Thursday August 21, 2025
What is a board member?
A board member in an Alabama HOA is an elected homeowner who helps oversee the association’s operations and finances. Board members make decisions on behalf of the community, such as approving budgets, maintaining common areas, and enforcing the association’s rules. While property management companies handle daily operations, board members are ultimately responsible for setting policies and protecting the community’s long-term interests.
In Alabama, board members must follow their HOA’s governing documents, which outline how meetings are run, how decisions are made, and how finances are managed. Serving on an HOA board is a volunteer role, but it carries important responsibilities that directly affect the value of the community.This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
Board member roles and duties
President
The president’s responsibilities include important procedural roles as well as essential leadership functions. For instance, the president may appoint committees if dictated by the bylaws and they often operate as an authority on the rules and documents governing the association. During meetings, the president maintains order, proposes questions, calls votes, announces outcomes, and recognizes those who are about to speak on the floor. The president also calls the meeting to order, announces the agenda, and sees that everyone adheres to it.Vice president
The vice president shares many of the responsibilities of the president and serves in the leadership capacity when the president is absent. They are tasked with helping to maintain order during parliamentary procedures, keeping the flow of business moving efficiently, and acting as a knowledgeable source when it comes to the rules of the association.Secretary
The secretary is the board’s record keeper, keeping track of decisions so there’s a clear history to reference later. By keeping accurate meeting minutes and signing key association documents, the secretary helps avoid confusion about what was decided and when.How minutes get written can vary. Sometimes onsite staff or a property manager drafts them for the secretary to review and sign, and sometimes the secretary takes notes during the meeting. The easiest approach is to use the agenda as a guide, jotting down any motions, what was discussed, and the final decision. Minutes don’t need to be word-for-word; they just need to show what actions were taken. Sending them out soon after the meeting keeps everyone aligned.
A great secretary is detail-focused and consistent, always reviewing minutes carefully before signing. These records become part of the association’s history, so getting them right is important for the board and the community.
Treasurer
The effectiveness of your board depends in part on the effectiveness of your budget. The treasurer will be the keeper of financial records. They will apprise the board of the association’s financial health through regular reports of income and expenses and will also produce an annual treasurer’s report to all members. Look to the treasurer to submit financial records in the case of an audit, and to authorize any disbursement of funds. The treasurer is also the primary check signer for community payables.Sometimes, board members get pushed into a treasurer position without the background or experience to be successful in that role. It’s very important that the treasurer be someone with the background and experience to interpret a financial statement and convey the information in it with confidence. Your management company should also be a primary resource for your board when dealing with financials. FirstService Residential provides association partners with budget resources and training as well as a robust accounting team that board members can turn to for complex budget questions.
What about our community manager?
While not a member of your board, your manager is an outside party bound to your association by contract. It’s important that your manager comes from a reputable property management company. This means that your manager has the knowledge and expertise, along with the management company’s resources and support, to deliver the best service to your community and board. Though the specifics of their duties vary by contract, managers typically execute the policies dictated by the board and administer all of the services, operations, and programs of the association. Your manager should also be an important source of information and insight. In fact, many boards become more effective through training provided by an experienced manager.How to become a board member
To become a board member in an Alabama HOA, you must typically be a homeowner in good standing and follow the election process outlined in the HOA’s governing documents. The first step is attending board meetings to learn more about how the association operates. HOAs usually hold elections annually, and candidates must submit their names before the official nomination deadline. Some HOAs require written nominations, while others allow nominations directly from the floor during the annual meeting.Elected board members usually serve terms outlined in the bylaws, which can range from one to three years. Once elected, new members often receive orientation or training from the property management company or existing board members to help them understand their roles. Serving on the board can be a rewarding experience, giving you a voice in how the community is managed and maintained. However, it also requires a commitment to attending meetings, reviewing financial documents, and making decisions that are compliant with Alabama HOA laws.
How FirstService Residential supports board members
Serving on a board is a big responsibility, and having the right management partner can make all the difference. At FirstService Residential, we give board members the tools, guidance, and support they need to run effective meetings, manage budgets, handle community maintenance, and stay on top of Alabama regulations. Our experienced managers work alongside your board to simplify operations and protect your community’s long-term value.Contact us today to learn how we can help your board succeed.