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Choosing Your Board of Directors
Your division of Smile for a Lifetime’s growth and credibility can depend on your choices for your Board
of Directors (BOD). A primary concern in Board selection is avoidance of partiality. Some would assume
that members of the same family will vote in accordance with one another, without first taking into
consideration the effects on public interest. This is the principal reason why the IRS requires 51% of a
nonprofit Board to be comprised of “disinterested” parties. Disinterested individuals are those who
have no relationship with any other Board member, and who do not receive compensation from the
organization for any reason.
When looking to the public to make your Board selections, there are several things you’ll want to keep
in mind:
Knowledge – Each member of the Board should be familiar with appropriate, ethical governance
practices. Select individuals who have knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector and who have
demonstrated mindfulness for compliance.
Skills – Members of the Board should be able to contribute something to operations. Select individuals
who have skills in accounting, law, media or business administration. You’ll also want individuals with
experience in your specific activities. For example, our Board has an Orthodontist, a Dentist, a Hygienist,
a Grant Writer, a TV anchor, a Newspaper Editor, a Radio Station Owner, a Marketing Director from our
areas’ largest Bank, a Attorney, a Graphic Designer, a Successful Entrepreneur, a City
Employee/Politician and a Community Volunteer and Advocate.
Resources – Individuals who have good resources in the community are essential on your Board. Select
individuals who have contacts in local legislature, with large corporations, or who have relationships
with private individuals who may be potential donors.
Character – Nonprofits must observe the highest standards in order to retain the trust of the donating
public and the confidence of those they seek to help. The Board provides the public face of the
organization, and its behavior, and that of the individual board member must be exemplary.
Passion – The organization’s mission should guide every decision the Board makes and thus each
member of the Board should be able to articulate and demonstrate a real passion for it and encourage
their fellow trustees to show the same commitment.
Establishing a Board who will provide excellent oversight of organizational operations while also
representing a cross selection of your community is essential. If careful consideration is made before
every Board election, our organization will succeed in creating public trust and value.
My Personal Comments
Dr. Benjamin Burris, founder and orthodontic provider, of Smile for a Lifetime in Northeast Arkansas
does not sit as a Board Member and therefore has no vote. However, he does serve as an Advisor to the
BOD. I am a paid employee of the Foundation as Executive Director, but I too have no vote, but serve as
an Advisor. I feel there are several benefits of this structure, and I’ll explain. The BOD has full
responsibility of selecting the candidates, and it cannot be said that Dr. Burris or I have skewed the
voting process or showing favoritism in any way. Dr. Burris actually chose a friendly competitor for a
board member to render a professional orthodontic opinion to the Board if other members have
orthodontic related questions. I have had many donors impressed with the fact that Dr. Burris has
structured his BOD in such a manner.