An executive committee is an organization of board members who have close relationships with the leadership team and meet to address urgent matters that affect the business. They make decisions on behalf of the full board and determine the strategic direction. They also act as an intermediary between the CEO and the board. An executive committee is an ideal solution for companies which have many routine issues, require immediate decision-making on crucial issues or don’t wish to wait until their entire board meets.

A good executive committee should include senior executives as well as leaders from other committees. The chairperson of the Board is typically also an executive committee. They should take the lead on the committee’s agenda and ensure that all activities of the committee and board align with the company’s objectives. The person who is the spokesperson for the board will also be the spokesperson for the board, and will appoint chairpersons of the committee. The number of members of the executive committee will vary from organization to organization. The bylaws of the board must clearly state who will be members of this committee. Research suggests that a seven-member committee is the ideal size for optimal decision making.

The executive committee is in charge of establishing governance practices making strategic decisions at a high-level and ensuring oversight to the management. They also lead on board member training and development. Based on the size of the committee, they might meet monthly, quarterly, or on an as-needed basis.

Although an executive committee could be a beneficial tool for many non-profits and organizations but it’s not the best solution for all. If your board isn’t large or you have a robust board of directors that operates effectively without an executive committee, you could realize that this kind of structure isn’t necessary for your particular organization.

best virtual data room