Tennessee Innocence Project

“The tennessee innocence project made several significant changes in adopting its second amended and restated bylaws. The most substantial change was the complete elimination of the advisory council structure, which previously consisted of 12-24 members serving three-year terms to assist with fundraising and organizational promotion. The executive director role was significantly enhanced, expanding from basic administrative duties to serving as chief executive with strategic leadership responsibilities over fundraising, financial management, staff leadership, program execution, and external relations, while also gaining authority to enter into contracts subject to board oversight. The organization streamlined its officer structure by eliminating the fund- raising chair position, reducing to four core officers (president, vice- president, secretary, treasurer). Director qualifications were strengthened to require individuals committed to the organization's mission with relevant experience, skills, or expertise, and directors are now prohibited from simultaneous employment by the organization. The bylaws also modernized governance procedures by clarifying virtual meeting capabilities, changing written consent requirements from unanimous to majority vote, and updating financial controls. Additionally, the organization's purpose statement was refined from six specific objectives to four more focused purposes, removing previous references to protecting constitutional rights while maintaining core mission elements of investigating wrongful convictions, training legal professionals, public education, and criminal justice system advocacy.”

“Form 990 is presented via email to the director and the board for review prior to filing with the irs.”

“The executive director and the board closely monitor conflicts of interest. If a conflict of interest arises, information is gathered and presented to the board for action.”

“The executive director salary was set by the board of directors based on the board's review of the national average salary of executive directors and attorneys in innocence projects, review of salaries for non-profit attorneys in criminal defense organizations in tennessee and elsewhere and review of salaries of other non-profit legal organizations in tennessee as well as other areas of the southeastern united states.”

“Form 990 will be uploaded to guidestar upon completion. The organization's annual report is available on the organization's website.”