About Committee Designations

In the context of boards and committees, designations refer to the specific titles or roles assigned to members. These roles define their responsibilities, authority, and contributions to the board or committee.

Common designations include:

1. Committee Leadership Roles

• Chairperson (Chair/President) – Leads meetings, sets agendas, represents the board externally, and ensures effective governance
• Vice-Chairperson (Vice-Chair/Vice-President) – Supports the Chair and may assume their duties in their absence
• Secretary – Manages meeting minutes, records, and correspondence; ensures compliance with governance rules
• Treasurer – Oversees financial matters, budgeting, and reporting on financial health

2. General Board Members

• Director/Board Member – A voting member of the board who participates in decision-making and provides oversight.
• Independent Director – A board member who is not part of management and provides unbiased oversight.
• Executive Director – A board member who is also involved in daily operations, such as a CEO or Managing Director.

3. Committee Roles

• Committee Chair – Leads a specific committee (e.g., Audit, Governance, Risk) and reports findings to the board
• Committee Member – Serves on a board committee, focusing on specialized issues like finance, compliance, or strategy

4. Special Appointments

• Ex Officio Member – A member who serves by virtue of their position (e.g., a CEO automatically being on the board)
• Honorary Member – Recognized for past contributions but may not have voting rights
• Advisory Member – Provides expertise without formal voting power