Condominium boards are comprised of residents who volunteer to take active responsibility for what happens within their community. However, many residents and even new board members are not exactly sure of what the board and its members and officers do. Typically, there are four officers and an odd number of board members whose responsibilities vary slightly.
The following is a rundown of the different positions typical of the average condo board:
President: As you might expect, presidents have the most responsibility on a condo board. The president is the individual who calls and arranges meetings, and also determines which items will be added to the meeting agenda. This person takes charge of day-to-day activities and usually acts as a spokesperson for the board.
Vice president: Along with filling in as the leader of meetings the president cannot attend, the vice president is charged with various regular responsibilities that the president cannot or does not want to take on. In many cases, vice presidents will head important subcommittees, such as an architectural review or community fee committee.
Secretary: The secretary is responsible for most of the board's administrative duties. This individual often takes notes and distributes meeting minutes, signs documents, acts as record-keeper and maintains and facilitates communication for the board. If the secretary does not perform these duties, he or she is usually responsible for finding someone else to do them.
Treasurer: The treasurer serves as the condominium corporation's chief financial officer. This person is responsible for paying bills and collecting debts, as well as keeping books and informing the board on the community's financial status. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to prepare an annual budget and financial report, typically with the help of the condominium property manager.
Board member/director: Most condo boards have an odd number of directors, which helps ensure that all votes have the same weight. It is important that board members have a strong sense of decorum, as they are privy to sensitive information about residents and financial matters.
Most importantly, all members of a board, whether they are officers or not, should take their positions seriously. They are entrusted with a great responsibility to act on behalf of an entire community. It is vital that board members keep the best interests of the community and its residents at the forefront of any agenda, and they understand that their decisions may affect a large number of people.