What is a Board President?

A Board President is the elected head of a board of directors in an organization, which is commonly in a nonprofit, corporation, or other governing body. They are in charge of monitoring the governance of the organization and ensuring that it aligns with its mission and goals.

A board president leads board meetings, sets agendas, provides leadership and direction to board members, and collaborates closely with the executive leadership, such as the CEO or executive director, to ensure the organization’s mission, policies, and strategic goals are met. The board president is responsible for decision-making, representing the board to stakeholders, and ensuring that the organization complies with legal and ethical standards.

What are the board president’s duties?

The board president leads the board of directors, ensuring effective governance and guiding the business’ strategic direction, with key responsibilities including:

1. Leadership: Chairs board meetings, sets priorities, and ensures the board functions effectively.
2. Collaboration: Works closely with the executive director/CEO to support operations while prioritizing governance.
3. Meeting Management: Creates agendas and facilitates productive board meetings.
4. Governance: Ensures legal and ethical compliance as well as overseeing policy development.
5. Representation: Serves as the board’s spokesperson during events and discussions.
6. Board Support: Provides guidance to board members, including recruitment and training.
7. Decision-Making: Leads the board in critical decisions and conflict resolution.

Selection and Appointment of the Board President

The process of choosing and assigning a board president usually includes these steps:

1. Nomination: Board members are eligible to propose candidates for the position of Board President. The nomination process may vary in formality, depending on the organization’s bylaws or governance practices.
2. Criteria for Selection: Candidate selection is based on leadership experience, knowledge of the organization, strategic guidance ability, and governance expertise, with key qualities including strong communication, impartiality, and the ability to manage board dynamics and conflicts.
3. Election/Vote: After nominations, the board votes to elect the new board president, typically through a show of hands, vocal agreement, or written ballot. A majority vote is usually required, with specific voting criteria outlined in the organization’s bylaws.
4. Term and Re-election: The board president usually serves a set term (e.g., one to three years) and may be re-elected or reappointed, though some organizations limit the duration of service. In some cases, the president can be reappointed without a vote, especially if chosen by experienced board members.
5. Bylaws and Governance Documents: The procedures for choosing and assigning the president, along with their duties, are typically detailed in the organization’s bylaws or governance papers.
6. Appointment: After being elected, the new board president typically assumes the role immediately or at the next board meeting, leading board meetings, ensuring effective governance, and guiding the organization’s strategic direction.

What is the difference between the board president and the board chair?

The terms board president and board chair are frequently used interchangeably, although there are slight distinctions. The Board President might take on a more expansive role, occasionally with a focus on management and participation in setting goals or representing the organization publicly. It is most frequently utilized in certain nonprofits or specific regions.

Whereas, the Board Chair usually concentrates on governing and supervising, presiding over board meetings and ensuring efficient decision-making. This term is frequently employed in both non-profit organizations and businesses.

Broadly speaking, both positions require leading the board, but the Chair mainly deals with governance, whereas the President may be tasked with external representation and strategic planning for the organization.