An executive committee can be beneficial for non-profits that need to complete their work boardroomsupply.com quickly and efficiently. However, some boards may struggle with the line between an executive committee and a board of directors.

The executive committee consists of members who are responsible for handling urgent issues and act as the board’s ears and eyes between meetings. They are usually made up of three to seven members.

Typically the executive committee comprises two chairs, namely a vice-chairperson and a chairperson, and an administrator. The chairperson’s responsibility is to be the voice of your board and lead the committee. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson in their role and can also stand in should they need to. 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 is the sole authority to govern the company. King advises boards to carefully consider delegating certain functions to an executive panel, to avoid creating a negative»two-tier» power dynamics where the committee has decision-making power that, by law or constitution are the sole responsibility of the board.

Having an executive committee can be beneficial for a non-profit particularly when it’s not practical or possible for the board to convene in person on short notice to address urgent issues. The executive committee gives leaders who are connected to the organization through their leadership position a platform to make crucial decisions regarding high-level workplace issues, organizational oversight and Board development.