Transcript Duties and Responsibilities of a Board Member

Duties and Responsibilities of
a Board Member
By Alexis Molinares
Alexis Molinares & Associates
For CARa
First…
There are a diversity of views
regarding the Role and
Responsibilities of a Board of
Directors
But... These share common themes
Simple definition…of a
board
“Group of people legally and
morally charged with the
responsibility to govern an
organization”
Who they Serve…

For Profit Corporation: the board is
responsible to the stockholders
 Not
for Profit: the board is responsible to
the stakeholders, in particular the community
the organization serves
The Duties in General…

1. Provide continuity for the organization
Provide the legal framework
 Represent the organization’s point of view through
its products and services and advocacy for them

Cont…

2. Select and appoint and evaluate a Chief
Executive
The administration is delegated.
 Evaluation based on set criteria: including…

Relation with the board members
 Leadership
 Program planning and implementation, and
 Managment of the organization and its personnel
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Cont…
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3. Govern the organization by broad policies
and objectives
Formulated and agreed upon by the chief executive
 Assign priorities
 Ensure the organization’s capacity to carry out
programs

Cont…

4. Acquire sufficient resources for the
organization’s operations and to finance
products and services

A True Commitment to Fundraising!!!!!
Cont…

5. Account to the public for the products
and services of the organization and
expenditures of its funds, including…

Provide fiscal accountability, approve budget and
formulate policies for the disposition of public and
private resources
10 major responsibilities…
modified from
Carter McNamara, 2008
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Determine the Organization’s Mission and Purpose
Select the Executive
Support the Executive and Review His Performance
Ensure Effective Organizational Planning and Assist in
Implementing the Plan’s Goals
Ensure Adequate Resources
Manage Resources Effectively
Determine and Monitor the Organization Programs and
Services
Enhance the Organization’s Public Image
Serve as a Court of Appeal
Assess It’s own Performance
Board Paradox

The board-staff relationship is a paradoxical
one. When acting in their governing role, the
board must stand above staff and be the "boss."
But when acting in their supporting role,
board members act to support and assist staffled work.

Some boards become so excited about their
roles as governors that they mistake governance
for close supervision of management and begin
meddling in minor management affairs. In other
cases, as boards govern more, they shirk their
supporting role. The challenge is to fulfill both
roles, not simply switch from one to the other.
Finally,
“While appointment or election to a board is an
honor, board members have important legal and
fiduciary responsibilities that require a
commitment of time, skill, and resources”
80:10:10 Rule

80 % of Time Devoted to Fundraising
10% of Time Devoted to Oversight of Programs

10% of Time Devoted to Strategic Planning
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We expect…
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Attend Board meetings regularly
Be familiar with the organization's goals, objectives and programs
Read preparation materials prior to each Board meeting to assure active,
informed participation
Exercise general supervision over the organization affairs
Know the budget, budget process and financial situation of the organization
Inquire if there is something you do not understand or if something comes
to your attention that causes you to question a policy or practice
Insist on meaningful Board meetings with full disclosure of operating results
Require the organization to engage competent legal counsel
Require all committees to make reports at the Board meetings,when
appropriate
Know the directors and officers of the organization
Identify and avoid conflicts of interest
Monitor the community and professional image of the organization
Gracias…