Webinar: Nonprofit Governance in an Era of Heightened IRS Scrutiny & Pending Legislative Change
Get a clear look at how a nonprofit organization’s bylaws should be revised to reflect the nuances of current and potential legislation, as well as an understanding of the heightened responsibilities faced by directors of these organizations.
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Held on: February 1, 2007
Duration: 1 hour
Moderator:
Irv Katz, CEO, National Human Services Assembly
Presenters:
Deanne Ottaviano, Esq., Arent Fox LLP
Rick Kranin, Esq., Arent Fox LLP
In the wake of nonprofit scandals and Sarbanes-Oxley reforms for publicly held companies, state governments and the Republican Congress took a close look at the nonprofit sector, received reports from nonprofit and watchdog groups, and considered recommendations for legislative change to enhance transparency and governance. Democrats may not look at nonprofit governance with the same urgency in this session, but the IRS continues to step up enforcement against exempt organizations. Best practices based on Sarbanes-Oxley and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines may provide useful models for specific questions you may have, such as:
- How will audit committee responsibilities be interpreted in nonprofits?
- What are best practices for establishing and reinforcing conflict of interest and whistleblowing policies?
- What are the responsibilities of the board of directors as they relate to demonstrating and strengthening ethical behavior?
You are invited to join us for an informative presentation by Deanne Ottaviano, Esq., and Richard Krainin, Esq. noted legal experts in the nonprofit sector from Arent Fox LLP. The speakers will provide a clear look at how a nonprofit organization’s bylaws should be revised to reflect the nuances of current and potential legislation, as well as an understanding of the heightened responsibilities faced by directors of these organizations. In today’s changing landscape, this presentation will help you navigate new governance issues and take a proactive stance allowing you to be prepared for whatever comes.
Topics Covered:
- Finance and audit committee responsibilities
- Whistleblower protection
- Composition and independence of board of directors
- Record retention issues
- Ethical responsibilities of directors and officers
- Conflict of interest issues
- Confidentiality
- Indemnification of directors and officers and availability of insurance
- Expense reimbursement for directors and officers
- Impacts of changing IRS enforcement
- Enhanced governance requirements for Medicaid recipients, NY and CA nonprofits
Presenters' Bios:
Deanne Ottaviano, Esq., Arent Fox LLP
Since joining Arent Fox in 1992, Deanne's practice has focused on trade association law, commercial insurance coverage and risk management issues and disputes, and regulatory matters involving environmental, toxic tort, products liability. Deanne serves as counsel to many trade associations. In this capacity, she often serves as antitrust and general counsel at their annual and board meetings, and advises on matters related to federal and state regulation as well as association by-laws, procedures and risk management and insurance issues.
Rick Kranin, Esq., Arent Fox LLP
Rick has both private and public sector legal experience. A partner in the New York office, Rick concentrates his practice in the area of public finance. Rick focuses on public finance transactions involving industrial development, multifamily housing, hospitals, educational facilities, cultural institutions, social welfare and senior living facilities.
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