, 35% and 34% of respondents said they intend to add financial and industry skills in the next year, compared to just 10% eyeing candidates with generative AI backgrounds. This suggests that traditional skills will continue to prevail in the boardroom, a nod to what many see as the core roles and responsibilities of boards of directors.

 exists to oversee corporate objectives and operations and act in the best interest of its shareholders or stakeholders. From the bottom to the top, every role within a corporate board comes with distinct definitions, responsibilities and duties. Each role of a board of directors was designed to manage a specific purpose within the organization.

Board roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined. The organization’s bylaws typically outline duties for the board, board chair, corporate secretary, general counsel and 

. The duties and responsibilities for C-suite level executives and senior-level managers are usually outlined within the written job description for the role.

Clear communication and expectations for transparency are prime factors in effective collaboration within every role of a corporation — often made easier with 

. In a perfect corporate world, there shouldn’t be any gaps or overlaps. However, achieving a seamless balance of executive and board roles and responsibilities is easier said than done. Here, we will explain the most essential corporate roles, including:

What the primary roles and responsibilities of the board of directors are

Key board of directors roles, from the board chair to the secretary

What are the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors?

Board directors of today are expected to be strategic and effective in driving value. The main 

 is to perform the duties of strategic planning and oversight. While these terms are used often, it's important not to diminish these duties, as they are the backbone of successful business planning. Their roles and responsibilities also include:

Keeping the organization financially secure and sustainable

environmental, social and governance (ESG)

These mission-critical responsibilities mean that the board of directors is much more than iconic figureheads. When choosing board members to fill vacant seats, boards typically look for specific qualities. Board members expect their fellow board directors to be willing to ask tough and probing questions to vet all sides of an issue.

When corporations hit bumps in the road, all fingers typically point back to the board of directors. Board directors must be willing to act quickly and responsibly when they need to take action to comply with 

 or to uphold good governance standards. A crisis may occur at any time. Board members’ responsibilities state that they need to stand ready to thwart potential crises and to manage developing crises so they don’t adversely affect the corporation.

 interact with nearly everyone in the organization, so the board must select a person to fill the role who can meet the strong expectations that come with it. The board chair’s responsibilities are to:

Serve as the direct liaison between the board and management

Develop solid relationships with the board directors, the CEO, managers, the corporate secretary and committees in order to lead effectively

, which is used as a tool for facilitating board meetings effectively

Guide the rest of the board during meetings by focusing on the organization’s vision, mission and strategic direction

Set a tone for meetings that sets the stage for respect, collaboration and decision-making

Play an influential role on the executive committee and full board to drive the agenda and identify priorities. This responsibility of board chairs has increased in prominence as corporations find the most efficient way to govern: to form an executive committee that acts as a steering committee to prioritize issues for the full board.

Beyond the day-to-day, board chairs are also responsible for relationship building. Most people who serve as board chairs are keenly aware that they need to develop a trusted 

In a mutually beneficial relationship, the board chair acts as a mentor and advisor to the CEO. Working collaboratively, the board chair helps the CEO to translate the board’s strategic plans into action.

The board chair needs to be willing to ask the CEO the hard, probing questions that come from the board and work in tandem with the CEO during times of crisis. Both parties work best together when the board chair maintains an open-door policy to keep the lines of communication open. Board chairs must also be mindful that their roles are vastly different from the CEO’s responsibilities. The board chair mustn’t usurp the CEO’s authority or overstep the CEO’s role.

The board chair also needs to develop a strong relationship with the board directors and facilitate 

 so that the board can do its own work. This duty includes encouraging all board members to be actively engaged. The board chair also typically participates in annual board member orientation, onboarding and development.

Roles and responsibilities of the corporate secretary

One of the busiest and most well-known people in an organization is the 

. Corporation laws in every state require corporations to appoint a corporate secretary. When discussing the role of the corporate secretary, it's prudent to mention that it is evolving along with recent corporate developments. Corporate secretaries are now considered senior positions with major governance and board management responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of today’s corporate secretaries often call for the role to be filled by a senior board member with certain areas of expertise. Corporate secretaries’ responsibilities include:

Serving as the legal representatives of the corporation:

 Many corporations prefer to choose candidates for corporate secretaries with accounting or law expertise. In fact, some corporations require that the role be filled by a lawyer. Some corporate secretaries perform dual duty as general counsel or another legal role. Keeping in mind the needs of the organization, most corporations expect the corporate secretary to have a master’s degree in administration or commerce, at a minimum. Some boards also expect the corporate secretary to belong to a body of professional accountants or an association of corporate chartered secretaries.

 As described by corporate bylaws, one of the corporate secretary's most prominent board duties is 

 and ensuring that all board members and other board meeting guests have the 

 during board meetings and prepares a final copy of the minutes for the 

 This role and responsibility of the board of directors is a large part of the corporate secretary's role, which includes helping board members with an initial orientation and ongoing board development. The secretary needs to know which reports need to be filed with regulatory authorities and when they are due.

