An executive committee can be beneficial for nonprofits who need to accomplish their work quickly and efficiently. However, some boards might be unable to distinguish between an executive committee and a board of directors.
The executive committee is a group composed of board members, who act as the board’s eyes and ears in between meetings, and are responsible for handling urgent issues. Typically, they are comprised of between three and seven members.
The executive committee is usually comprised of two members: a vice-chairperson and secretary. The chairperson’s responsibility is to be the voice of your board and to lead the committee. The vice-chairperson is a support person for the chairperson, and also be their replacement should they need to. The secretary maintains minutes of meetings, a schedule for the committee and makes sure that everyone has access to committee documents.
The executive committee is a part of the board but retains the power to manage the business. King suggests that boards should carefully consider delegating of duties to an executive committee, so as to not create a negative „two-tier” power scenario in which the executive committee takes on decision-making power that by the constitution and/or law, are properly the responsibility of the board.
An executive committee could be helpful for a nonprofit, especially in cases where it’s not practical or possible for the board of directors to https://boardroomsupply.com/flexibility-with-digital-data-room/ meet in person on short notice to address urgent issues. The executive committee gives leaders who are closely associated with the organization through their leadership positions a platform to make important decisions in areas like top-level workplace issues, organisational oversight, and development of the board.
