Onboarding New Board Members

The board of directors plays a key role within your organization as the individuals who are ultimately responsible for the organization, setting strategic direction, and providing oversight.  Without proper onboarding, the board can face various challenges that can impact its effectiveness.

Does your organization have a formal orientation process in place?

Prior to even joining the board, potential board members should meet with select members of the board and the Executive Director to gain an understanding of the organization and the board’s role.  Many organizations encourage, or even require, individuals to serve on a committee before serving as a board member.  This allows both the individual and the organization to get to know each other to ensure it is a good fit for both parties.  

Once the individual has been approved for board service, a formal orientation should be provided including the following topics:

• Learn about the organization’s history, mission, and vision.  How have we gotten to where we are and where are we going?
• Introductions of key people – Executive Director, CFO, Development Director, Program Directors, etc.
• Share the organization’s key programs, stakeholders, revenue drivers, and community impact.  
• Review board duties and expectations.  There are general board duties that apply to all organizations; however, each organization has expectations specific to them.  For example, the organization may expect a specific dollar amount of contributions from each board member.  
• Review the previous board meeting agenda.  This allows the new board member to understand how meetings are run and the current issues being discussed. 
• Review the most recent financial statements.  Discuss key revenue sources and unique aspects of the organization’s financials, as well as any current financial concerns.
• Go over the budgeting process and the current budget.  Discuss any significant variances from expectations.  
• Assign an experienced board member to be a mentor.  Encourage the mentor regularly engage with the new board member.  This provides the new board member someone to ask questions that they may be hesitant to ask during meetings.  

Having a formal onboard process equips new members with the knowledge and skills they need to provide meaningful impact at their first meeting.  It also encourages more engaged board members and a successful board. 

Contributed by:  Carrie Minnich, MAcct, CPA | Partner | DWD CPAs & Advisors