G.S. ch. 55A, art. 8

in effect

G.S. 55A-8-01 Requirement for and duties of board.

§ 55A-8-01. Requirement for and duties of board. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each corporation shall have a board of directors. (b) All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the affairs of the corporation managed under the direction of, its board of directors, except as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation. (c) A corporation may dispense with or limit the authority of a board of directors by describing in its articles of incorporation who will perform some or all of the duties of a board of directors; but no such limitation upon the authority which the board of directors would otherwise have shall be effective against other persons without actual knowledge of such limitation. (d) To the extent the articles of incorporation vests authority of the board of directors in an individual or group other than the board of directors, the individual or group in the exercise of such authority shall be deemed to be acting as the board of directors for all purposes of this Chapter. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 18; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-02 Qualifications of directors.

§ 55A-8-02. Qualifications of directors. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe qualifications for directors. A director need not be a resident of this State or a member of the corporation unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws so prescribe. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 18; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-03 Number of directors.

§ 55A-8-03. Number of directors. (a) A board of directors shall consist of one or more natural persons, with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. (b) The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by amendment to or in the manner prescribed in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. (c) The articles of incorporation or bylaws may establish a variable range for the size of the board of directors by fixing a minimum and maximum number of directors. If a variable range is established, the number of directors may be fixed or changed from time to time, within the minimum and maximum, by the members entitled to vote for directors or (unless the articles of incorporation or an agreement valid under G.S. 55A-7-30 shall otherwise provide) the board of directors. If the corporation has members entitled to vote for directors, only such members may change the range for the size of the board or change from a fixed to a variable-range size board or vice versa. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-04 Election, designation, and appointment of directors.

§ 55A-8-04. Election, designation, and appointment of directors. (a) If the corporation has members entitled to vote for directors, all the directors (except the initial directors) shall be elected at the first annual meeting of such members, and at each annual meeting thereafter, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide some other time or method of election, or provide that some of the directors are appointed by some other person or are designated. If the articles of incorporation authorize dividing the members into classes, the articles of incorporation may also authorize the election of all or a specified number of directors by the members of one or more authorized classes. (b) If the corporation does not have members entitled to vote for directors, all the directors (except the initial directors) shall be elected, appointed, or designated as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. If no method of designation or appointment is set forth in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, the directors (other than the initial directors) shall be elected by the board of directors. (c) If any member entitled to vote for directors so demands, election of directors by the members shall be by ballot, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws otherwise provide. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-05 Terms of directors generally.

§ 55A-8-05. Terms of directors generally. (a) The articles of incorporation or bylaws may specify the terms of directors. In the absence of a contrary provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, the term of each director shall be one year, and directors may serve successive terms. (b) A decrease in the number of directors or term of office does not shorten an incumbent director's term. (c) Except as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws: (1) The term of a director filling a vacancy in the office of a director elected by members expires at the next election of directors by members; and (2) The term of a director filling any other vacancy expires at the end of the unexpired term that such director is filling. (d) Despite the expiration of a director's term, the director continues to serve until the director's successor is elected, designated, or appointed and qualifies, or until there is a decrease in the number of directors. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1; 1995, c. 509, s. 28.)

G.S. 55A-8-06 Staggered terms for directors.

§ 55A-8-06. Staggered terms for directors. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide for staggering the terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors into groups. The terms of office of the several groups need not be uniform. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-07 Resignation of directors.

§ 55A-8-07. Resignation of directors. (a) A director may resign at any time by communicating his resignation to the board of directors, its presiding officer, or to the corporation. (b) A resignation is effective when it is communicated unless the notice specifies a later effective date or subsequent event upon which it will become effective. (1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-08 Removal of directors elected by members or directors.

