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Frequently Asked Questions - Board of Directors Responsibilities Categories

Board Roles What is the role of the President? What is the role of the Treasurer? What is the role of the Vice President? What is the role of the Secretary?

Answers

Board Roles Question: What is the role of the President?   Answer: The President is the most important role as the leader of the board. The president should encourage the other board members to contribute to association operations. The president should also look to board members for leadership guidance. Challenged by new tasks, board members realize their capabilities, gain a better understanding of association operations and eventually take the place of the president as business and community leader.   Back to top Question: What is the role of the Treasurer?   Answer: The treasurer is the chief financial officer of the association. The duties of the treasurer include preparing financial reports and understanding budget operations and replacement reserve funds. The president should work closely with the treasurer to confirm that his or her knowledge and understanding of finances is sufficient to maintain association accounts. The budgeting process requires input from the president as well as the board and community manger. Together, the president and treasurer set timelines for completion of each step in the process. It is essential for the president to work closely with the treasurer since the budget is linked so closely to the success of association business.   Back to top Question: What is the role of the Vice President?   Answer: The vice president substitutes for the presidents in his or her absence. The person in the position also conducts meetings and presides over the board meeting when the president chooses to stand down from the chair. The vice president should be informed about programs, agendas, etc., so that he or she is prepared to chair the meeting in the event of an emergency. Refer to association bylaws for additional duties of the vice president.   Back to top Question: What is the role of the Secretary?   Answer: The secretary, the “official recorder” of the association’s activities, is responsible for ensuring that board meeting minutes are taken. Other duties include filing documents and attesting to the validity of documents by signing them. The duties of the secretary are outlined in the association’s bylaws as well as in the states not-for-profit corporation laws. At the beginning of the secretary’s term, the president should discuss the specifics of the position and go over a schedule of tasks. One task is to determine when a meeting’s minutes should be distributed to other board members. Timely writing and distribution of minutes remind board members of actions taken on authorized projects.   Back to top

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