Both incorporators and directors play important roles with regards to corporate entities. Typically, the duties of these individuals vary greatly. An incorporator's primary role takes place before a corporate entity is formed, and a director's duties kick in after corporate formation.

Incorporators

An incorporator is responsible for organizing and incorporating a corporate entity. This typically involves filing documentation with the state, entering into contracts on behalf of the corporate entity, and selecting initial directors and corporate officers to manage the corporation once it is a legally recognized entity.

Directors

A director is usually a member of a larger group called a "board of directors." A corporation's board of directors has the authority to introduce and vote on bylaws, substantial corporate changes, corporate officers and other management issues affecting the corporation.

Overlap Between Incorporators and Directors

Occasionally, the duties of incorporators and directors overlap when an incorporator takes on the role of a director after the incorporation process is complete. A person in this type of "hybrid" capacity has dual responsibilities of initiating the incorporation process and managing the entity once it is established.