§ 55A-8-08. Removal of directors elected by members or directors. (a) The members may remove one or more directors elected by them with or without cause unless the articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause. (b) If a director is elected by a class, chapter or other organizational unit, or by region or other geographic grouping, the director may be removed only by that class, chapter, unit, or grouping. (c) Except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, a director may be removed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, only if the number of votes cast to remove the director would be sufficient to elect the director at a meeting to elect directors. (d) If cumulative voting is authorized, a director shall not be removed: (1) If the number of votes; or (2) If the director was elected by a class, chapter, unit, or grouping of members, the number of votes of that class, chapter, unit, or grouping; sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting, if an election were then being held, is voted against the director's removal. (e) A director elected by members may be removed by the members only at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director and the meeting notice shall state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is removal of the director. (f) In computing whether a director is protected from removal under subsections (b) through (d) of this section, it should be assumed that the votes against removal are cast in an election for the number of directors of the class to which the director to be removed belonged on the date of that director's election. (g) An entire board of directors may be removed under subsections (a) through (e) of this section. (h) A majority of the directors then in office or such greater number as is set forth in the articles of incorporation or bylaws may, subject to any limitation in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, remove any director elected by the board of directors; provided, however, that a director elected by the board to fill the vacancy of a director elected by the members may be removed by the members, but not the board. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if, at the beginning of a director's term on the board of directors, the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide that the director may be removed by the board for missing a specified number of board meetings, the board may remove the director for failing to attend the specified number of meetings. The director may be removed only if a majority of the directors then in office vote for the removal. (j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide that directors elected after the effective date of such provision shall be removed automatically for missing a specified number of board meetings. (k) The articles of incorporation may: (1) Limit the application of this section in the case of a charitable or religious corporation; and (2) Set forth the vote and procedures by which the board of directors or any person may remove with or without cause a director elected by the members or the board. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-09 Removal of designated or appointed directors.

§ 55A-8-09. Removal of designated or appointed directors. (a) A designated director may be removed by an amendment to the articles of incorporation or bylaws deleting or changing the provision containing the designation. (b) Except as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws: (1) An appointed director may be removed with or without cause by the person appointing the director; (2) The person removing the director shall do so by giving written notice of the removal to the director and to the corporation; and (3) A removal is effective when the notice is effective unless the notice specifies a future effective date. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide that directors appointed after the effective date of such provision shall be removed automatically for missing a specified number of board meetings. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 192, ss. 1, 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 19-21; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-10 Removal of directors by judicial proceeding.

§ 55A-8-10. Removal of directors by judicial proceeding. (a) The superior court of the county where a corporation's principal office (or, if there is none in this State, its registered office) is located may remove any director of the corporation from office in a proceeding commenced either by the corporation or by its members holding at least ten percent (10%) of the votes entitled to be cast of any class of members, if the court finds that: (1) The director engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct, or gross abuse of authority or discretion, with respect to the corporation, or a final judgment has been entered finding that the director has violated a duty set forth in G.S. 55A-8-30 through G.S. 55A-8-33, and (2) Removal is in the best interest of the corporation. (b) The court that removes a director may bar the director from serving on the board of directors for a period prescribed by the court. (c) If members commence a proceeding under subsection (a) of this section, the corporation shall be made a party defendant. (1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-11 Vacancy on board.

§ 55A-8-11. Vacancy on board. (a) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, and except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, if a vacancy occurs on a board of directors, including, without limitation, a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors or from the failure by the members to elect the full authorized number of directors, the vacancy may be filled: (1) By the members entitled to vote for directors, if any, or if the vacant office was held by a director elected by a class, chapter or other organizational unit, or by region or other geographic grouping, by the members of that class, chapter, unit, or grouping; (2) By the board of directors; or (3) If the directors remaining in the office constitute fewer than a quorum of the board, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors, or by the sole director, remaining in office. (b) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, if a vacant office was held by an appointed director, only the person who appointed the director may fill the vacancy. (c) If a vacant office was held by a designated director, the vacancy shall be filled only as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. (d) A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date (by reason of a resignation effective at a later date under G.S. 55A-8-07(b) or otherwise) may be filled before the vacancy occurs but the new director shall not take office until the vacancy occurs. (1955, c. 1230; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-12 Compensation of directors.

