Supporting Your Executive Director

One of the Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards by BoardSource is to support and evaluate the chief executive (Executive Director).  The board should ensure that the Executive Director has the moral and professional support they need to further the goals of the organization.

The relationship between the chief executive and the board is an important one.  After selecting the Executive Director, it is the board’s responsibility to ensure that they have the continued support, education, and training to lead the organization, as well as feedback on their performance. 

How do you support your Executive Director?

As a board member, you can show support in the following ways.

• Attend all board meetings, be on time and prepared
• Ask questions, be actively involved with the organization
• Participate in the annual evaluation process and provide constructive feedback
• Offer a pat on the back after a job well done on an event or program success
• Introduce them to other community leaders
• Provide opportunities for them to speak or attend community functions
• Encourage time off to recharge
• Encourage attendance at trainings and continued education
• Offer support during both good times and difficult times

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