Responsibilities of BCSA Board of Directors, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members Policy (effective 1/14/2026)

Board of Director Responsibilities

BCSA Board Members are tasked with overseeing the organization's governance, strategy, and financial health by providing high-level direction, ensuring legal and AKC compliance, and ensuring the BCSA stays true to its mission and values.

As a body, the Board of Directors strive to protect the club’s vision and stay true to its purpose. It also is responsible for managing the BCSA public image and reputation. Furthermore, it strives to address member needs and concerns, as well as giving updates on club matters.

The Board of Directors consists of nine members: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, 3 or 4 At Large Positions, and Past-President/At Large position. The Board also has a non-regular, non-voting, ex-officio member who serves as the BCSA Delegate to the AKC and reports quarterly to the Board. The duties for each of these positions is detailed in the BCSA By-Laws, Article III, Sections 1 and 2.

Committee Chair Responsibilities

Committee Chairs schedule and lead meetings, set agendas, ensure committee and Board of Director’s goals and timelines are met, and collaborate with the assigned Board Liaison in representing the group.

Committee chairs need both leadership and facilitation skills to keep discussions focused, ensure all members have a voice, and manage any real, perceived, or anticipated conflict. Planning and organizational skills are also needed so that committee chairs can assigns tasks and monitor progress towards goals and deadlines. Committee chairs are more successful if they are able to hold members accountable, oversee decision-making, and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time. Lastly, it is the responsibility of the committee chair to guide the committee's strategic direction and ensure all efforts are in alignment with BCSA goals set for by the Board of Directors.

Committee Member Responsibilities

Committee members must be passionate about the purpose and work of the committees on which they serve. Members should attend meetings, read materials, prepare needed information in advance of meetings, and stay well informed on the foundational issues under the committee’s focus. Members should be willing and able to contribute ideas, speak clearly, support the committee's purpose, and help reach decisions. Members should be willing to accept assignments, complete them promptly, and follow through on commitments. Members should also be willing to collaborate with others, maintain an impersonal focus on issues, and help avoid conflict by supporting an inclusive and productive atmosphere.

Of special note:

Members who serve on the Board of Directors, as Committee Chairs, or as Committee members must always strive to protect the trust of the general membership and the dignity of the position they have been privileged to received. Confidentiality is essential to create an atmosphere safe for meaningful dialogue. Without total confidentiality trust is shattered. Therefore, ANY lapse in confidentiality, whether intended or not, is grounds for immediate dismissal from a Board, Committee Chair, or Committee member position. Serving others and the organization is a high honor. All must exert the ability to address obstacles, find solutions, maintain impartiality, focus on the task/agenda at hand, and be dedicated to the overall mission and values of BCSA.