The existence of an executive committee could help nonprofits who require work to be completed quickly and efficiently. Some boards may have trouble in defining the difference between an executive board and a board.
The executive committee is a group of board members who act as the board’s eyes and ears in between meetings, and is responsible for handling urgent issues. They typically consist of three to seven members.
The executive committee typically has an executive secretary and vice-chairperson. The function of the chairperson is to guide the committee and act as the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson in their role and can also stand in the chairperson’s place if required. The secretary maintains meeting minutes, maintains a committee calendar and ensures that all committee members have access to the committee’s documents.
The executive committee is a part of the board, but retains the power to manage the business. King suggests that boards should be careful when deciding to delegate of functions to an executive committee so as to not create an unwelcome “two-tier” power situation in which the committee is empowered to make decisions that, by constitution and/or statute, should belong to the https://boardroomsupply.com/how-to-run-a-board-meeting/ board.
The existence of an executive committee can be helpful for a nonprofit particularly when it’s not feasible or even possible for the board of directors to meet in person with a short notice to discuss urgent issues. The executive committee serves as a platform for leaders who are closely connected to the organization through their leadership to take crucial decisions in key areas like high-level workplace issues, organisational oversight and board development.
