An executive committee can be helpful for nonprofits that need to get work done quickly and efficiently. However, some boards may struggle with the line between an executive committee and the board of directors.
The executive committee is comprised of members who are responsible for handling urgent issues and serve as the board’s ears and eyes during meetings. Typically, they are made up of three to seven members.
The executive committee usually has the vice-chairperson as well as a secretary. The job of the chairperson is to guide the committee and to be the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson assists the chairperson and can be their replacement should they need to. The secretary keeps minutes of meetings, a schedule for the committee and makes sure that the members have access to committee documents.
The executive committee is part of the board, but still has the power to govern the business. King advises boards to carefully consider delegating certain functions to an executive panel, to avoid creating an unwelcome”two-tier” power structure where the executive committee is given decision-making authority that, according to statute or the constitution are the sole responsibility of the board.
An executive committee can be a valuable tool for non-profits, particularly when it’s not possible or feasible for the board to meet in person to discuss urgent issues. The executive committee provides leaders who are close with the organization through their leadership positions a platform to make important decisions regarding top-level workplace issues, organisational oversight, and development of the board.