05 Set Executive Committee Vs Board of Directors
An executive committee can be helpful for nonprofits that need to get work done quickly and efficiently. Some boards may have trouble delineating the difference between an executive board and a board.
The executive committee is a group composed of board members, who act as the board’s eyes and ears between meetings, and are responsible for handling urgent matters. Typically, they are made up of between three and seven members.
The executive committee is usually comprised of a vice-chairperson and a secretary. The function of the chairperson is to steer the committee and act as the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson with their duties and may also serve as a substitute the chairperson’s place if required. The secretary records meeting minutes and maintains a calendar of committee meetings and ensures that all members are able to access committee documents.
The executive committee is part of the board, but still has the power to direct the business. King advises that a board should carefully consider the delegation of its duties to an executive committee to ensure that it doesn’t create an unwelcome “two-tier” power situation in which the committee is empowered to make decisions which, as per the constitution or statute, properly belong to the online board meeting board.
An executive committee could be helpful for a nonprofit particularly in situations where it’s not feasible for the board to convene in person at short notice to address urgent issues. The executive committee can provide a platform for leaders who are close to the organization through their leadership to take crucial decisions in key areas like top-level workplace issues, organizational oversight, and development of the board.
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