§ 55A-8-12. Compensation of directors. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a board of directors may fix the compensation of directors. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 26; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-20 Regular and special meetings.

§ 55A-8-20. Regular and special meetings. (a) The board of directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of this State. (b) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may permit any or all directors to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of communication by which all directors participating may simultaneously hear and be heard by each other during the meeting. A director participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting. (1955, c. 1230; 1973, c. 314, s. 3; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 24, 25; 1993, c. 398, s. 1; 2021-162, s. 2(p).)

G.S. 55A-8-21 Action without meeting.

§ 55A-8-21. Action without meeting. (a) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, action required or permitted by this Chapter to be taken at a board of directors' meeting may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the board. The action shall be evidenced by one or more written consents signed by each director before or after the action, describing the action taken, and included in the minutes or filed with the corporate records reflecting the action taken. As authorized in G.S. 55A-1-70, a director's consent to action taken without meeting may be in electronic form and delivered by electronic means. (b) Action taken under this section is effective when the last director signs the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date. (c) A consent signed under this section has the effect of a meeting vote and may be described as such in any document. (1973, c. 314, s. 3; 1993, c. 398, s. 1; 2008-37, s. 7; 2021-162, s. 2(q).)

G.S. 55A-8-22 Notice of meetings.

§ 55A-8-22. Notice of meetings. (a) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the meeting. (b) Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held upon such notice as is provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, or in the absence of any such provision, upon notice sent by any usual means of communication not less than five days before the meeting. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting unless required by: (i) this Chapter, (ii) the articles of incorporation, or (iii) the bylaws. (c) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, the presiding officer of the board, the president or twenty percent (20%) of the directors then in office may call and give notice of a meeting of the board. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 24, 25; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-23 Waiver of notice.

§ 55A-8-23. Waiver of notice. (a) A director may waive any notice required by this Chapter, the articles of incorporation, or bylaws before or after the date and time stated in the notice. Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, the waiver shall be in writing, signed by the director entitled to the notice, and filed with the minutes or corporate records. (b) A director's attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him of the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 24, 25; 1993, c. 398, s. 1; 1995, c. 509, s. 29.)

G.S. 55A-8-24 Quorum and voting.

§ 55A-8-24. Quorum and voting. (a) Except as otherwise provided in: (i) this Chapter, (ii) the articles of incorporation, or (iii) the bylaws, a quorum of a board of directors consists of a majority of the directors in office immediately before a meeting begins. In no event may the articles of incorporation or bylaws authorize a quorum of fewer than one-third of the number of directors in office. (b) If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is the act of the board unless: (i) this Chapter, (ii) the articles of incorporation, or (iii) the bylaws require the vote of a greater number of directors. (c) A director who is present at a meeting of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors when corporate action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless: (1) He objects at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) to holding it or transacting business at the meeting; (2) His dissent or abstention from the action taken is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or (3) He files written notice of his dissent or abstention with the presiding officer of the meeting before its adjournment or with the corporation immediately after adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention is not available to a director who votes in favor of the action taken. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 33; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-25 Committees of the board.

§ 55A-8-25. Committees of the board. (a) Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, a board of directors may create one or more committees of the board and appoint members of the board to serve on them. Each committee shall have two or more members, who serve at the pleasure of the board. (b) The creation of a committee and appointment of members to it shall be approved by the greater of: (1) A majority of all the directors in office when the action is taken; or (2) The number of directors required by the articles of incorporation or bylaws to take action under G. S. 55A-8-24. (c) G.S. 55A-8-20 through G.S. 55A-8-24, which govern meetings, action without meetings, notice and waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements of the board, apply to committees of the board and their members as well. (d) To the extent specified by the board of directors or in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, each committee of the board may exercise the board's authority under G.S. 55A-8-01. (e) A committee of the board shall not, however: (1) Authorize distributions; (2) Recommend to members or approve dissolution, merger or the sale, pledge, or transfer of all or substantially all of the corporation's assets; (3) Elect, appoint or remove directors, or fill vacancies on the board of directors or on any of its committees; or (4) Adopt, amend, or repeal the articles of incorporation or bylaws. (f) The creation of, delegation of authority to, or action by a committee does not alone constitute compliance by a director with the standards of conduct described in G.S. 55A-8-30. (1955, c. 1230; 1969, c. 875, s. 5; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 22, 23; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-30 General standards for directors.

