The Legal Counsel provides essential legal guidance to ensure that PYP operates within legal and regulatory frameworks, acting as a key advisor on corporate governance and nonprofit issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as an attorney-at-law licensed in the State of Florida and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Acts as Parliamentarian, ensuring meetings are conducted according to procedural standards.
• Attends board meetings and ad hoc meetings as required, offering legal insights and support.
• Advises the Board on corporate governance, nonprofit compliance, and best practices.
• Monitors internal and external disputes, providing guidance to avoid potential litigation.
• Advises on employment matters and general liability issues, ensuring risk management and compliance.
• Brings legal concerns or issues to the Board’s attention and assists in developing appropriate responses and resolutions.
• Prepares and reviews contracts between PYP and external entities to safeguard organizational interests and ensure legal soundness.

Legal Counsel plays a vital role in protecting PYP’s legal standing, proactively addressing risks, and ensuring informed decision-making across the organization.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

The mission of Pensacola Young Professionals is to develop, retain, and connect young professionals to the community and each other. As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• determining the mission and purposes of the organization
• strategic and organizational planning
• ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• fundraising and resource development
• approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
• enhancing the organization’s public image
• assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

• Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
• Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy
• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
• Regularly attend organizational events and provide assistance as needed
• Participate fully in one or more committees
• Attend and participate in all program meetings
• Eagerly communicate with PYP members—new and established—to solicit their ideas and help them become/remain actively engaged in the organization
• Raise any general membership matters at board meetings or to the President or President-Elect when necessary
• Evaluate each event and program at its conclusion and provide feedback for improvement
• Utilize PYP’s Slack channel for regular board communication
• Download and become familiar with GlueUp to assist with attendee check-in as needed.