An executive committee is a great option for nonprofits that must achieve their goals quickly and efficiently. Some boards may have difficulty defining the distinction between an executive board and a board.
The executive committee is a group composed of board members, who act as the board’s eyes and ears in between meetings, and are accountable to handle urgent issues. Typically, they’re made up of between three and seven members.
The executive committee typically includes an executive secretary and vice-chairperson. The role 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 is able to stand in the chairperson’s place if required. The secretary keeps meeting minutes, a calendar for the committee and ensures everyone has access to committee documents.
While the executive committee is a subcommittee within the board, it still is the sole authority to direct the company. King suggests that boards should be careful when deciding to delegate of its duties to an executive committee, so that it does not create a negative “two-tier” power dynamic in which the committee takes on decision-making power that by the constitution and/or statute, properly belong to the board.
An executive committee could be beneficial for a non-profit particularly in situations where it’s not feasible or practical for the board to convene in person with a short notice to discuss urgent issues. The executive committee provides an opportunity for leaders who are close to the organization via their leadership to make important decisions in areas such as high-level workplace issues and organisational oversight, and development of the board.