§ 55A-8-30. General standards for directors. (a) A director shall discharge his duties as a director, including his duties as a member of a committee: (1) In good faith; (2) With the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and (3) In a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. (b) In discharging his duties, a director is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: (1) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; (2) Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director reasonably believes are within their professional or expert competence; or (3) A committee of the board of which he is not a member if the director reasonably believes the committee merits confidence. (c) A director is not entitled to the benefit of subsection (b) of this section if he has actual knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (b) of this section unwarranted. (d) A director is not liable for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, if he performed the duties of his office in compliance with this section. (e) A director's personal liability for monetary damages for breach of a duty as a director may be limited or eliminated only to the extent provided in G.S. 55A-8-60 or permitted in G.S. 55A-2-02(b)(4), and a director may be entitled to indemnification against liability and expenses pursuant to Part 5 of Article 8 of this Chapter. (f) A director shall not be deemed to be a trustee with respect to the corporation or with respect to any property held or administered by the corporation, including without limit, property that may be subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or transferor of such property. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 29; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-31 Director conflict of interest.

§ 55A-8-31. Director conflict of interest. (a) A conflict of interest transaction is a transaction with the corporation in which a director of the corporation has a direct or indirect interest. A conflict of interest transaction is not voidable by the corporation solely because of the director's interest in the transaction if any one of the following is true: (1) The material facts of the transaction and the director's interest were disclosed or known to the board of directors or a committee of the board and the board or committee authorized, approved, or ratified the transaction; (2) The material facts of the transaction and the director's interest were disclosed or known to the members entitled to vote and they authorized, approved, or ratified the transaction; or (3) The transaction was fair to the corporation. (b) For purposes of this section, a director of the corporation has an indirect interest in a transaction if: (1) Another entity in which he has a material financial interest or in which he is a general partner is a party to the transaction; or (2) Another entity of which he is a director, officer, or trustee is a party to the transaction and the transaction is or should be considered by the board of directors of the corporation. (c) For purposes of subdivision (a)(1) of this section, a conflict of interest transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified if it receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors on the board of directors (or on the committee) who have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction, but a transaction shall not be authorized, approved, or ratified under this section by a single director. If a majority of the directors who have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction vote to authorize, approve, or ratify the transaction, a quorum is present for the purpose of taking action under this section. The presence of, or a vote cast by, a director with a direct or indirect interest in the transaction does not affect the validity of any action taken under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the transaction is otherwise authorized, approved, or ratified as provided in that subdivision. (d) For purposes of subdivision (a)(2) of this section, a conflict of interest transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified by the members if it receives a majority of the votes entitled to be counted under this subsection. Votes cast by or voted under the control of a director who has a direct or indirect interest in the transaction, and votes cast by or voted under the control of an entity described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, shall not be counted in a vote of members to determine whether to authorize, approve, or ratify a conflict of interest transaction under subdivision (a)(2) of this section. The vote of these members, however, is counted in determining whether the transaction is approved under other sections of this Chapter. A majority of the votes, whether or not present, that are entitled to be cast in a vote on the transaction under this subsection constitutes a quorum for the purpose of taking action under this section. (e) The articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board may impose additional requirements on conflict of interest transactions. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 26; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-32 Loans to or guaranties for directors and officers.

§ 55A-8-32. Loans to or guaranties for directors and officers. No loan, guaranty, or other form of security shall be made or provided by a corporation to or for the benefit of its directors or officers, except that loans, guaranties, or other forms of security may be made to full-time employees of the corporation who are also directors or officers by action of its board of directors in accordance with G.S. 55A-8-31(a)(1). (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 17; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-33 Liability for unlawful loans or distributions.

