If you’re new to your HOA board, you probably have some questions
about the roles of the individual officers. Please keep in mind that the
specific responsibilities of each board member are subject to change
from association to association. However, these are the generalized
roles for each officer:
Board Secretary - The Secretary plays an important
in the association’s affairs. This officer accurately records the
minutes at board meetings and insures that quorum criteria has been met.
In addition, the Secretary has the job of sending meeting notices to
homeowners and ensuring that they are sent in an advance, to comply with
state laws and the community’s governing documents.
Board Treasurer - The Treasurer has a prominent role
in overseeing the associations finances. This officer has the
responsibility of developing the association’s budget as well as
overseeing the financial operations of the association. If the
association has a Finance Committee, this is usually headed by the
Treasurer. This is a vital position for any association, and it is
highly recommended that the Treasurer have experience in accounting,
business, or financial management.
Board President - The leader of the Board of
Directors, the President of the Board works in close conjunction with
the community association’s property manager. If the association is
using the services of a professional management company, the president
is usually the main point of contact for that company, though this is
not always the case. The President conducts all board meetings and
should always set the example for others by being ready to take charge
and serve whenever the situation calls for it.
Board Vice President - The role of the association’s
Vice President varies with each community. One constant is that the
Vice President will take the place of the board President if that member
is not present. Like any other position on the board, the role of the
V.P. can be as effective as the officer is willing to be.
In all actuality, the property manager is not a member of the Board
of Directors. However, the manager plays such a pivotal role in the
direction of the board that we couldn’t leave this position out of the
mix. The manager exists to help the board in many ways. This often
entails assisting the President with meeting annual and board meeting
preparation, working with the Treasurer to draft the next year’s budget,
and offering guidance when making decisions.
The property manager should be an experienced professional with
extensive knowledge of the industry. He or she should have the “people
skills” necessary to lead and guide the members of the board without
being overbearing or harsh. The manager offers unbiased and informed
counsel to the Board of Directors which, ultimately, ensures that
everything runs as it should.
Though these are only brief and general descriptions, they give
insight into the basic functions of the average Board of Directors and
how they work with their property manager. At a minimum, the board will
have a President, a Vice President, may group the Treasurer and
Secretary into a single position.
An effective board will always keep the best interests of
the association at heart. They will enforce all of the association’s
rules equally and fairly. The will take seriously their fiduciary duty
to the community, and will do their best to make informed decisions. If
your HOA or condo board is considering a new management firm to help
with the day-to-day operations, contact All About Management Company by
calling us at (818)
999-3930 or by sending us an email. We would love the opportunity to serve you.
No comments:
Post a Comment