BYLAWS
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF INSURANCE PREMIUM AUDITORS BYLAWS
Adopted October 23, 1980 with revisions through May 18, 2020
ARTICLE I MEMBERS
Section 1.1 Individual Membership
Individual Membership is open to any person who is engaged in auditing (field, administration, or support services) policies for the determination of insurance premiums (the "Profession"): condition only upon the payment of dues, and agreement by the member to be bound by the Code of Ethics of the Society.
Individual Membership shall be personal and not transferable.
All individual members shall have equal voting privileges.
Section 1.2 Associate Individual Membership
Associate Individual Membership shall be open to any person who is engaged in the insurance industry affected by insurance premium audit.
Associate Individual Membership shall have no voting privileges and shall be conditioned only upon payment of dues.
Section 1.3 Life Membership
Life membership may be awarded to any Individual Member or Associate Individual Member who has retired and was a dues paying member for five consecutive years prior to retirement. Retired is defined as not actively working in the field which qualified the individual for Individual Membership or Associate Individual Membership.
All Life Members shall have no voting privileges and shall be conditioned only upon payment of dues.
Section 1.4 Corporate Membership
Corporate Membership is open to any company that is engaged in auditing policies for the determination of insurance premiums for their policyholders. It is also available for any individual premium audit service provider who is engaged in conducting pre-, interim, or final premium insurance audits for insurance carriers. This membership category would not include companies or associations that are comprised of more than one premium audit service provider.
Corporate Membership is conditional only upon the payment of dues, and agreement by the member to be bound by the Code of Ethics of the Society.
The membership shall be company-based and includes the number of employees as defined by the Board of Directors
The company may designate up to twelve (12) employees with voting privileges.
Section 1.5 Associate Corporate Membership
Associate Corporate Membership shall be open to any company or organization who is engaged in the insurance industry affected by insurance premium audit, exclusive of companies or associations that are comprised of more than one premium audit service provider.
Associate Corporate Membership shall have no voting privileges and shall be conditioned only upon payment of dues.
The membership shall be company-based and includes the number of employees as defined by the Board of Directors
ARTICLE II FISCAL YEAR
Section 2.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal and administrative year of the National Society of Insurance Premium Auditors (the "Society") shall be July 1 through June 30.
ARTICLE III DUES
Section 3.1 Dues
The Board of Directors of the Society (the "Board") may determine, from time to time, the amount of initiation fee, if any, and annual dues payable to the Society by the Members of the Society (the "Members").
Section 3.2 Current Member Dues
Dues notices will be distributed in accordance with the Policies and Procedures manual. Reinstatement of membership is conditioned upon payment of outstanding dues.
Section 3.3 New Member Dues
A new member is defined as an individual who has not held membership during the immediate past two (2) years. Please see the Policies and Procedures Manual for payment procedures.
Section 3.4 Life Member Dues
Life Member dues will be as established by the Board.
ARTICLE IV MEETINGS
Section 4.1 Annual Meeting
A meeting of the Members shall be held each year for the purpose of installing Directors and Officers of the Society and for the transaction of such other business as may come before said meeting.
Section 4.2 Special Meeting
Special meetings of the Members for any purpose shall be held whenever called by the Board, either in writing or by the vote of a majority of the Board. Additionally, a meeting shall be called if ten percent (10%) of the members shall, in writing, make application to the President of the Society.
Section 4.3 Notice
Notice of any meeting of the members shall be delivered personally, electronically communicated, or mailed to the last known address of each Member as it appears on the records of the Society, by the Executive Director not less than thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days before the date of the meeting of the Members if this meeting is to be held in person and travel is required to attend.
Section 4.4 Quorum
A quorum for a meeting of the Members shall exist when at least one third (1/3) of the Members are represented in person or by proxy. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Members represented at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, shall be the act of the Members, unless the vote of a greater number of Members is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Society (the "Articles") or by the specific provisions of these Bylaws.
Section 4.5 Adjournment
If at any annual or special meeting of the Society a quorum shall fail to attend in person or by proxy, a majority in interest of the Members attending in person or by proxy at the time of such meeting may, at the end of any hour, adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice until a quorum shall attend, and thereupon any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called, had the same been held.
ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 5.1 Purpose
The business and affairs of the Society shall be managed and controlled by the Board Membership as provided herein.
Section 5.2 The Board
The Board shall consist of:
A. Voting Members. The elected officers of the Society (the "Officers") and At-Large Members, if any, shall be voting Members of the Board (the "Directors"). One representative from each of the recognized Regional Auditors Associations (the "Regional Vice Presidents"). Chairman, if any, of the Committees appointed pursuant to Article V, Section 5.11 of these by-laws, shall be voting Members of the Board.
