Have you ever wondered how you can be appointed to a board of trustees?
Since 2014, I have served on five boards, all organizations and ministries that do amazing work, that I am honored and humbled to have been asked to work with. If you’d like to serve on a board, but are not sure exactly how to be appointed, here are three steps to get you there.
- Know the right people. Boards have a process for nominating new members. Usually, only the board members themselves must be the ones who nominate persons they know or know of. Other than board members, key people in an organization who have a voice in the boardroom, like a CEO or senior leadership, may have relationships with board members to recommend that they nominate someone in particular. If you don’t know either a board member, or a senior leader, you have to know someone who knows a board member who would forward your name and credentials to them. Some boards have a nominating committee, or a governance committee, that is in charge of nominations of new board members. After you are nominated by a board member or a committee of the board, you must be voted on by the entire board.
- Have a genuine passion for the work. Boards want new members who have a passion and conviction for the mission of the organization. They look for people who have a history of support or engagement in some way with the work of the organization, a person who has demonstrated commitment by donation, service, or some other way. The longterm sustainability of good governance depends on future generations of the board members, therefore, choosing the right persons is crucial.
- Have the right qualifications. Each board is looking for a certain portfolio of people to populate their board. Most boards want people who have some professional experience, exposure, and perspective to help with healthy governance. If you have never sat on a board, I want to give you a word of encouragement. Most people I have talked to who have not served on boards feel intimidated, not worthy enough to sit on a board. You must not listen to that internal doubt. If you have some kind of professional experience and you have a passion for the work, you are a contender.
I hope you consider serving on boards of organizations you believe in. We need good leaders guiding our ministries and non-profits. If your goal is to serve on a board, I hope the above insights help you on your journey.
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