The Importance of Board Training

By: ​Dianne Donnelly – CMCA, AMS, Park Pointe Management Services

Your community’s Annual Meeting is over. You love where you live and volunteered to run for the Board 
of Directors, having a desire to serve the community and help it continue to be a great place to raise 
your family. When the votes were tallied, your name was announced as a new Board Member…What 
Now?!?!

So many homeowners want to help in their community and each person has their own unique set of 
skills, and perspective, that can help your Homeowner’s Association tackle the business of the 
community. Backgrounds and experience in finance, construction, leadership, and organization are just 
a few great skills an HOA can take advantage of.
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Where do you start? A Board needs to start out by getting organized, whether it’s a brand-new Board 
taking over from a developer, or a couple new members being added to a current Board. Clear 
expectations and an understanding of each member’s role on the Board is vital.

​Most management companies will provide direction, or have their own Board Training program, and CAI 
has its own Board Training classes, and educational information, ready to assist a Board and point you in 
the right direction! You’ll be surprised at everything that goes into running an HOA well.

Taking the time to read and understand your community’s Governing Documents is very important. At 
times, the Board will need to reach out to legal counsel to get clarification on different sections, so as 
not to put the Board and community at risk. The Governing Documents (Articles of Incorporation, 
CC&Rs, Bylaws, Resolutions, Rules & Regulations) are what the Board will use to determine how to lead 
the community, which is why it is so advantageous to be very familiar with them.

If you are replacing a Board Member, they would be an excellent source of information, as far as your 
responsibilities, Board processes, etc. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything 
exactly as a past Board Member. One of the benefits of change, or turnover, in a Board, is that a new 
member will have fresh ideas and possibly a different, creative outlook regarding how things can be 
done. This can be extremely beneficial, as opposed to assuming things must be done the way they’ve 
always been done.

Understanding your position on the Board will be important in making sure you are taking responsibility 
for your role. Typically, a Board will have a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Others on the Board are Board members or Members At Large. Boards should consider getting other homeowners involved with specific committees, focused on certain topics such as landscaping, that report to a Board Member, serving as the Committee Chair.

A Board will need to pay close attention to the Bylaws and the direction given for having Board Meetings, scheduling, and giving notice of Annual Meetings for the members, how to elect new Board Members, etc.

If you are a new Board Member, you have many resources. Don’t be afraid to use them! Ask the management company for assistance/advice/direction, meet with past Board Members, reach out to the development team, if appropriate, and utilize CAI’s educational materials, classes, website, and training opportunities.

Additional Tips for New Board Members
• Set Realistic Goals: Don't try to do too much too fast. Focus on a few key areas where you can make a positive impact.
• Be Patient: It takes time to learn the ropes and understand the complexities of HOA management.
• Be Professional: Remember that you are representing the entire community, so conduct yourself with professionalism and courtesy.
• Be a Good Listener: Take the time to listen to the concerns of your fellow Board members and the community at large.
• Be Willing to Compromise: There will be times when you won't agree with everyone on the Board. Be willing to compromise to reach a consensus.
​• Attend Industry Events: There are many industry events and conferences throughout the year that can provide valuable education and networking opportunities for new Board members