How to Conduct an Organization’s Election of Board Members

Election of Board Members

The Board members are elected by their peers. They represent the interests and take major decisions on behalf of the organisation. The procedure for appointing board members varies depending on the organization. Some organizations allow nominations to the committee while others employ Robert’s Rules of Order for the election of board members. In either case it’s important that the rules and procedures are clearly laid out.

Recruitment of candidates is an ongoing process to ensure that the board has enough individuals with the abilities and expertise required to achieve the goals and mission of the organization. The nominating panel will typically interview each nominee and determine if they possess the best mix of experience, skills, and perspectives to serve on the board. The nominating committee must consider whether the organization needs new expertise in areas such as marketing and financial management, fundraising, strategic planning, and inclusion and diversity.

If the committee for nominations has an inventory of candidates who are qualified the committee will present them to the board to be approved. The board will scrutinize all candidates and approve the nominees on a list that will be put to a vote of the whole membership. In addition to the vote the board can also examine any candidates who were not selected to the list and choose individuals to be appointed to the board as directors-at-large. The directors will be voted on by the board in its entirety at a later time. In most cases, the nominees will not attend the vote so that the board can discuss their qualifications and ask questions in an informal setting.