B. Entire Board. The Officers, Chairman, Executive Director, Members At-Large, Immediate Past President, Regional Vice Presidents shall constitute the Board. All Members of the Board shall be Members in good standing of the Society.
Section 5.3 Organizational Meeting
An organizational meeting will be held at the direction of the President.
Section 5.4 Interim Meetings
An interim meeting will be held during the calendar year to review status of goals and objectives.
Section 5.5 Annual Meeting
An annual meeting will be held each calendar year for the purpose of installing Directors and Officers of the Society and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the Board.
Section 5.6 Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board shall be held whenever regularly called by the President or by a majority of the Directors. Subject to any restrictions contained in the Articles and unless otherwise specified in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting of the Board.
Section 5.7 Place of Meetings
Meetings of the Board, annual or special, may be held either within or without the State of Missouri and may be held by means of conference, telephone, or by similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in a meeting pursuant to this paragraph shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.Section 5.8 Notice
The Executive Director shall give notice to each Board Member a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to any called meeting not held in person or requiring travel to attend.
Section 5.8 Quorum
A majority of the Directors at the time in office shall constitute a quorum, for the transaction of business of the Board, but a majority of the Directors present at the time and place of any regular or special meeting, although less than a quorum, may adjourn from time to time without notice until a quorum be had. The vote of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting in favor of or against any proposition shall prevail except as herein otherwise provided.
Section 5.9 Vacancies
In case of any vacancy among the Directors through death, resignation, disqualification, or other cause, the Directors of the Board, by the affirmative vote of a majority thereof, may elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the Director whose place shall be vacant and until the election and qualification of his or her successor.
Section 5.10 Committees
From time to time, the President may appoint committees and Chairman thereof for any purpose or purposes, which shall have such powers as shall be specified in the committee job description.
Section 5.11 Compensation
The Directors of the Society and Committee Chairmen and their Members shall serve without salary, subject to Article VII.
Section 5.12 Action by Resolution
A resolution in writing signed by a majority of the Directors shall be action by the Board to the effect therein expressed with the same force and effect as if the same had been duly passed by the same vote at a duly convened meeting, and it shall be the duty of the Executive Director of the Society to record such resolution in the minutes book of the Society under its proper date.
ARTICLE VI POSITIONS
Section 6.1 Executive
The elected officers shall be a President, President Elect, Vice President of Finance, and Vice President of Governance. Upon approval of the Directors any two (2) or more offices may be consolidated and held by one person.
Section 6.2 Tenure of Office
The President shall be elected to serve one year from July 1 to June 30, and then the following year as Immediate Past President.
The President Elect shall be elected for a one (1) year term from July 1 to June 30. At the conclusion of the term, the President Elect will automatically be included on the ballot for President for the subsequent term. If elected, the President Elect will serve one (1) year as President and then the following year as Immediate Past President.
The positions of Vice President of Governance and Vice President of Finance shall be elected for a one (1) year term from July 1 to June 30.
All Officers, shall be subject to removal at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors.
Section 6.3 President
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Society and shall:
A. Give leadership and guidance in fulfilling its purpose and objectives;
B. Promote the advancement of the Profession;
C. Be the Society's representative to the general public and to other societies or organizations which might affect the Profession;
D. Serve as Presiding Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors;
E. Supervise the functions of the other elected Officers and employed staff of the Society.
Section 6.4 Immediate Past President
A. Serves at the chair of the Nominating Committee
B. Performs other duties as agreed upon by the Board.
Section 6.5 President Elect
The President Elect shall have such assignments as may be made by the President or Board. In the inability of the President to serve, the Executive Director shall immediately notify the President Elect to perform any or all of the duties of the President.
Section 6.6 Vice President of Finance
The Vice President of Finance shall:
A. The Vice President of Finance oversees the disbursement of funds as directed by the president or the board;
B. Gives the president and/or board an accounting of transactions, as requested;
C. Report on the financial condition of NSIPA;
D. Ensure that the books, reports, statements, and all other documents required by law are properly kept and archived in coordination with the Executive Director;
E. Ensure an orderly transfer of records to successor;
F. Prepare an annual budget for board approval;
G. Ensure IRS tax returns and reports are completed;
Section 6.7 Vice President of Governance
A. Ensuring meetings are effectively organized and minuted;
B. Liaising with the Chair to plan meetings;
C. Maintaining effective records and administration;
D. Upholding legal requirements;
Section 6.8 Member At-Large
At Large Directors are appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the President or President-elect. At Large Directors serve as committee chairs and have voting privileges in Board meetings. The term of appointment is one year and is renewable with the approval of the Board. At Large Directors assist the Board in developing and implementing its strategic plan by representing the general public in board deliberations, and by providing advice and recommendations in areas such as government relations, consumer awareness, professional development, technology, higher education, and business and industry information.
