Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce

Board Member

Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations

Approved August 29, 2025

 

Expectations of all Board Members

The Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to advance the economic and social/ growth and well-being of its members and the community.  As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• ·         Determining the mission and purposes of the organization
• ·         Selecting and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
• ·         Strategic and organizational planning
• ·         Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• ·         Fundraising and resource development
• ·         Approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
• ·         Enhancing the organization’s public image
• ·         Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization

Expectations and Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is responsible for and expected to:

• ·         Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
• ·         Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships
• ·         Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action
• ·         Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy
• ·         Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings (per bylaws, attendance is mandatory 9/12 meetings)
• ·         Serve and participate fully in one or more committees
• ·         Assist the treasurer in carrying out fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing financial statements
• ·         Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
• ·         Actively participate in meetings, committees, and discussions.
• ·         Contribute to the collective decision-making process
• ·         Suggest nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to organization.
• ·         Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies.
• ·         Follow the bylaws of the chamber

Description and Responsibilities of Executive Board Leaders:

Chairperson: 

• ·         Responsible for leading the Chamber; facilitating the Board of Directors meetings: attending Chamber events, and overseeing other committees formed for the benefit of the Chamber.  
• o    Oversee board and executive committee meetings.
• o   Attend board meetings (per bylaws, attendance is mandatory 9/12 meetings)
• o    Call special meetings if necessary
• o    Assist Secretary in preparing board meeting agendas.
• o    Conduct new board member orientation.
• o    Work with the board and nominating committee to recruit new board members.
• o    Act as a spokesperson for the organization.
• o    Consult with board members on their roles and help them assess their performance.

Vice Chairperson: 

• ·         Responsible for filling in for the Chair; organizing the speakers for the Monthly Membership Meeting, as well as running the meeting; attends Chamber events as schedule permits; serves on another committee as the liaison to that committee and the Board of Directors.
• o    Attend board meetings (per bylaws, attendance is mandatory 9/12 meetings)
• o    Serve on the executive committee if one exists.
• o    Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair.
• o    Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the chair’s absence.
• o    Run and facilitate monthly Member Meetings

Secretary:

• ·         Responsible for recording minutes for the Board of Directors meetings; providing a copy to the Chamber administrator to be filed in a binder and electronically for office reference; serves on another committee as the liaison to that committee and the Board of Directors
• o    Attend board meetings (per bylaws, attendance is mandatory 9/12 meetings)
• o    Serve on the executive committee if one exists.
• o    Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records.
• o    Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board chair, chair-elect, and vice chair.
• o    Provide notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required.

Treasurer:

• ·         Responsible for reporting financial status of the Chamber each month; prepares financial reports as requested by the Board of Directors; reports financial status of committees who have required a budget; serves on another committee as the liaison to that committee and the Board of Directors. 
• o    Attend board meetings (per bylaws, attendance is mandatory 9/12 meetings)
• o    Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations.
• o    Manage, with the finance committee, the board’s review of and action related to the board’s financial responsibilities.
• o    Work with the Chair and bookkeeper to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.
• o    Present the annual budget to the board for approval.