The existence of an executive committee could help nonprofits who need to get work done quickly and efficiently. Some boards may have trouble delineating the difference between an executive board and a board.
The executive committee is made up of members who are accountable for handling urgent issues and act as the board’s ears and eyes in between meetings. They typically consist of three to seven members.
The executive committee usually has the vice-chairperson as well as a secretary. The chairperson’s role is to steer the committee and to be the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson in their duties and may also serve as a substitute the chairperson’s place if required. The secretary maintains meeting minutes, maintains a committee calendar and ensures that all members have access to committee documents.
The executive committee is part of the board but retains the power to govern the business. King advises a board to carefully consider delegating functions to an executive panel, to avoid creating a negative”two-tier” power structure where the committee assumes decision-making powers which, under the constitution or statute belong to the board.
An executive committee is a great option for non-profit organizations, especially when it’s not practical for the board to meet in person to address urgent issues. The executive committee is an opportunity for leaders who are close to the organization through their leadership to make decisions in key areas like high-level workplace issues and organisational oversight and development of the board.