Once the Executive Director (ED) or CEO is hired, a board member’s role should be both to support and challenge the professional whom you chose to lead your enterprise.  The board is both the supervisor of the executive director or ED and also his or her supporter, available to step in when asked.  An executive director must have clear communication with his or her board to make effective day-to-day decisions.  Boards should feel free to query the ED about plans and programs, and ask for more information and training when needed.  The ED should feel free to ask for help, particularly if a board member has special expertise.

The ED is the top manager of the organization, is accountable to the board and insures that the board does its job.  Part of the ED’s job is to ensure that the board is doing its job.  This means ensuring the board has the material and training it needs to make decisions and perform its governance role, participating in developing the agendas, and assisting in the recruitment of strategic board members.  There are some who promote a more active role for the ED with the board and others who believe the ED should be seen but not heard.  For smaller or newer organizations, having the executive director be an active participant on the board may be the norm.  As organizations grow and the board is better trained and more comfortable in its role, this should begin to change to a partnership, keeping in mind the mantra that boards govern and EDs manage. How can you tell the difference? Basic Rule of Thumb.....

Read more about board and staff relations