Doing Meaningful Work

In fulfilling the Board's roles and responsibilities, board members are expected to:

• Complete at least one three-year term of service as outlined in the bylaws.
• Attend 75% of each year's Board meetings in person or virtually.
• Serve on at least one committee, attending 75% of committee meetings annually as needed.
• Dedicate approximately two to four hours weekly to committee work between regular meetings.
• Fulfill assigned responsibilities for Board and committee meetings.
• Attend Board orientation and retention sessions.
• Review materials before scheduled Board meetings.
• Actively participate in Board discussions.
• Engage with other board members and staff in accordance with organizational values.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting new Board members throughout the year.
• Support the organization’s special events when appropriate.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Prevention First will provide reasonable accommodations to Board members with disabilities and encourages prospective and current members to discuss possible accommodations with the organization.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROLE: STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNANCE

“The Board will govern in a way that emphasizes future vision, initiative, and strategic leadership, provides clear distinctions of Board and management roles, and deliberates in many voices but governs as one.” (From the Bylaws section C2). Board Member duties and responsibilities include the following:

The nonprofit Board of Directors governs the organization and ensures it fulfills its mission in a fiscally responsible, ethical, and legally compliant manner. Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic direction in collaboration with the CEO and leadership team.
• Hiring, evaluating, and supporting the CEO.
• Approving budgets, financial reports, and significant policies.
• Ensuring legal and ethical integrity.
• Fundraising and advocating on behalf of the organization.
• Monitoring performance and ensuring accountability.

The board acts as a collective decision-making body and serves as the organization's fiduciary, safeguarding its assets and long-term sustainability.

CEO AND LEADERSHIP TEAM: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT AND EXECUTION

The CEO (or Executive Director) and leadership team manage operations and implement the board’s strategic direction. Key responsibilities include:

• Operational planning and program execution
• Hiring, leading, and supervising staff
• Managing finances and internal controls
• Building relationships with stakeholders and partners
• Reporting regularly to the board on progress and challenges
• The CEO serves as the primary liaison between the board and staff and ensures that board-approved strategies are translated into effective action.

In sum, NACD’s (National Association of Corporate Directors, the most trusted association for board directors for more than 45 years) founding president, John Nash, coined the term “nose in, fingers out” (NIFO) to capture this important distinction between the role of the board and staff.

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