workingforyou Legal Support A

Call for Nominations This year, MOAA will elect a new class of the board of directors — 12 new di- rectors who will succeed the 12 who will complete their service in October. Applications are due March 31. For more infor- mation, see page 14.

58 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2016

MOAA’s general counsel works to ensure the association complies with the law, conducts proper proceedings, and maintains its eff ectiveness. By Maj. Gen. Joe Lynch, USAF (Ret)

As MOAA general counsel, I provide legal support to MOAA and its three sub- sidiary corporations: the MOAA Scholar- ship Fund, Voices for America’s Troops, and the MOAA Military Family Initiative. My responsibilities focus on four major areas, including: General business law. From a legal per-

spective, MOAA is a corporation with a $23 million annual budget, over $100 million in assets, and nearly 90 employees. It is vitally important MOAA maintains stable and predictable sources of revenue and that we protect MOAA’s assets. To do this, I work closely with the staff directors on the formation and administration of contracts to ensure compliance with Virginia law and the Internal Revenue Code and anticipate potential legal issues affecting our business operations. Every source of MOAA’s rev- enue is based on a contractual relationship, and it is critical those contracts provide maximum protection to MOAA and its as- sets and that we anticipate and resolve any potential legal problems before they occur. Corporate secretary and governance.

Under Virginia law, the overall responsi- bility for MOAA’s mission rests with its board of directors. As general counsel, I am responsible for advising the board on Virginia-law compliance, MOAA’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and policies set by the board of directors. As corporate secretary, my role is to ensure the proper conduct of board proceedings and the main- tenance of accurate records of all board

actions. Additionally, my assistant and I manage the process for nominating and electing members of the board of directors and ensure the process is fair and in compli- ance with Virginia law. Representation and outreach. MOAA maintains its influence and effectiveness by engaging in activities that are important to the military, business, and nonprofit sectors. In this area, the general counsel as- sists the president in both internal MOAA events, like council conventions and impor- tant chapter events, and public DoD and administration meetings and events. The general counsel also represents MOAA in the Washington legal community, through bar association activities affecting the military community. General utility work. Matters come up

that don’t fit neatly into a single staff func- tion, and the general counsel assists the president with anything that needs atten- tion. This includes evaluating potential revenue streams and new organizational structures, addressing issues affecting councils and chapters, and taking action to protect MOAA’s brand and reputation. MOAA is a great organization with a

rich history and vital mission. It is a genu- ine pleasure to work with an outstanding staff, all of whom are committed to the military community we serve.

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— Maj. Gen. Joe Lynch, USAF (Ret), serves as MOAA’s general counsel and corpo- rate secretary.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK