Members Section

Explore the Foundation of Our ASSOCIAION

Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association Constitution

Delve into the core document that shapes our Association and understand its impact on our professional responsibilities.

Learn More

Understanding the WCMEA Constitution

The Constitution of the Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association serves as the foundation of our organization’s governance, defining the structure, roles, and procedures that guide our work. For members of the WCMEA, a thorough understanding of this document is essential, as it shapes the legal and procedural standards we follow in death investigations. Its provisions underlie our steadfast commitment to justice, due process, and the ethical conduct of our duties.

Since its ratification in 1788, the Constitution has been a living document, evolving through amendments to meet the needs of a changing nation. As professionals dedicated to upholding the law, a comprehensive grasp of the Constitution’s provisions ensures our practices align with national standards and ethical considerations.

Common Questions About the WCMEA Constitution

Explore answers to frequently asked questions about the WCMEA Constitution, tailored for our members.

What is the purpose of the WCMEA Constitution?

The WCMEA Constitution establishes the official structure and operating rules for the Association. It outlines the mission—to promote standardized, professional death investigation practices in Wisconsin—and provides guidance on membership, elections, officer duties, and board governance. It ensures clarity, fairness, and consistency in how the Association operates.

Who is eligible for WCMEA membership, and what types are there?

There are four types of membership:

  • Active: Elected or appointed Coroners, Medical Examiners, Deputies, and Investigators. Active members can vote and hold office.

  • Continuing: Former Active members. They can vote but cannot hold office.

  • Associate: Professionals affiliated with death investigations (law enforcement, funeral directors, medical personnel). No voting or office eligibility.

  • Honorary: Awarded for notable service; no dues, voting, or office eligibility.

Only Active members in good standing (dues paid and no active ethics investigation) can vote and run for office.

How are WCMEA officers elected and how long do they serve?

  • Officers are elected annually by Active members in good standing. The process includes:

    • A Nominating Committee proposes candidates.

    • Nominations are opened to members.

    • Ballots are distributed and voting occurs at the Annual Meeting.

    • Officers serve for one year, starting at the close of the Annual Conference, and may be re-elected.

What roles make up the WCMEA Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors includes:

  • President

  • 1st Vice President

  • 2nd Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Sergeant-at-Arms

  • Past President

  • Member-at-Large (appointed)

  • Three Trustees (3-year staggered terms)

The Board conducts business between annual meetings and meets quarterly. Seven members must be present (in person or electronically) to constitute a quorum.

What are the duties of WCMEA officers?

Each officer has defined responsibilities:

  • President: Leads meetings and public affairs; appoints committees.

  • 1st Vice President: Oversees education and training efforts.

  • 2nd Vice President: Manages membership and communication.

  • Secretary: Maintains records, minutes, and correspondence.

  • Treasurer: Handles finances and provides reports.

  • Sergeant-at-Arms: Maintains meeting order and manages merchandise.

All officers report their activities at each Board meeting.

How are changes made to the Constitution or Board decisions reviewed?

Changes to dues, membership rules, or other official matters require a majority vote of members at the Annual Meeting. While the Board manages day-to-day business, its actions can be approved or rejected by vote at the Annual Meeting. Amendments to the Constitution itself follow a formal proposal and vote process, ensuring transparency and member input.

Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association Constitution:

Section 1

This organization shall be known as the Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association.

Section 2

The mission of the Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association:

  • To establish and promote standardized professional practices for Wisconsin Coroners, Medical Examiners, and their staff.
  • To provide and support education for all Coroners, Medical Examiners, and death investigators in order to promote competence and professionalism.
  • To draft and advance legislation which facilitates standardized professional practice and administration of the office of Coroner and Medical Examiner throughout the state of Wisconsin for the sake of public health and safety, and to deter any legislation that is detrimental to this mission or Association.

Section 3

Permission for use of the “Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association” name or logo for any accreditation, advertisement, or endorsement activity will be determined by the Board of Directors. Any fee for or restrictions on such accreditation, advertisement, or endorsement activities will also be determined by the Board.

Article II: Officers and the Board

Section 1

The officers of this Association shall consist of:

  • President
  • 1st Vice President
  • 2nd Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Past President

    Section 2

    All officers, with the exception of the Past-President, shall be elected by the membership of the Association.

    The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President and shall consist of three active members in good standing, which may include any Past-President, any Trustee, and any member-at-large.

    Section 3

    Officers shall serve for a term of one year commencing at the close of the annual conference at which they are elected. Any officer may be re-elected if the general membership so desires.

