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Board

Responsibilities of Board​

  • Determine mission and purpose.

It is the board’s responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization’s goals, means, and primary constituents served.

  • Select the chief executive.

Boards must reach a consensus on the chief executive’s responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position.

  • Support and evaluate the chief executive.

The board should ensure that the chief executive has the moral and professional support they need to further the goals of the organization.

  • Ensure effective planning.

Boards must actively participate in an overall planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan’s goals.

  • Monitor and strengthen programs and services.

The board’s responsibility is to determine which programs are consistent with the organization’s mission and monitor their effectiveness.

  • Ensure adequate financial resources.

One of the board’s foremost responsibilities is to secure adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.

  • Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight.

The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.

  • Build a competent board.

All boards have a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance.

  • Ensure legal and ethical integrity.

The board is ultimately responsible for adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.

  • Enhance the organization’s public standing.

The board should clearly articulate the organization’s mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community through advocacy.

Board Members​

Chairperson – responsible for leading the board and facilitating meetings

Vice Chair – acts as the board chair’s understudy and second in command

Treasurer – oversees all matters related to the organization’s finances, property, and budget

Basic Board Member Duties​

  • Duty of Care — Each board member has a legal responsibility to participate actively in making decisions on behalf of the organization and to exercise their best judgment while doing so.
  • Duty of Loyalty — Each board member must put the interests of the organization before their personal and professional interests when acting on behalf of the organization in a decision-making capacity. The organization’s needs come first.
  • Duty of Obedience — Board members bear the legal responsibility of ensuring that the organization complies with the applicable federal, state, and local laws and adheres to its mission.

Responsibilities of Board Members​

  • Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events.
  • Be informed about the organization’s mission, services, policies, and programs.
  • Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
  • Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments.
  • Inform others about the organization. Advocate for the organization.
  • Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.
  • Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization’s field.
  • Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies.
  • Refrain from making special requests of the staff.
  • Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization’s financial statements.