Also known as: executive directors · ED
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A salaried employee who serves as an organization's chief administrative and operating officer and heads its professional staff.
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Edgewater Capital's executive director Eileen Epstein signed a memorandum outlining a land sale agreement. The buyer later refused to perform. The company could enforce the deal against Edgewater Capital because the signature bound the signer.
Echelon Security's executive director Eric Espinoza directed staff at a facility holding a patient in a persistent vegetative state. Family members sought removal of feeding tubes. The director's administrative decision triggered review under constitutional standards for refusing unwanted treatment.
Elemental Pharmaceuticals' executive director Ethan Evans approved a product release despite known risks. A consumer sued after suffering injury. The director's oversight role factored into the court's assessment of whether the company's conduct warranted substantial punitive damages.
Elysium Media's executive director Emily Ellis retained a scientific expert for a product liability trial. The opposing party challenged the expert's methods. The director's decision to proffer the testimony required the court to evaluate reliability before admitting the evidence.
An executive director at a federal agency, Edward Everett, authorized a warrantless search of a citizen's property. The citizen filed suit alleging constitutional violations. The director's actions formed the basis for an implied damages action against the officers involved.
Ella Emerson, executive director of a New York nonprofit, authorized a contract performed in Pennsylvania. A dispute arose and suit was filed in federal court. The director's conduct required the court to apply state substantive law rather than federal common law.
The executive director acts as the chief administrative and operating officer. This person leads the professional staff and manages day-to-day organizational functions.
Supporting sources
No. The executive director is a salaried employee who runs operations. A board chair is typically an unpaid volunteer who leads the governing board.
Supporting sources
Yes. As the head of operations the executive director often has authority to sign agreements that bind the entity when acting within the scope of employment.
Supporting sources
…339 F. Supp. 986 (Kan. 1972); Y. W. C. A. v. Kugler , 342 F. Supp. 1048 (N. J. 1972); Babbitz v. McCann , 310 F. Supp. 293 (ED Wis. 1970), appeal dismissed, 400 U.S. 1 (1970); People v. Belous , 71 Cal. 2d 954, 458 P. 2d 194 (1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 915 (1970); State v. Munson , 86 S. D. 663, 201 N. W. 2d…