Building a Better Board in 2012 Kentucky Main Street Conference January 27, 2012 Presented by: Teresa Lynch, Sr. Program Officer National Trust Main Street Center

Board members appointed by city Difficulty fundraising in private community Political pressures Business owners suspect Reduction of volunteers Limited opportunities for private grants Manager being pulled in other directions by city City-Operated Program vs. Non-Profit Independent What are the Issues?

Are workers, wisdom and wealth represented Cumbersome, large boards Lack of orientation/training for new members Term Limits - “Perennial Polly” situation Grooming new board members through committee structure Ex Officio board members Board Composition and Transitioning Members What are the Issues?

Overly long meetings Board meets infrequently Manager presides instead of president Executive committee does not meet regularly or exercise their responsibilities Committee Chairs aren’t at Board meetings Manager makes committee reports Board Meetings – Frequency and Conduct What are the Issues?

Manager has two roles/jobs Manager or Board President has conflict of interest or relationship issues Board members with conflicting jobs/roles (e.g. chamber director/tourism director) Board members with personal agendas – interested in protecting their own turf Couples who come as a package to the Board Protection of Turf and Conflicts of Interest What are the Issues?

Insufficient remuneration Lack of benefits Little Board support Conflicts with Board president Board members not assuming responsibilities Burned out Skill sets do not match needs of position Not a ‘fit’ for the community Manager Turnover What are the Issues?

Assure board and committee members are knowledgeable on roles and responsibilities: Committee handbooks and Board Member Handbook – essential reading Thoroughly prepare new board and committee members through orientation sessions before they assume their roles Offer continuing training opportunities for board and committee members Review KMS’s evaluation and ranking scores to see where their program is not meeting standards.. General Recommendations

Insufficient remuneration No benefits Lack of recognition Manager conflicts with Board President Lack of Board Support Overworked Not up to the demands of the job Manager Turnover – Why are they leaving? What are the Issues?