An executive committee can be beneficial for non-profit organizations that need to get work done quickly and efficiently. However, some boards might be confused between an executive committee and the board of directors.
The executive committee is a group of board members who serve as the board’s eyes and ears during meetings, and are responsible to handle urgent issues. They are usually made up of three to seven members.
Typically the executive committee comprises a chairperson and vice-chairperson, together with an administrator. The chairperson’s role is to represent your board and guide the committee. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson and can be their replacement when needed. The secretary keeps minutes of meetings, maintains a committee calendar and ensures that all members are able to access committee documents.
While the executive committee is a subcommittee of the board, it still has the ultimate power to govern the company. King advises that a board must carefully consider the delegation of functions to an executive committee so as to not create an unwelcome « two-tier » power dynamic in which the committee takes on decision-making power that by the constitution and/or statute, should belong to the board.
An executive committee is a great tool www.boardroomsupply.com/tips-to-organize-an-efficient-online-board-meeting/ for nonprofits, particularly when it’s not possible or practical for the board to meet in person to address urgent issues. The executive committee offers leaders who are closely associated with the organization via their leadership a platform to make key decisions in areas such as high-level workplace issues, organizational oversight and Board development.