transaction or arrangement is in the GCC’s best interest and for its own benefit and whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the GCC and shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement in conformity with such determination.
Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
If the Executive Committee or committee has reasonable cause to believe that a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
If, after hearing the response of the member and making such further investigation as may be warranted in the circumstances, the Executive Committee or committee determines that the member has in fact failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
SECTION 13.4. Records of Proceedings. The minutes of the Executive Committee and all committee with Executive Committee-delegated powers shall contain:
the names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the Executive Committee's or committee's decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
the names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection therewith.
SECTION 13.5. Compensation. A voting member of the Executive Committee who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the GCC for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the GCC for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
SECTION 13.6. Annual Statements. Each Executive Committee Members, principal officer and member of a committee with Executive Committee-delegated powers shall annually sign a statement, which affirms that such person:
has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy;
has read and understands the policy;
has agreed to comply with the policy; and
understands that the GCC is a charitable organization and that in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
SECTION 13.7. Periodic Reviews. To ensure that the GCC operates in a manner consistent with its charitable purposes and that it does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its status as an organization exempt from federal income tax, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable and are the result of arm's-length bargaining.
Whether partnership and joint venture arrangements and arrangements with management service organizations and physician hospital organizations conform to written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable payments for goods and services, further the GCC’s charitable purposes and do not result in inurement or impermissible private benefit.
SECTION 13.8. Use of Outside Experts. In conducting the periodic reviews provided for in Article VII, the Corporation may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used their use shall not relieve the Executive Committee of its responsibility for ensuring that periodic reviews are conducted.