    Section 4

    The Association shall have a Board of Directors, comprised of eleven members:

    • President
    • 1st Vice President
    • 2nd Vice President
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
    • Sergeant-at-Arms
    • Past President
    • Member-at-Large
    • Three Trustees

    Trustees serve three-year terms, with one term expiring each year. The Member-at-Large is appointed by the President. The Past President is the immediate past president (or a former Past President if unavailable), with replacements appointed by the President as needed. Vacancies in other offices may be filled by the President with approval of the remaining Board, via special meeting or electronic vote. Board members must be members in good standing.

    Section 5

    The Board of Directors shall conduct all Association affairs between annual meetings—including legislative, financial, ethics, public relations, and general business—and report its decisions and actions at the annual meeting.

    Seven Board members constitute a quorum. Electronic attendance counts toward quorum. The Board meets quarterly and once at the Annual Meeting, open to members in good standing. Minutes are distributed within two weeks by the Secretary.

    Section 6

    Board members may have no more than two excused absences per year; a third excused or any unexcused absence creates a vacancy.

    Section 7

    Board members may be reimbursed for travel expenses (lodging, mileage, meals at state rates) as approved by the President or Board.

    Section 8

    The Association may approve or reject Board actions by majority vote at the annual meeting.

    Article III: Officers’ Duties

    Section 1: President

    Presides over all meetings, establishes and appoints committees, and represents the Association in public affairs.

    Section 2: 1st Vice President

    Assumes the President’s duties if needed; organizes educational aspects of seminars and coordinates educational opportunities.

    Section 3: 2nd Vice President

    Assumes duties of the 1st Vice President if needed; oversees membership issues and maintains records.

    Section 4: Secretary

    Records Board and Annual Meeting proceedings, maintains records and communications, compiles and preserves reports and documents electronically, and provides duplicates to another Board member.

    Section 5: Treasurer

    Maintains accurate financial records, provides quarterly summaries, handles receipt and disbursement of funds, and reports as directed by the Board.

    Section 6: Sergeant-at-Arms

    Maintains order at meetings, serves as parliamentary resource, manages Association merchandise sales and inventory, and reports annually.

    Section 7

    All officers shall report their activities to the Board at each meeting.

    Article IV: Membership

    Section 1

    Membership statuses: Active, Continuing, Associate, Honorary.

    Section 2

    Active Membership: elected or appointed Coroners, Deputy Coroners, Medical Examiners, Deputy Medical Examiners, and Medical Examiner Investigators.

    Section 3

    Continuing Membership: past Coroners, Deputies, Medical Examiners, and Investigators who held membership during their office.

    Section 4

    Active and Continuing members in good standing vote and attend meetings; Continuing members may not hold office or serve on the Board.

    Section 5

    Associate Membership: persons with professional relationships to death investigations (staff, directors, law enforcement, medical personnel, etc.), dues set by the Board; no office or Board eligibility.

    Section 6

    Honorary Membership: for notable service, determined by the Board; no dues, no voting, no office or Board eligibility.

    Section 7

    Honorary members pay no dues and have no voting rights or Board eligibility, but are encouraged to attend meetings.

    Section 8

    The 2nd Vice President notifies eligible new Coroners, Medical Examiners, and death investigators of membership eligibility.

    Section 9

    No initiation fee.

    Section 10

    Annual dues for Active members determined by majority vote at the annual meeting, with notice of changes provided in the meeting notice.

    Section 11

    Dues payable by June 1 each year, covering June 1–May 31.

    Section 12

    Good standing: dues paid and no active ethics investigation.

    Article V: Elections

    Section 1

    All officers are elected by Active members in good standing. The election process is as follows:

    1. At the quarterly Board meeting six months prior, the President appoints the 3-member Nominating Committee and sets deadlines.
    2. The Committee meets to recommend nominees and confirm willingness.
    3. Within 30 days, the Secretary opens nominations to the membership with a deadline.
    4. Nominations must be written, include date, nominee name, and county.
    5. Three months prior to the annual meeting, the Committee finalizes nominees.
    6. Two weeks later, the Secretary publishes the ballot with Committee nominations noted first.
    7. Absentee ballot procedures are detailed (printing, marking, sealing, mailing).
    8. The Secretary compiles absentee voters and confirms eligibility with 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, and President.
    9. Absentee ballots are secured until the annual meeting.
    10. The general election is open 7:30–9:30 A.M., with registration at the voting table.
    11. Ballots are counted privately by the Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and a member-at-large.
    12. Elections require a simple majority; tie votes trigger immediate run-offs until one candidate achieves a majority.