Section 6.9 Regional Vice Presidents
The Regional Vice Presidents shall have such assignments as may be made by the President or by the Board.
ARTICLE VII MEMBERS AT-LARGE
At Large Members shall:
A. Be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the President;
C. Serve as committee chairs and have voting privileges in Board meetings;
D. Have a term of appointment of one year and renewable with the approval of the Board;
E. Assist the Board in developing and implementing its strategic plan by representing the general public in Board deliberations, and by providing advice and recommendations.
ARTICLE VIII REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
The Regional Vice President shall be officially recognized by their region to represent the region related to board activity.
The maximum term of office for the Regional Vice President shall be determined by the regions.
The Regional Vice Presidents shall have such assignments as may be made by the President or by the Board.
ARTICLE IX STAFF MEMBERS
Section 7.1 Appointment
The Board may employ under contract an Executive Director and/or the Treasurer. The Executive Director and/or the Treasurer shall receive such remuneration as the Board may determine and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board in accordance with the provisions of the employment contract.
Section 7.2 Duties
The duties of the Executive Director and/or the Treasurer shall be as provided in the position job description.
Section 7.3 Staff Appointments
The Board may, from time to time, authorize the Executive Director or the Treasurer to appoint or employ other staff members as the requirements of the Society may dictate.
ARTICLE X ELECTIONS
Section 8.1 Election of Officers
Election of Officers of the Society shall be made annually by a plurality vote on individual letter ballots, to each member of the Society in good standing being entitled to one (1) vote.
Section 8.2 Nominating Committee
Without limitation in Article V, Section 5.11 of these Bylaws, there shall be a Nominating Committee chaired by the Immediate Past President. The composition and duties of the committee are contained in the committee job descriptions.
Section 8.3 Ballots
An official ballot shall be mailed by the date established by the Board to each Member in good standing. The ballot shall be in such form as to provide for proper identification.
Ballots to be counted must be received by the Tellers Committee by the date specified in the voting instructions accompanying the Ballot (if mail is not delivered on that date, the first date thereafter that mail is delivered.)
Section 8.4 Tellers Committee
Without limitation in Article V, Section 5.11 of these Bylaws a Tellers Committee shall be appointed by the President and function in accordance with the committee job description.
ARTICLE XI CONTROL OF FUNDS
Section 9.1 Funds
Deposits, budgets, and other financial matters of the Society will be conducted in accordance with the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Section 9.2 Bonds
To secure the faithful discharge of his/her duties, the Treasurer shall give such bond as the Board may require. Such other Officers, members and employees charged with the responsibility of handling the funds of the Society may, at the discretion of the Board, also be bonded. Premiums for all bonds required by the Board shall be paid by the Society.
ARTICLE XII SEAL
Section 10.1 Design
The Society shall not have a seal.
ARTICLE XIII WAIVER OF NOTICE
Section 11.1 Waiver
Any member or Director may waive any notice required to be given under the provisions of any applicable statute or provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws by delivering a waiver thereof, in writing to the Executive Director. Attendance of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting was not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need be specified in the waiver of notice.
ARTICLE XIV AMENDMENT
Amendments to these Bylaws and the Code of Professional Ethics shall be accomplished in a manner consistent with this Article.
Section 12.1 Proposals to Amend the Bylaws
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the Members or the Board at any duly convened meeting in accordance with the requirements of Article IV supra, or Article V (including, but not limited to Section 5.9 thereof) as appropriate, provided, however, that notice of any change shall be contained in the notice of such meeting.
Section 12.2 Submissions to the Board
All such proposals to amend the Bylaws or the Code of Professional Ethics, unless made at a meeting of the Board, shall be submitted to the Board in writing.
Section 12.3 Policy Statements
In all instances where possible the Board shall strive to establish a Policy and Procedures Manual for conduct of the Society business. The Policy and Procedures manual so established and/or modified by majority action of the Board in accordance with Article V of these Bylaws shall govern the conduct of business of the Society so long as they do not conflict with any provision of these Bylaws. In the event of any such conflict the Bylaws shall prevail.
A copy of the Policy and Procedures Manual shall be maintained by the Executive Director.
Certificate of Secretary
I hereby certify that the foregoing copy of the Bylaws is a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of the Society as the same were adopted at a duly called meeting of the Members.
ARTICLE XV LIQUIDATION
In the event that the Society shall be liquidated, then and in that event, any and all assets on hand, after payment of liquidating expenses, shall be used for the benefit of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations. The Board of Directors shall determine the beneficiaries and the amount to be distributed to each.