An executive committee can be beneficial for non-profits that need to complete their work quickly and efficiently. Some boards may have trouble defining the distinction between an executive board and a board.
The executive committee is a group of board members that act as the board’s eyes and ears between meetings and are responsible for handling any urgent issues. They usually consist of three to seven members.
Typically the executive committee consists of the chairperson and vice-chairperson together with secretary. The function of the chairperson is to guide the committee and serve as the voice of the board. The vice-chairperson helps to support the chairperson, and also serve as a substitute in the event of a need. The secretary maintains minutes of meetings, as well as a calendar for the committee, and makes sure all members have access committee documents.
While the executive committee is a subcommittee within the board, it still has the power to run the business. King advises that a board should be careful when deciding to delegate of its duties to an executive committee, to ensure that it doesn’t create an unwelcome “two-tier” power situation in which the committee takes on decision-making powers that, by constitution and/or statute, properly belong to the board.
An executive committee is a great tool for nonprofits, particularly when it’s not possible or practical for the board to meet in person to address urgent issues. The executive committee can provide a platform for leaders who are close to the organisation through their leadership to make important decisions in areas such as high-level workplace issues, organisational oversight, and board development.