Board Members: Expectations, Roles, and Responsibilities
Eligibility
Only Representatives of Members shall be eligible to be nominated and elected to, and to serve on, the Board of Directors.
Term of Office
Each Board Director shall hold office for a term of three (3) years. A person may serve for no more than two (2) consecutive terms).
At the first annual meeting of the Members, the Members shall elect five (5) Directors to hold office for a period of one year; five (5) Directors to hold office for a period of two (2) years; and five (5) Directors to hold office for three (3) years.
General Expectations
Be knowledgeable of the NFHS mission, purposes, goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and needs.
Suggest nominees for the Board from the general membership.
Serve in leadership positions and/or undertake special assignments willingly when asked.
Serve on at least one committee of the Board of Directors.
Stay current on topics of interest impacting the animal care and control industry.
Meetings
Prepare for, regularly attend, and participate in board meetings, committee meetings and other NFHS activities.
Ask timely and substantive questions while supporting Board majority decisions.
Maintain confidentiality, when appropriate.
Speak on behalf of the Board when asked to do so by the Board or its Chairperson.
Suggest agenda items periodically for board and committee meetings, to ensure that significant policy related matters are addressed.
Attend the annual meeting.
Relationship with Staff
Counsel and provide support to the Executive Director as directed by the Board.
Avoid asking for special favors of staff, without prior consultation with the Board Chairperson or Executive Director.
Should a staff member bring a grievance directly to you, urge resolution with their supervisors through established policies and procedures.
Avoiding Conflict
Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, and disclose any possible conflicts to the Board Chairperson or Executive Director in a timely fashion.
Maintain independence and objectivity and do what a sense of fairness, ethics, and personal integrity dictate.
Never accept or offer favors or gifts from or to anyone who does business with the Federation.
Fiduciary Responsibility
Exercise prudence with the Board in the control and transfer of NFHS funds.
Faithfully read and understand NFHS financial statements and otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility.
Individual Board Members' Responsibilities
Determine and support the mission and goals of NFHS.
Select and support the Executive Director and assess their performance.
Ensure effective NFHS strategic planning.
Ensure adequate resources to accomplish the NFHS annual goals.
Exercise fiduciary responsibility and oversight of NFHS assets.
Determine, monitor, and strengthen NFHS programs and services.
Enhance NFHS' public standing by advocating its mission and goals.
Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability for all NFHS activities.
Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance.
