officer
In general, an officer is a person who has the obligation of carrying out the responsibilities and functions of an office, whether it be duty or charge, a position of trust, or the right to engage in public or private employment.
- A public officer is typically described as someone who has been elected or appointed to perform the duties of an office for the public good. Constitutional clauses or a statute must be used to create a public office. Statutes determine the qualifications, responsibilities, and salary of public officials.
- A corporation officer is a person who is in charge of the day-to-day business operations of a firm. Officers in a corporation are hired and fired by the board of directors , have the authority to bind the corporation to contracts as its agent, and are subject to the same fiduciary duties as directors. The president, secretary, and treasurer of a corporation are required in most states. Other positions, such as Vice President, are normally optional and at the board of directors' discretion.
- A military officer is someone commissioned in the Armed Services.
[Last reviewed in April of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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