What Is the Difference Between a Board of Directors and a Slate of Officers?

The officers of the corporation are not the same as the board of directors, though certain officers may also be directors. The officers are appointed by the board of directors and act on behalf of the shareholders.

The board of directors of a corporation is formed by a vote of the shareholders, generally at the annual shareholders meeting.

Officers of the corporation are appointed by the board of directors. The list of officers is referred to as the slate of officers.

The slate of officers includes the chief executive officer (CEO), president, chief financial officer (CFO) , treasurer, controller, chief operations officer (COO), corporate secretary, and levels of vice presidents and other named officers as provided for in the corporate bylaws.

The chief executive may also be chairman of the board of directors, but this is not always the case. One of the major responsibilities of the board is to select and appoint the chief executive officer.

The chief executive officer has the responsibility of selecting the slate of officers for approval by the board.