If you're interested in getting more involved with your community, becoming a board member of your Homeowner's Association (HOA) can be a rewarding opportunity. There is always a need for volunteers, and it benefits the association when community members who have not served previously are willing to step up and take a position on the board. Here’s a guide on how to serve your community by joining your association's board of directors.

Assess Your Skills

Think about the value you can bring to the board. Successful board members often possess the following attributes:

• Great Leader: The ability to guide discussions, make informed decisions, and lead by example.
• Able to Collaborate: Working well with others is crucial in a board setting.
• Enjoys Problem-solving: Many board tasks involve resolving issues and making practical decisions.
• Excellent Communicator: Clear, transparent communication skills foster understanding and help minimize conflict.
• Financially Literate: Managing budgets and reviewing financial documents can require a basic understanding of financial matters.
• A Strong Commitment to the Community: association members choose to live in a community where they feel a sense of belonging, and the board can set the tone through its actions and decisions.

Understand Board Responsibilities

Board members play a vital role in the well-being of the entire community and are held to a high standard of conduct. This involves:

• Fiduciary Duty: Acting in good faith and with due care, prioritizing the association's interests as a whole.
• Transparency: Making decisions openly and fairly, building trust within the community.
• Loyalty: Personal agendas and opinions should be set aside to maintain objectivity and act in the association's best interests.
• Ability to Fulfill Multiple Roles: Board members wear many hats, regardless of the office they hold within the board. They oversee operations, approve budgets, make key decisions, hire vendors, and enforce rules that maintain the community’s quality.

Understanding these responsibilities is essential as they form the foundation of a successful board member.

Study Governing Documents

To serve effectively, board members will become familiar with federal, state, or local laws related to HOAs and the community’s governing documents, which outline the association’s rules, standards, and structure. These documents also set expectations for board members, elections, voting, and more. You can learn about the different types of governing documents and what they contain here.

Am I Qualified to Run?

Each community has its own standards for board membership, outlined in its governing documents. Some common qualifications include:

• Account in Good Standing: Your account with the association should be in good standing with no balances in arrears.
• No Conflicts of Interest: Ideally, you should not have any conflicts of interest or pending disputes with the association.
• Time Commitment: Board members should be prepared to dedicate time to meetings, events, and other community responsibilities.

Reviewing your community's specific requirements can help determine your eligibility to run.

How to Get Nominated

Nomination processes vary between associations, but generally, you can nominate yourself or be nominated by a fellow member. Be sure to check your community’s governing documents for specific nomination procedures, as they often outline deadlines and requirements for candidacy.

Officer Roles and Elections

While the HOA membership elects board members, specific officer roles (such as president or treasurer) are typically assigned within the board itself. This means you are elected to serve as a board member, not necessarily a specific position, and the board later designates individual responsibilities.

The Corporate Transparency Act

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which takes effect January 1st, 2025, requires board members to share some information with the government. This includes filing a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report, which will require board members to share information such as their legal name, date of birth, residential address, and a unique identifier such as a driver’s license or passport. If you’re thinking about running for a board position, please consider this requirement and if you’d be agreeable to sharing this information. In an effort to make compliance with this law easier for board members, CAMS offers a CTA program that assists communities in coming into compliance.

The Importance of Education

Continuing education is essential for effective board service. Experienced community management companies offer various educational resources, including blogs, webinars, and case studies. Taking advantage of these resources can equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions and serve your community effectively.

Conclusion

Becoming a board member is an excellent way to contribute to your community. By understanding the responsibilities, studying governing documents, assessing your qualifications, and taking advantage of educational opportunities, you’ll be well-prepared to take on this important role. With dedication and the right skill set, you can help positively impact your neighborhood.

About Community Association Management Services
 In business since 1991, CAMS has grown to become North and South Carolina’s premier community management company. With experienced local managers in each of its nine regions, CAMS provides innovative solutions to the community associations it serves. To learn more, visit www.camsmgt.com/choose-cams.