Tuesday October 21, 2025
Congratulations are in order: you’ve just been elected to the board. So now the big question: What’s next? Fortunately, FirstService Residential is here to help. Follow these new board member basics and you’ll soon be governing like a pro.Understanding board member roles
A new board member in a Washington DC community association takes on a position with defined responsibilities. Each role on the board serves a distinct purpose, and together they keep the association running smoothly.
- President: Acts as the leader of the board by setting agendas, guiding discussions, and chairing board meetings. The president often serves as the primary point of contact with the property management company and sees that board decisions are carried out.
- Vice President: Steps in when the president is unavailable and may take the lead on special projects or committees. This role provides continuity so the board’s work keeps moving forward without interruption.
- Secretary: Keeps accurate records of board activity, including meeting minutes and official correspondence. The secretary’s work provides a reliable history of decisions that protects the board and keeps residents informed.
- Treasurer: Oversees the association’s financial health, from reviewing monthly statements to working on budgets and reserve studies. The treasurer plays a key role in helping the board make sound financial decisions that protect property values.
Seven tips for new board members
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Learn the governing documents
Your first order of business is to familiarize yourself with the governing documents for your association. The first of these is the Declaration or Master Deed, which includes the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (or CC&Rs) and sets forth the responsibilities of the association. It also outlines the rights of owners and their obligations.
Next, you’ll want to be familiar with the Articles of Incorporation, which act as the legal document that creates the corporation as an entity. It also defines the number of directors, the functions of the board and more. Be sure to take a look at your bylaws as well — these are provisions that set forth rules for how the association operates, including things like meetings, election procedures, and other board duties.
Finally, familiarize yourself with all of your association’s rules and regulations — the set of policies adopted by the board. These often address day-to-day issues like parking, landscaping, use of amenities, or architectural changes to homes. Rules and regulations should always be in accordance with state and local laws to avoid unenforceable rules. For a new board member, understanding these policies is especially important, since enforcing them consistently is one of the board’s core responsibilities.
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Prepare for every board meeting
A new board member should come to each meeting ready to contribute. That means reviewing the agenda, financials, and any supporting reports in advance. Preparation shows respect for fellow directors and makes discussions more efficient. In Washington DC, board meetings may cover contracts, budgets, maintenance, and resident concerns, all areas where preparation allows a new board member to participate fully.
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Ask questions early and often
A new board member is not expected to know everything from day one. Asking questions is not only acceptable but encouraged. Whether it’s about financial management or legal requirements under DC law, clarifying early can help you prevent mistakes later. Relying on professional management or the association’s attorney can also give a new board member confidence when addressing complex issues.
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Build strong relationships with fellow directors
Serving on the board is a team effort. A new board member benefits from building trust with fellow directors through respectful dialogue and collaboration. Disagreements may happen, but strong working relationships help the board make decisions more effectively. Attending training sessions or social events together can also help a new board member feel more integrated.
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Team up with a good property management company
If you’re fortunate enough to work with a good property management company, they can help you acclimate to your new role. After that, it’s important that you work effectively with the management company so you can maximize the resources it offers. As part of their service to you, the community association management company provides customer service and support, enforces your association’s policies, and helps you communicate effectively with homeowners and residents. A great company also assists with financial management and budgeting, maintaining records, managing vendors, and connecting you to additional expertise when you need it. Of course, specifics will vary depending on your agreement with the firm.
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Encourage volunteerism and committees
Part of your job as a board member is to promote a culture of volunteerism within your community. This goes a long way toward fulfilling your responsibility of strengthening the ties that bring neighbors together. Look for great volunteers. Reward them. Cultivate them. And help them grow into community leaders.
A great way to do this is through committees, of which there are two main types: standing committees, which continue in perpetuity, and special committees, which are temporary and cease to exist once they’ve fulfilled their mission. When it comes to creating committees, follow the guidelines and rules set forth in your governing documents. Remember that committees report to the board and provide their findings and recommendations in writing.
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Commit to ongoing learning
Community association management evolves with changing laws, resident expectations, and industry best practices. A new board member should take advantage of educational resources, seminars, or workshops offered in Washington DC. Property management companies like FirstService Residential can offer professional training for board members and resources to help advance their knowledge and effectiveness in their roles.