 So
Now You Are On The Board of Directors?
You've
just been elected to office as a Board member for your association.
Directors often find they have less knowledge of the association,
of its organization, or their fiduciary duty than they originally
thought. As a board member you have an opportunity to make a
positive contribution to your community. To be successful, you
need to know the key aspects of association leadership. These
relate to three major areas of responsibility: protection of
and enhancement of property values, maintaining the quality-of-life
in the community, and creating a sense of community.
What
information do you need to be a successful leader for your
community? Start with the following:
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A
complete set of the governing documents for your
association (articles, bylaws, CC&R's, rules
and regulations, fine and collection policy),
etc.
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A
set of financial records (budget, current year
financials)
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Relevant
legal updates from CAI and/or the association
attorney
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Association
roster (board members, homeowner members, committee
members)
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Vendor
list and copies of vendor contracts
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Board
meeting minutes for the previous six months of
meetings
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Monthly
association calendar
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Robert's
Rules of Order
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Role
of the Board members and Association Officers
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Role
of the manager and/or management company
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Management
reports from the past six months
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How
can I get the information I need to be an effective association
leader?
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One
of the best methods of information gathering
is to hold a Board member orientation program
on how the association does business.
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Invite
the Association's vendors to talk about their
roles (management company, attorney, auditor,
landscaper, insurance agent).
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Check
out the availability of leadership seminars available
from your management company, as well as those
offered by Community Associations Institute (CAI).
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Research
the internet for useful and accessible information
on association matters.
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How
can I make the first 100 days a SUCCESS?
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New
boards should avoid rash, uninformed decisions.
New directors can bring change, and change can
be good, but decisions should be based on a comprehensive
understanding of the issues.
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Keep
an open mind and encourage participation and
involvement with your fellow board members.
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Don't
become a one-issue board member and work collectively
with your fellow board members for the betterment
of the community.
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Talk
with your association members, be responsive,
solicit input.
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Act
in the best interest of the community and conduct
yourself in a business-like manner.
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Maintain
a positive attitude and become a positive influence
for others.
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Assist
in establishing goals and objectives for the
association.
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Seek
out ways to actively involve members in committees,
community events, and recreational programs.
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New
Board members appreciate training and the availability of useful
information to make their time on the Board a success. Easing
the transition for new board members can be the deciding factor
on how well the ongoing operations of the association are handled
by the board, committees, and the management company. Rookie
mistakes by board members, learning by trial and error, or
reinventing the wheel is a non productive method of operation.
Take the time to orient yourself and open up avenues of communication
with your board members and community.
Mark
Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
President / CEO
Community Archives
Tucson, AZ
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