Non-Profit Board Member Selection – Excellence Breeds Excellence

Dr. Earl R. Smith II
Managing Partner, The Federal Circle
DrSmith@Dr-Smith.com
Dr-Smith.com

Every company and every organization should have a highly skilled and engaged board of directors. This is true for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Non-profit organizations often make the mistake of believing they are lucky to have anyone at all to donate their time and expertise to serve on their board. When recruiting for new board members, nonprofits should keep in mind the mission of their organization, and the benefits their community or constituency derives from the programs the nonprofit delivers. Boards should also keep in mind the role new board members play. As new members join, the board should assess the issues and goals the board will face and the skills the board will likely need to overcome any foreseeable obstacles. The board should never water down the caliber of director or mislead the new candidates about the difficult the board may have reaching the goals of the organization.

The nominating committee searches for candidates when an organization is seeking new board members – whether for reasons of resignation or because of term-limits. One of the first tasks the committee is a review of the mission of the organization and an assessment of the past performance of the board in meeting the mission. Although the board may have performed satisfactorily, but the goal of the nominating committee should be to recruit new talent that will exceed the board’s past performance.

Boards sometimes believe their mission is not worth the time and effort of the best governance available. The nominating committee should document the board of director’s accomplishments and the positive impacts the organization is having on the community. The committee should also document success stories and even the economic impact the organization’s budget has on the community. These facts should be readily available to all potential candidates.

The nominating committee should keep in mind the roles of the new board members. New members should receive a checklist of all the tasks they will encounter during their service on the board. If the organization derives its operating funds from major fundraising efforts, candidates should understand this and the ways the board assists the fundraisers. If board members travel, this should be disclosed along with reimbursement rates and procedures. The nominating committee should identify and describe all the issues unique to the organization should be identified.

After reviewing all the relevant information, the committee should meet with the full board of directors and review their findings and the skills and expertise they believe should be evident in all new board member candidates. The committee chair should then ask for additional input from the board and ask the board to contact him with any names they would like the committee to consider.

Once the committee has met and reviewed the organization mission, goals and objectives, accomplishments, and future challenges, a Board Application Form should be compiled with all the above mentioned facts included. The form should also include a questionnaire requesting biographical information from the candidate, relevant facts regarding any potential conflicts of interest, facts regarding why the candidate would make a great addition to the organization’s board and any questions the candidate may have about board service. The Board Application Form should be delivered in person to candidates where possible.

By taking these formal steps, a board of directors will improve outcomes to their new board member search. New board members can change the entire board dynamics. The search for new board members should be one of the most thoughtful and thorough endeavors a professional governance committee undertakes.

If you want to know more about board management, send me an e-mail and we will arrange a time to talk.

© Dr. Earl R. Smith II

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Related Articles:

• The CEO’s role in board member selection
• Non-profit Board Governance Models
• Good Governance – Board Member Selection Criteria
• The Succession Committee – Selecting Leadership for the Future
• Board of Directors – Standard Bearers of Performance

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