Chairperson of committees

My experience says committee chairs/members do not have to be on the BOD.

I think in business it is a good idea as the BOD drives/approves the business.

I think in an association where the BOD is elected to serve the owners, it is not a good idea. Most associations are set up where one can appeal the decision of a committee. If the chair or members of the committee are on the BOD, then the appeal could get sticky.

In reality the BOD often assumes responsibility of committees when there in no one to volunteer for a committee, and as I said, this can get sticky.

Also, Charles, your state's corporations codes might say something about the topic. Our own bylaws, for instance, say only that the Board approves the formation of committees, approves their members and their chair, and may dismiss members and/or chairs and disband committees. CA Corps. Code, though, adds that directors may serve on them and chair them, but not that directors must do either.

So our Board doesn't require directors to serve on or chair committees. Our own policy is that if there is no director on a committee, a director must serve as a non-voting board liaison to it and attend committee meetings. The main purpose is to make sure the committee doesn't try to engage in activities or make recommendations that oppose our governing documents.

I'd say, that if any of your committees have authority to act without board approval, e.g., to spend money or approve architectural changes, you do want a director to serve on it or as a liaison.