In most association-governed communities, the board of directors is comprised of volunteers, some of whom inevitably make better directors than others. Because the board has a significant impact on relationships in the community, and the financial direction of the community, it is important to elect board members who take their position seriously, do a great job, and feel motivated to remain on the board. Below are tips attracting and keeping good HOA board volunteers.
Develop an Educational Letter
Develop an educational letter that informs prospective board members what it is like to serve on the board. The letter should detail the normal responsibilities of the board, discuss additional duties that may arise, and explain the nuances of serving as a board member to the community.
Choose Candidates with Relevant Expertise
Try to choose candidates who have expertise in areas in which the board routinely works, such as finance, administration, and communications. Although an HOA management provider can handle work in these areas, it’s ideal to have board members who are familiar with them as well.
Choose Candidates that are Veterans of the Community
Ideally, prospective board members should be residents who have lived in the community for a number of years and have a firm understanding of the neighborhood’s culture and social norms. These types of board members tend to make excellent ambassadors to the community.
Select Candidates that Have Time to Serve
Many board members mention how they don’t have enough time to dedicate to the community. Consequently, you should determine whether a person has the time to be an effective board member. If they do have the time, they will be more likely to desire to remain on the board.
Make Sure the Management Company Follows CC&Rs
During this process, It is imperative that the board and the community management provider follow and adhere to the rules set forth in the community’s Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs). By doing so, the board and the manager are ensured that the process is in keeping with the legal requirements of the association-governed community.
Conclusion
Attracting and keeping good board members is a tough task for any community. However, practicing the tips above can increase your community’s chances of recruiting and retaining board members, who do an excellent job of serving the community, and interact well with the provider of HOA management services. If you need help implementing a good selection process for potential candidates for the board, a provider of HOA management services can help.
Staff Writer
