I just read Board Source's overview on the subject of board executive committees. I and many of my colleagues have one simple piece of advice based on working with many nonprofit boards: don't! Exec Committees most often usurp the authority and duty of the full board. Yes, as a Task Force the same folks could be convened to conduct the CEO Performance Review. And different members could be convened again in Task Forces with specific assignments like what to do with the snow battered roof that has caved in. But no, don't make them.
Board Source suggests in its complementary overview of this chapter of its $38 book on committees that boards should ask the following questions
Questions answered in this chapter from Nonprofit Board Committees include the following:
- Would an executive committee support and add value to the work of our board?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of an executive committee, and how do those factors apply to us?
- What would governance look like if we did not have an executive committee?
- If we choose to have an executive committee, how do we make sure it does not take on the work of the full board?
Um, sure. But don't forget to let common sense be your guide.