Governance
The Trustees of Reservations enjoy the support of many volunteers who play a critical role in the governance of the organization. At our 2003 annual meeting, the voting members of the corporation approved new by-laws aimed at making our governance structure better able to do its many tasks and to make the most effective use of the energy and dedication of our volunteers. Our governance structure consists of the following groups of volunteers:
Corporate Trustees*
Corporate Trustees are the voting “shareholders” of The Trustees of Reservations. The name “Corporate Trustees” dates to the origins of The Trustees of Reservations, which was formed in 1891 by an act of the state legislature as a charitable corporation governed by voluntary trustees. At the annual meeting of the corporation, currently serving Corporate and Life Trustees elect new Corporate Trustees.
By-Law Requirements
Number: minimum 200, maximum 600
Term length: 3 years per term
Term limit: none
*Life Trustees are voting members of the corporation like Corporate Trustees, but they are not subject to term limits. Life Trusteeship honors individuals who have given substantial property, financial assets, or service to The Trustees of Reservations. At the annual meeting of the corporation, Corporate and Life Trustees elect new Life Trustees.
Board of Directors (Formerly Standing Committee)
The members of the Board of Directors (Board) are legally responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, and overseeing the affairs of the organization, including hiring the President who is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the Board's policies and hiring staff. At the annual meeting of the corporation, Corporate and Life Trustees elect new members of the Board of Directors.
By-Law Requirements
Number: 25 individuals including all the Officers of the Corporation
Term length: 3 years per term
Term limit: 3 terms, with the option to re-serve after a one-year interval
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors is authorized to exercise the chartered powers of the Board of Directors when the Board is not in session. In practice, the Executive Committee meets only as needed but also serves as a sounding board for the Chairman and for the President.
By-Law Requirements
The Officers of the Corporation compose the Executive Committee and term length and limits for Officers apply.Other Committees of the Board of Directors
In addition to the Executive Committee, there are 11 additional committees of the Board:
- Audit
- Finance
- Investment
- Historic Resources
- Advancement
- Land Conservation
- Field Operations
- Board (including Nominating)
- Public Issues
- Human Resources
- Education and Outreach
Collectively, committee members bring a wide range of interest, expertise, and experience to the Board of Directors during its policy and action deliberations. They recommend policy to the Board and, in some cases, transact board business under policies and guidelines adopted by the Board. With a somewhat different purpose, the Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating individuals for election to various positions during the annual meeting of the corporation as well as for Board evaluation, training, and other related functions. Members of these eleven committees are drawn primarily from the Board, Advisory Council, and Chairman's Council.
Officers of the Corporation
The Officers of the Corporation have specific task-oriented responsibilities. At the annual meeting of the corporation, Corporate and Life Trustees elect the Officers of the Corporation.
By-Law Requirements
Number: 1 Chair, 1 Vice Chair, 1 Secretary, and 1 Treasurer
Term length: 3 years per term
Term limit: 2 terms serving in same office, with the option to re-serve in that office after a one-year interval
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council (AC) plays a special role in advising the Board of Directors on important issues facing the organization. Members of the AC serve on Committees of the Board and meet twice annually to discuss key issues and recommend long term strategy to the Board. At the annual meeting of the corporation, Corporate and Life Trustees elect new members of the Advisory Council. AC members may also be appointed by the Board between annual meetings.
By-Law Requirements
Number: limit set by Board of Directors; currently, 75
Term length: 3 years per term
Term limit: 3 terms, with the option to re-serve after a one-year interval
Chairman’s Council
The Chairman's Council (CC) consists of former members of the Standing Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council. They meet twice a year to hear updates on Trustees work, and many members serve on a Board Committee.