The corporate secretary signs legal documents and bears custody of the corporate seal. For these reasons, it's also important for the corporate secretary to know and understand the history of past laws, the existence of current laws and the potential impact of future laws. This position also requires the corporate secretary to participate in regular legal discussions with the CEO, board, chair, general counsel and other corporate attorneys about legal matters.

Discover Diligent's checklist for corporate secretary's to improve board effectiveness and mitigate all challenges ahead

Ensure effective governance

Roles and responsibilities of the general counsel

. The board views the general counsel position as responsible for:

Partnering in the business process to help the board ensure their strategic plans fall within the auspices of the law.

Acting with unquestionable integrity in upholding the law

Knowing and understanding the legal environment within the industry.

Identifying and pre-empting any potential reputational issues. The most effective way to do this is for the general counsel to participate in early planning and decision-making with the board and CEO before plans get too far underway.

Confronting board directors when necessary to hold them accountable for issues that threaten the company’s legal compliance.

Attending regular and routine board and committee meetings to keep in the loop of current developments. Also, when attorneys attend board meetings regularly, it prevents the rumor mill from perceiving a random meeting as an alarm bell.

Maintaining a good working relationship with the audit committee and its chair.

Roles and responsibilities of the C-suite

The top-level executives have come to be known as the C-suite. This often includes the chief executive officer (CEO), chief information officer (CIO), chief security officer (CSO), chief operations officer (COO), chief risk officer (CRO) and chief financial officer (CFO).

Each person in the C-suite is responsible for:

Serving as the final authority in their area of management.

Overseeing the senior managers, managers and other employees to make sure that they are fulfilling the objectives and strategic plans of the board without creating undue risks.

Developing a strong working relationship with the board

Communicating regularly and transparently with the board

Seeking input from the board and accepting guidance and feedback on strategy.

Having a good relationship with the board ensures that C-suite executives will stand a good chance of gaining the board's support for their many roles and responsibilities. The board chair plays an instrumental role in keeping the lines of communication between C-suite executives and board members open and collaborative.

While the board’s diversity and independence continually challenge C-suite-level executives, they do well to welcome probing questions as opportunities for responsible planning. C-suite executives need to recognize the experience of board members and remain open-minded and flexible in their responses to the board.

It’s wise for C-suite executives to acknowledge that one of the board’s responsibilities is succession planning. C-suite executives sometimes encourage senior managers to make presentations to the board to give the board opportunities to continue developing an internal management talent pipeline.

Roles and responsibilities of senior management

While C-suite executives have the final authority and responsibility, senior managers also play an important role in implementing the board’s strategic plans. Senior managers:

Plan and direct the work of groups and individuals.

Oversees such departments as accounting, marketing, engineering, customer support and operations.

Take corrective action when necessary, either directly or through lower-level managers.

Approve hiring and firing of individuals and adhere to their department’s budgeting constraints.

Collaborate with other departments at times to execute their duties.

Drive better performance by perfecting the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors

No one role in a corporation is more important than another. Every group and department must work together for the good of the company. In addition to each board member fulfilling their own roles and responsibilities, everyone shares several responsibilities, not least honesty and integrity.

Importantly, when everyone acts in the organization’s best interests, the corporation best serves the public interest. While tools like 

, can make it easier to fulfill the board’s many responsibilities, board effectiveness will remain elusive if you lack the right board structure.

High-performing boards result from clear roles and responsibilities for the board of directors that empower each member to act strategically, efficiently and in line with 

Download our guide now to learn the ten essential steps to building a high-performing board

The roles and responsibilities of a board of directors

Celebrating the hard work of school boards during School Board Appreciation Month is a great chance to shout out the key part they have in improving education. Read on to find out why honoring your school board is so important, along with tips on how to organize celebrations and some heartfelt ways to say thanks to school board members, helping to build a stronger bond with the school community.

 for many states, and it provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the indispensable role school boards and their members play in shaping the educational landscape.

These governing bodies are integral to the success of schools across the nation, as they make critical decisions that affect students, educators and communities. Nearly 

 are tasked with governing 13,000 school districts across the United States, serving 50 million students, highlighting the sheer scale of their responsibility.

Recognizing these board members' efforts during this month is more than just a gesture of gratitude; it is an acknowledgment of their commitment to ensuring the highest standards of education. By spotlighting their contributions, we strengthen the public's understanding of the vital work they perform and foster greater community engagement in educational issues.

Advantages of commemorating School Board Appreciation Month

A well-deserved acknowledgment can significantly elevate board member morale and motivation, reinforcing the importance of their role in the educational ecosystem. School Board Appreciation Month serves as the ideal opportunity to recognize the extensive efforts and dedication of your board members.

This commemoration offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the board members and the school community. It creates a platform for open communication and fosters a closer relationship between the board, school administrators, teachers and students. Such interactions can lead to more informed and responsive decision-making, enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved.

Additionally, a public recognition of school board members’ contributions can raise awareness within the community about the critical work they do. By spotlighting their efforts, the community will have a better understanding of the challenges faced by the school board and the significant impact of their decisions. This awareness can lead to increased community support and engagement, both essential for the success of any educational initiative.

