Executive Committee Vs Board of Directors

An executive committee can be helpful for nonprofits that need to get work done quickly and efficiently. However, some boards may struggle to decide between an executive committee and a board of directors.

The executive committee is made up of members who handle urgent issues and acting as the board’s ears and eyes between meetings. They are usually made up of three to seven members.

The executive committee typically has the vice-chairperson as well as a secretary. The chairperson’s role is to lead the committee and be the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson in their role and is able to stand in should they need to. The secretary keeps minutes of meetings, as well as a calendar for the committee and makes sure that all members have access to committee documents.

The executive committee is a part of the board but retains the power to govern the business. King advises that a board must carefully consider the delegation of functions to an executive committee to ensure that it doesn’t create a negative «two-tier» power situation in which the committee takes on decision-making powers that by the constitution and/or statute, properly belong to the board.

Having an executive committee can be helpful for a nonprofit particularly in situations where it’s not feasible for the board to meet in person at short notice to address urgent issues. The executive committee offers leaders who are intimate with the organization via their leadership position a platform to make important decisions in areas like top-level workplace issues, organisational oversight, and Board development.

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