The presence of an executive committee can help nonprofits who require work to be completed quickly and efficiently. However, some boards might be confused between an executive committee and the board of directors.
The executive committee is made up of members who are responsible for handling urgent issues and serve as the board’s ears and eyes in between meetings. They usually consist of three to seven members.
The executive committee typically includes two members: a vice-chairperson and secretary. The job of the chairperson is to lead the committee and be the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson in their role and can also fill in if needed. The secretary keeps minutes of meetings and keeps a committee calendar and ensures that all members have access to documents of the committee.
Although the executive committee is a subcommittee within the board, it still has the power to govern the company. King advises boards to carefully consider delegating certain functions to an executive panel, in order to avoid creating a unwelcome “two-tier” power dynamic where the committee has decision-making power that, by law or constitution are the responsibility of the board.
An executive committee is an excellent tool for nonprofits, particularly when it’s not feasible or feasible for the board to meet in person to address urgent matters. The executive committee gives the leaders who are close with the organization through their leadership a platform from which to make key decisions in areas like high-level workplace concerns, organisational oversight, and Board development.