BOD Qualifications for New Applicants

Our HOA, (still under Developers Control),is now authorized to add a second member to the Board. Three current residents have presented themselves for election and submitted resumes which were included with the proxies sent to homeowners who were not present at the election meeting.
While these three people are well intentioned, their resumes reflect such experience as:
* Real Estate Sales Agent
* Strong Managerial and Organizational Skills
* Community Service and Public Speaking Skills
* Operations Manager for a Tel-a-Com Company
* Mechanical Engineering/Plant Management
As an HOATalk participant for several years and avid reader of these forums, knowing the myriad of issues, problems, and laws connected with HOA membership, I can't help but feel these people are woefully lacking in the knowledge necessary to provide appropriate representation of all the Owners on this Board.
I realize this may be the best we can get and these people should be commended for their desire to serve, but for future reference, what back round and qualifications would the ideal candidate poses.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Tom

Gee, I think they all have great backgrounds: business management, people skills, building and construction experience. I've worked with boards comprised of rich homemakers and pastors!

I'm not as concerned with what kind of experience a Board member brings - only that they have a grasp of how a not-for-profit works AND the ability to work together.

ThomasC2,

Did you send in a resume? If you didn't, maybe you should have.

I think the kind of experience and qualifications I would look for is someone who has been preparing to be on the board:

1. Familiar with applicable statutes governing HOAs and corporations (not an expert, but someone who at least knows what statutes apply, where to get copies, and has at least read through them).
2. Knowledge of Declaration or CCRs (has read them more than once).
3. Knowledge of association's bylaws (again, has read them more than once).
4. Knowledge of association's rules and regulations.
5. Prior experience in a delibrative assembly would be a plus (previous experience in a club, PTO, etc.)
6. Someone who tries to be objective - can separate the best interests of the homeowners from his/her personal interests.
7. Someone who can be tactful, persuasive (remember, our co-board members are all volunteers).
8. Prior management experience may or may not be helpful (don't mean to offend anyone, but there are some prior managers who have a tendency to become benevolent dictators).

There's probably more, but that's what I came up with.

Thanks BruceF1,
And everyone else that responded.
That's the sort of thing I was looking for, and no, I did not apply for the job at this time mainly because the developer is still in control and has, on many occasions, showed a penchant to flex his muscles and ignore the common good.
For now, I'll keep my powder dry and try to research some courses for additional knowledge so when the owners are in control the Board can be more objective and effective.
Tom

Qualifications for my hoa board included
breathing
willing and able to attend board meetings (to fill the seats)
controlable

Those in control did not want a thinking, knowledgable, informed, willing to learn group. They wanted/insisted on maintaining the status as it was. They wanted a face that would allow them in remain in total control. Even with new laws, needs and economies, they have their thumbs pressed down hard on every aspect.

I know that when my term is up in Aug 09, I won't be running again. I feel like the red-headed stepchild at times.