§ 55A-8-33. Liability for unlawful loans or distributions. (a) The liabilities imposed by this section are in addition to any other liabilities imposed by law upon directors of a corporation. (b) A director who votes for or assents to the making of a loan or guaranty or other form of security is personally liable to the corporation for the repayment or return of the money or value loaned, with interest thereon at the legal rate until paid, or for any liability of the corporation upon the guaranty, if it is established that he did not perform his duties in compliance with G.S. 55A-8-30 or that the loan or guaranty was made in violation of G.S. 55A-8-32. (c) A director who votes for or assents to a distribution made in violation of Article 13 of this Chapter, Article 14 of this Chapter, or the articles of incorporation is personally liable to the corporation for the amount of the distribution that exceeds what could have been distributed without violating Article 13 of this Chapter, Article 14 of this Chapter, or the articles of incorporation if it is established that he did not perform his duties in compliance with G.S. 55A-8-30. In any proceeding commenced under this section, a director has all of the defenses ordinarily available to a director. (d) A director held liable under subsection (b) or (c) of this section is entitled to: (1) Contribution from every other director who could be held liable under subsection (b) or (c) of this section for the unlawful loan or distribution; and (2) Reimbursement from each person for the amount he accepted knowing the unlawful loan or distribution was made in violation of G.S. 55A-8-32, Article 13 of this Chapter, or Article 14 of this Chapter, or the articles of incorporation. (e) No action shall be brought against the directors for liability under this section after three years from the time when the cause of action was discovered or ought to have been discovered. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 33; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-40 Officers.

§ 55A-8-40. Officers. (a) A corporation has the officers described in its bylaws or appointed by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws. (b) A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors. (c) The secretary or any assistant secretary or any one or more other officers designated by the bylaws or the board of directors shall have the responsibility and authority to maintain and authenticate the records of the corporation. (d) The same individual may simultaneously hold more than one office in a corporation, but no individual may act in more than one capacity where action of two or more officers is required. (e) Whenever a specific office is referred to in this Chapter, it shall be deemed to include any person who, individually or collectively with one or more other persons, holds or occupies such office. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 28; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-41 Duties of officers.

§ 55A-8-41. Duties of officers. Each officer has the authority and duties set forth in the bylaws or, to the extent consistent with the bylaws, the authority and duties prescribed by the board of directors or by direction of an officer authorized by the board of directors to prescribe the authority and duties of other officers. (1955, c. 1230; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 28; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-42 Standards of conduct for officers.

§ 55A-8-42. Standards of conduct for officers. (a) An officer with discretionary authority shall discharge his duties under that authority: (1) In good faith; (2) With the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and (3) In a manner the officer reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. (b) In discharging his duties, an officer is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: (1) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; or (2) Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the officer reasonably believes are within the person's professional or expert competence. (c) An officer is not entitled to the benefit of subsection (b) of this section if the officer has actual knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (b) of this section unwarranted. (d) An officer is not liable for any action taken as an officer, or any failure to take any action, if the officer performed the duties of his office in compliance with this section. (e) An officer may be entitled to immunity under Part 6 of Article 8 of this Chapter or to indemnification against liability and expenses pursuant to Part 5 of Article 8 of this Chapter. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, s. 29; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-43 Resignation and removal of officers.

§ 55A-8-43. Resignation and removal of officers. (a) An officer may resign at any time by communicating his resignation to the corporation. A resignation is effective when it is communicated unless it specifies in writing a later effective date. If a resignation is made effective at a later date and the corporation accepts the future effective date, its board of directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the board of directors provides that the successor does not take office until the effective date. (b) A board of directors may remove any officer at any time with or without cause. (1955, c. 1230; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-44 Contract rights of officers.

§ 55A-8-44. Contract rights of officers. (a) The appointment of an officer does not itself create contract rights. (b) An officer's removal does not affect the officer's contract rights, if any, with the corporation. An officer's resignation does not affect the corporation's contract rights, if any, with the officer. (1955, c. 1230; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-50 Policy statement and definitions.

