Key Takeaways

  • Corporate officers and directors can be found through Secretary of State databases, company websites, SEC filings, and other resources.
  • Public companies are legally required to disclose board members, making them easier to research.
  • State business registries may not always include officer names for LLCs but often provide agent details.
  • Commercial databases and local libraries offer valuable access to business research tools.
  • Research strategies vary depending on whether the business is public, private, domestic, or foreign.

Learning how to find officers of a corporation can help you get the contact information that you need. You may be able to find officers' names and contact info in the following places:

  • The Secretary of State database
  • The corporation's website
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) database
  • Your local library
  • Social media

How to Determine Who Is an Officer or Principal of a Corporation or LLC

There are a few situations where a company might need to know the names of the principals or officers of an LLC or corporation. A few of the most common reasons for requiring this information include the following:

  • To make contract negotiations
  • To discuss the possibility of a business merger or partnership
  • To discuss future business possibilities with the corporations' decision makers

This information is not always provided, even when business mergers or potential negotiations are already discussed. If this information is not already given to you, it is your responsibility to find the information. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get this information.

  • Search for the officer or principal. The purpose of your research will dictate the exact officer or principal that you are looking for. For legal purposes, you could always send documents to the registered agent. The registered agent is required to forward documents to officers and principals. Contract needs can be sent to the companies' listed CEO or CFO.
  • Visit the Secretary of State website. Starting a search on the Secretary of State website can get you the information that you need. The SOS has a detailed database that is searchable and can provide you with the names of registered agents and sometimes officers. Additionally, businesses are required to file annually, meaning you get the most up-to-date information.
  • Search for the registered agent. Every state also requires that registered businesses register an agent. It is even possible that the registered agent is also a principal or officer. This is useful for situations where you are attempting to gather information about an out of state officer. If a company does business in a state, they will likely also have a registered agent there too.
  • Look up business licenses. You can also view copies of business licenses which may have the information you need. Some business licenses also have contact information available.
  • Search for business websites. The majority of businesses today have a website. Many businesses include information about their officers or management team on the website.
  • Check with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Publicly traded companies are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can use the SEC database to determine names, board members, and stockholders.
  • Check the local library. The local library probably has access to business research tools that can be used to look up officers. A few of these tools include Data.com and LexisNexis.
  • Search on social media. A growing number of corporations are building a social presence. You can sometimes find the information you need by visiting Facebook or LinkedIn.

Additional Government and Library Resources

You can also leverage government and research libraries for additional tools and resources to identify company officers or directors:

  • Library of Congress Business Research Guides: These provide curated strategies and recommended databases for company investigations.
  • State Archives or Business Bureaus: Historical officer information is often kept by state-level agencies or business bureaus.
  • Local Public or University Libraries: Many subscribe to premium research tools like Mergent Intellect, Reference Solutions, and Nexis Uni.
  • Contact the IRS (for nonprofits): Nonprofit corporations must file Form 990, which lists key personnel and is publicly available through databases like GuideStar.

These institutional resources can fill in gaps when conventional sources are limited or unavailable.

How to Find Out the Officers of a Corporation

It is important to first establish what a corporation is and who it is made up of. A corporation is often defined as a business that also has bylaws, legal protections, shareholders, and Articles of Incorporation. A corporation is often managed by a minimum of three corporate officers. These officers might have different titles but are all considered to be managing officers. The list of officers is public knowledge but is not always easy to find.

Where to Find Public Company Officer and Board Information

For publicly traded companies, officer and board member details are often easier to find because of disclosure regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These disclosures are typically available through:

  • SEC's EDGAR Database: Companies must file Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and DEF 14A (proxy statements), which usually include lists of directors and executive officers.
  • Investor Relations Websites: Most public companies host an investor section on their website that includes leadership bios and governance details.
  • Stock Exchange Websites: Exchanges like NASDAQ and the NYSE often provide company profiles that include director and executive info.
  • Annual Reports: These are publicly accessible and typically outline key officers and board members, including changes over time.

Using these tools, it's straightforward to lookup company board of directors when the company is publicly traded.

Finding Officers Based on Business Type

Understanding the type of business can help you find the officers information that you need.

  • Corporations: The Secretary of State holds information about a corporations' registered agent, but often not about the individual shareholders.
  • Limited liability companies: You will likely not find current officer information about LLC companies from the Secretary of State. However, they are likely to have information about the initial registered agents.
  • Limited partnerships: The Secretary of State does have an updated list of general partners involved in a limited partnership.

While it might be helpful to visit the Secretary of State to obtain needed information, they may not be able to give you an updated list of every member. However, they can give you the contact information of the registered agent, who can then usually point you in the direction of officer information.

Using the Secretary of State Business Search

Many states offer online business entity search tools through their Secretary of State website. These tools allow users to look up:

  • Entity name and status
  • Registered agent information
  • Filing history and sometimes officer or director names

Note that not all states provide officer or director details through this portal. Some, like Texas, only list registered agents unless additional management information is voluntarily filed.

Tips for using these tools effectively:

  1. Search using both legal and trade names.
  2. Check multiple states if the business operates nationally.
  3. Use advanced filters to view document filings that might list leadership information.

This method is particularly effective for those who want to lookup company board of directors for regional or state-registered businesses.

Researching Private Companies and Small Businesses

Private companies and small businesses are not required to disclose officer or board member information publicly, which can make your search more complex. However, you can try the following:

  • State-Level Business Filings: Some states require corporations and LLCs to list officers in their annual reports, which can be accessed via Secretary of State websites.
  • Business Directories and Databases: Subscription-based services like Dun & Bradstreet, PrivCo, and PitchBook may provide officer and board details.
  • Local Government Agencies: City or county clerk offices may maintain business license records that include owner or officer names.
  • News Articles and Press Releases: Media coverage, especially for startups or regional companies, can reveal names of leadership.
  • LinkedIn: Officers and directors often list their affiliations on professional social media profiles.

Although private companies may not list board members publicly, these tools can help uncover relevant details for due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I lookup the board of directors of a private company? Start with state filings and local government records, then check professional directories and press releases. Private companies aren't required to disclose board info publicly, so use a combination of resources.

2. What is the best way to find directors of a public corporation? Search the SEC’s EDGAR database for filings like DEF 14A and Form 10-K, which list key officers and directors.

3. Can I use LinkedIn to lookup company board of directors? Yes, LinkedIn is a valuable tool. Many professionals list their board roles and executive titles in their profiles.

4. Are all corporate officers listed with the Secretary of State? Not always. Some states include officer names in their databases, while others only show registered agents or require a request to access full filings.

5. Where can I find officer information for nonprofit corporations? Nonprofits file IRS Form 990, which is publicly accessible and includes officer names. You can find these forms on GuideStar or the nonprofit’s website.

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