Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

Because the ultimate legal responsibility and authority for CoGEHPA’s activities, staffing and fiscal affairs are invested in the Board of Directors, it is important that members of the Board clearly understand their responsibilities.  Therefore, the list below articulates the major responsibilities incumbent upon each Director.

Set the Mission and the Vision of the Organization
The Board is responsible for creating the organization's mission and purpose statements, and reviewing them periodically to be sure they fit well with the direction of the organization's growth. The mission statement explains why the organization exists and who it serves; the vision articulates a picture of the future that the organization hopes to create.

Create a Plan for the Organization
The Board is also responsible for working with staff and volunteers to create a strategic plan for the growth of the organization, including resources, staffing, programs, and other aspects of organizational development.  Once a plan is created, the Board should help make sure the organization carries it out.

Ensure Adequate Financial Resources
One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to develop adequate resources to secure the financial health of the Association.  The Board engages in long range financial planning, develops and implements fund raising programs and demonstrates financial leadership through personal contributions.

Protect Assets and Provide Proper Financial Oversight

The Board ensures that the organization is using its resources efficiently. The Board must help develop and approve the annual budget, and be sure that proper financial controls are in place.

Provide Ongoing Evaluations of Organizational and Program Effectiveness

It is the Board’s responsibility to evaluate the progress and accomplishments of the Association with respect to its mission.  By referencing a strategic plan, the Board regularly monitors progress in achieving the mission, evaluates relevance and success of programs and services, assesses the value provided to members, and appraises the effectiveness of the Board’s leadership role.

Select, Support and Evaluate the Chief Executive
It is the Board's responsibility to hire the Chief Executive.  By creating clear goals and expectations of the position, the Board is responsible for evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive.  Generally, the Chief Executive is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the Association and hiring, firing and evaluating all other staff. The Board should ensure the Chief Executive has the necessary moral and professional support to achieve the goals of the Association.  If the Chief Executive’s leadership is no longer in the best interest of the Association, it is the Board’s responsibility to terminate the relationship.

Recruit, Train and Evaluate Board Members
The Board is responsible for its own growth and development, finding committed individuals to serve on the Board, and making sure that the final Board composition is balanced and appropriate. Experienced Board members should take the lead in training and orienting new members. The Board is also responsible for self-evaluation, to be sure it is adequately carrying out its leadership role.

Build Strong Public Standing
The Board serves as the public face of the organization. Board members should promote the mission, vision and programs of the organization, and represent the organization positively to constituents, the media, and the general public.

Maintain Integrity and Accountability
The Board is ultimately responsible for being sure that the organization maintains legal and ethical practices. Creating clear and effective Bylaws, staff policies, evaluation methods and grievance procedures all help ensure accountability.