Furthermore, celebrating the contributions of school board members can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose within the school district. It highlights the collective effort required to achieve educational goals and emphasizes the value of collaboration. This sense of unity can strengthen the overall commitment to providing high-quality education and addressing the diverse needs of the student population.

How to organize an effective celebration for School Board Appreciation Month

Begin by engaging directly with the board members to understand their preferences and interests.

 This will help make the celebration more personal and impactful. Involving them in the planning process also ensures the event resonates with their expectations.

Coordination with school administrators and staff is your next step.

 Their support can help secure venues, manage schedules and organize necessary resources. Working together enhances the celebration's overall effectiveness and demonstrates a united front in honoring the board's contributions.

Teachers and students can play a significant role in the celebration. 

Their participation can add a personal touch, making the event more memorable. Whether through performances, presentations, or creative expressions of gratitude, involving the school community highlights the direct impact of the board's decisions on students and educators.

Consider organizing a variety of activities that cater to different interests. 

From formal ceremonies and public acknowledgments to informal gatherings and interactive sessions, diverse approaches can ensure the celebration feels inclusive and engaging. Additionally, highlighting board members' achievements through multimedia presentations or displays can visually emphasize their positive impact on the school district.

Effective communication and promotion of the event are crucial. 

Use your public website, newsletters, emails and social media to keep the school community informed and involved. This not only maximizes participation but also reinforces the collective appreciation for the board's dedicated service.

Through thoughtful planning and inclusive participation, the celebration can truly honor the essential role of school board members.

"As education is the cornerstone of our communities, board members are the mortar. They are the guardians of our education system, dedicating their time and energy to ensuring every student has the chance to succeed. Their efforts, often overlooked, are critical to the success of our future generations." - Kristin Karel, Director, Diligent Community

14 creative ways to honor and express gratitude to the School Board

Incorporate creativity in expressing gratitude to make School Board Appreciation Month distinctive.

 such as a picnic or open house where families can come together to celebrate and thank school board members. You could arrange activities, food and entertainment, and have speeches, presentations and student performances, showcasing the real-world effects of their decisions.

Have students, teachers and community members record short 

expressing their gratitude. Compile these into a heartfelt montage to present at a board meeting.

to display messages of thanks and recognition for school board members. Encourage local businesses to do the same on their signage.

 from students and staff can serve as meaningful mementos, reflecting the direct appreciation of the school community.

 where students, parents and staff can post messages, photos, and videos thanking school board members. This can be hosted on the school district's website or a dedicated social media page.

 each week on the school district's website and social media channels. Share their background, contributions and personal stories to highlight their dedication and impact.

 featuring student artwork dedicated to school board members. Display these pieces in the school district office or at a special event.

where school board members can interact with teachers, staff, and students in a relaxed setting. This can be a great opportunity for informal conversations and appreciation.

during a board meeting. Include a brief speech highlighting their specific contributions and impact.

 using a unique hashtag (e.g., #ThankYouSchoolBoard) where students, parents and staff can share messages of appreciation and photos.

 declaring January as School Board Appreciation Month in your community. Hold a ceremony to present the proclamation to the board members.

 to highlight the contributions and achievements of each school board member. Include personal stories and quotes from students and staff.

for each board member filled with local products, school spirit items, and handwritten notes from students and staff.

 within the school, where students and teachers can post messages of thanks and celebrate the board's achievements.

As some states celebrate school board appreciation during other times of the year, be sure to check with your local school board association for more information. They may also have other ideas or resources to use.

, and the Ohio School Boards Association 

 is a great resource to download and use too.

These initiatives not only honor board members but also foster a culture of appreciation and respect within the school district.

Promoting your celebrations for community engagement

Effective promotion is key to the success of School Board Appreciation Month. Use your website, newsletters and social media channels to shine a light on the board members' hard work and achievements. Sharing stories about the positive changes and improvements driven by the school board can build a stronger community connection and understanding of their pivotal role.

Incorporate diverse promotional materials such as videos, infographics and testimonials from students, teachers and parents. These personal insights can resonate deeply, painting a vivid picture of the board's impact on the school district. Engaging visuals and heartfelt messages can make the community feel more connected to the board's efforts and achievements.

Additionally, hosting virtual events and live-streaming key moments of the celebration can broaden the reach and inclusivity of the event. Online platforms allow community members who cannot attend in person to participate and show their support. Create event pages and interactive posts where people can leave messages of appreciation and share their experiences.

Involve local media to garner broader visibility. Press releases and media coverage can amplify the message, bringing attention to the school board's significant contributions. Highlighting these efforts in local newspapers, radio and TV can extend the celebration beyond the school community, fostering a greater public understanding and recognition.

Encouraging active participation from the entire school community is essential. Invite parents, students and staff to contribute their ideas and take part in the events. A well-promoted and inclusive celebration ensures that school board members receive the recognition they deserve, reinforcing the vital importance of their work in advancing educational excellence.

Through strategic promotion and inclusive community engagement, the celebration will resonate more deeply, fostering a lasting appreciation for the school board's dedication and impact.

 can help your school board increase efficiency, improve workflows and ensure your board members are fully effective in meeting your district's or municipality's goals.

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