Selection of new board members is considered to be the most essential component of board structure. It is typically a highly structured process consisting of a call for nominations, vetting against specific criteria, and election/selection.
Most associations will have a “nominating” or “leadership development” committee to oversee the process. The key difference is that a nominating committee may be focused on the specific year, while the leadership committee may be focused on a longer-term pipeline.
Staff play an important role in helping to manage the process and as a resource in helping to define criteria and providing feedback on specific candidates.
There are several noteworthy trends in the selection process. Many boards are moving from representational (based on geography or constituency) to competency (skill) based: to smaller, but more diverse boards; and presentation of a single slate, as opposed to representative elections. It is important that associations manage this process transparently and carefully, so that the the board enjoys the highest degree of member support.
