Community Association President Duties and Responsibilities

Becoming the president of a community association board is an honor and privilege that brings great satisfaction to many individuals throughout North America. Before transitioning from a resident to a board member, it's crucial to fully understand the responsibilities of this role.

It is important to grasp the range of duties associated with this position because an ineffective president can hinder a community's progress for many years. To make the most of this opportunity, let's explore the key responsibilities that a community association president must fulfill.

Parliamentarian

As the board president, you play a crucial role in the decision-making process. You will be responsible for enforcing policies, approving invoices, and sanctioning capital improvement projects. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the governing documents and relevant state and local laws is essential for efficient management.

Volunteer Booster

A significant part of being the community association president involves inspiring others to volunteer for the board and its committees. Your energy, leadership, and vision are pivotal in rallying support for the board's goals and attracting future board members who will help meet the community's needs.

Natural leadership skills often stand out, and individuals with such qualities are usually encouraged to run for the board. However, managing a community comprised of friends and neighbors requires a different skill set. Professional management staff can assist in leveraging existing skills to better manage community affairs.

Liaison

When working with a property management company, you serve as the critical connection between the organization and your association. It's important to have a deep understanding of the property manager's focus and responsibilities, ensuring their goals align with the community's vision.

Meeting Facilitator

Meetings that are poorly managed can be tedious and unproductive. As the community association president, you are responsible for ensuring that HOA meetings are both efficient and engaging. It's essential to allow everyone to express their opinions while making sure the meetings serve their purpose effectively.

Leaders accustomed to making unilateral decisions in corporate settings may sometimes struggle with the collaborative nature required on an association board. Decisions must be made with the community's best interests in mind, often requiring a consensus approach.

Leader

While serving as president, there will be instances where you must prioritize the community's needs over personal relationships. It's essential to rely on the community's vision and governing documents to guide actions and decisions.

Good leaders can articulate their rationale clearly within the community’s framework, gaining support and understanding from fellow community members.

Collaborator

It's important to remember that this role is not about unilateral action. Even well-intentioned decisions should involve input from board members and obtain necessary approvals at every stage. This ensures the community's resilience and progress.

Student

No leader, regardless of the field, starts out knowing all the answers. Effective presidents recognize this and embrace a continual learning process by seeking out knowledge and guidance from experts.

Knowing when to ask questions is crucial, and it's important to remember that all queries are valid. The pursuit of knowledge is ongoing, and utilizing the expertise available is a wise approach.

Peer

The board president is ultimately a peer among board members and needs to be aware that their role is one of facilitation rather than unilateral authority. Respecting the opinions of other board members and recognizing that you hold only one vote emphasizes the collaborative nature of the board. The president's role is to serve the community while being an active member within it.