§ 55A-8-50. Policy statement and definitions. (a) It is the public policy of this State to enable corporations organized under this Chapter to attract and maintain responsible, qualified directors, officers, employees, and agents, and, to that end, to permit corporations organized under this Chapter to allocate the risk of personal liability of directors, officers, employees, and agents through indemnification and insurance as authorized in this Part. (b) Definitions in this Part: (1) "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign corporation absorbed in a merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had the obligation or power to indemnify its directors, officers, employees, or agents, so that a person who would have been entitled to receive or request indemnification from such corporation if its separate existence had continued shall stand in the same position under this Part with respect to the surviving corporation. (2) "Director" means an individual who is or was a director of a corporation or an individual who, while a director of a corporation, is or was serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic business or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. A director is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the corporation's request if the director's duties to the corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the director to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. "Director" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director. (3) "Expenses" means expenses of every kind incurred in defending a proceeding, including counsel fees. (4) "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan), or reasonable expenses actually incurred with respect to a proceeding. (5) "Officer," "employee," or "agent" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a person who acted in that capacity. (6) "Official capacity" means: (i) when used with respect to a director, the office of director in a corporation; and (ii) when used with respect to an individual other than a director, as contemplated in G.S. 55A-8-56, the office in a corporation held by the officer or the employment or agency relationship undertaken by the employee or agent on behalf of the corporation. "Official capacity" does not include service for any other foreign or domestic business or nonprofit corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. (7) "Party" includes an individual who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding. (8) "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal. (1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-51 Authority to indemnify.

§ 55A-8-51. Authority to indemnify. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because the individual is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if the individual: (1) Conducted himself in good faith; (2) Reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (3) In the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. (b) A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose the director reasonably believed to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of clause (ii) of subdivision (a)(2) of this section. (c) The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of no contest or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the director did not meet the standard of conduct described in this section. (d) A corporation shall not indemnify a director under this section: (1) In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or (2) In connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the director. (e) Indemnification permitted under this section in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation that is concluded without a final adjudication on the issue of liability is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding. (f) The authorization, approval, or favorable recommendation by the board of directors of a corporation of indemnification, as permitted by this section, shall not be deemed an act or corporate transaction in which a director has a conflict of interest, and no such indemnification shall be void or voidable on such ground. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 15, 16; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-52 Mandatory indemnification.

§ 55A-8-52. Mandatory indemnification. Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceedings to which the director was a party because he is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-53 Advance for expenses.

§ 55A-8-53. Advance for expenses. Expenses incurred by a director in defending a proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding as authorized by the board of directors in the specific case or as authorized or required under any provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws or by any applicable resolution or contract upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that the director is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation against such expenses. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 15, 16; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-54 Court-ordered indemnification.

§ 55A-8-54. Court-ordered indemnification. Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a director of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the court, after giving any notice the court considers necessary, may order indemnification if it determines: (1) The director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under G.S. 55A-8-52, in which case the court shall also order the corporation to pay the director's reasonable expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification; or (2) The director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, in whole or in part, in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not the director met the standard of conduct set forth in G.S. 55A-8-51 or was adjudged liable as described in G.S. 55A-8-51(d), but if the director was adjudged so liable, such indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-55 Determination and authorization of indemnification.

§ 55A-8-55. Determination and authorization of indemnification. (a) A corporation shall not indemnify a director under G.S. 55A-8-51 unless authorized in the specific case after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director is permissible in the circumstances because the director has met the standard of conduct set forth in G.S. 55A-8-51. (b) The determination shall be made: (1) By the board of directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the proceeding; (2) If a quorum cannot be obtained under subdivision (1) of this subsection, by a majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board of directors (in which designation directors who are parties may participate), consisting solely of two or more directors not at the time parties to the proceeding; (3) By special legal counsel (i) selected by the board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection; or (ii) if a quorum of the board cannot be obtained under subdivision (1) of this subsection and a committee cannot be designated under subdivision (2) of this subsection, selected by majority vote of the full board (in which selection directors who are parties may participate); or (4) By the members, but directors who are at the time parties to the proceeding shall not vote on the determination. (c) Authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if the determination is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made by those entitled under subdivision (b)(3) of this section to select counsel. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-56 Indemnification of officers, employees, and agents.

§ 55A-8-56. Indemnification of officers, employees, and agents. Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise: (1) An officer of the corporation is entitled to mandatory indemnification under G.S. 55A-8-52, and is entitled to apply for court-ordered indemnification under G.S. 55A-8-54, in each case to the same extent as a director; (2) The corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under this Part to an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation to the same extent as to a director; and (3) A corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent to the extent, consistent with public policy, that may be provided by its articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors, or contract. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-57 Additional indemnification and insurance.

§ 55A-8-57. Additional indemnification and insurance. (a) In addition to and separate and apart from the indemnification provided for in G.S. 55A-8-51, 55A-8-52, 55A-8-54, 55A-8-55, and 55A-8-56, a corporation may in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution indemnify or agree to indemnify any one or more of its directors, officers, employees, or agents against liability and expenses in any proceeding (including without limitation a proceeding brought by or on behalf of the corporation itself) arising out of their status as such or their activities in any of the foregoing capacities; provided, however, that a corporation shall not indemnify or agree to indemnify a person against liability or expenses the person may incur on account of his activities which were at the time taken, known, or believed by the person to be clearly in conflict with the best interests of the corporation or if the person received an improper personal benefit. A corporation may likewise and to the same extent indemnify or agree to indemnify any person who, at the request of the corporation, is or was serving as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise or as a trustee or administrator under an employee benefit plan. Any provision in any articles of incorporation, bylaw, contract, or resolution permitted under this section may include provisions for recovery from the corporation of reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees in connection with the enforcement of rights to indemnification granted therein and may further include provisions establishing reasonable procedures for determining and enforcing the rights granted therein. (b) A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, against liability asserted against or incurred by him in that capacity or arising from his status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify him against the same liability under any provision of this Chapter. (1977, c. 236, s. 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 801, ss. 15, 16; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-58 Application of Part.

§ 55A-8-58. Application of Part. (a) If articles of incorporation limit indemnification or advance for expenses, indemnification and advance for expenses are valid only to the extent consistent with the articles of incorporation. (b) This Part does not limit a corporation's power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director in connection with appearing as a witness in a proceeding at a time when the director has not been made a named defendant or respondent to the proceeding. (1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

G.S. 55A-8-59 Reserved for future codification purposes.

G.S. 55A-8-60 Immunity.

§ 55A-8-60. Immunity. (a) In addition to the immunity that is authorized in G.S. 55A-2-02(b)(4), a person serving as a director or officer of a nonprofit corporation shall be immune individually from civil liability for monetary damages, except to the extent covered by insurance, for any act or failure to act arising out of this service, except where the person: (1) Is compensated for his services beyond reimbursement for expenses; (2) Was not acting within the scope of his official duties; (3) Was not acting in good faith; (4) Committed gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct that resulted in the damage or injury; (5) Derived an improper personal financial benefit from the transaction; (6) Incurred the liability from the operation of a motor vehicle; or (7) Is a defendant in an action brought under G.S. 55A-8-33. The immunity in this subsection may be limited or eliminated by a provision in the articles of incorporation, but only with respect to acts or omissions occurring on or after the effective date of such provision. (b) The immunity in subsection (a) of this section is personal to the directors and officers, and does not immunize the corporation against liability for the acts or omissions of the directors or officers. (c) Without diminishing the applicability of any other provisions of this Chapter, "nonprofit corporation" as referred to in this section shall include any credit union chartered under the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, or under the laws of the United States. (1987, c. 799, s. 3; 1989, c. 472; 1993, c. 398, s. 1.)

Source: North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov)URL: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByChapter/Chapter_55A.htmlFetched: 10/19/2026