What is an Advisory Board and could your organization benefit from one? Community Association Legislative Lobby (CALL), Florida’s leading community association organization recently announced the formation of an Advisory Board which will provide vision, strategy, and outreach to the organization’s leadership team.
Working day-to-day in the community association industry, the term Board of Directors is commonplace. Community associations and many corporations across the state are governed by an elected Board of Directors who has a fiduciary and legal responsibility to the organizations they serve. In contrast, an Advisory Board does not have any formal legal responsibilities. Rather, an Advisory Board is appointed in order to give advice and support.
What qualities should you look for in an Advisory Board?
- Industry Experience
- Mentoring
- Strategic Thinking
- Credibility
Industry Experience
Industry experience is an important qualification for a team member of an advisory board. In this case, experience in carrying out the duties of a community association is crucial.
The CALL Advisory Board encompasses an extraordinary number of years as board presidents and management company executives.
- Roi Danon, President of Danon Management Group, Delray Beach, FL
- Ed Duch, Legislative Vice President, Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums (GSAC), Naples, FL
- Jim Hoppensteadt, President and Chief Operating Officer, Pelican Bay Foundation, Naples, FL
- Pio Ieraci, President, Galt Mile Community Association and Galt Ocean Club Condominium Association, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Ewing Sutherland, President, Gulfside, Inc., Naples, FL
Ken Direktor, Chair of Becker & Poliakoff’s Community Association Practice Group shared initial thoughts through a recent press release. “We look forward to working with this diverse group of individuals who have deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing common-ownership residential communities in Florida.”
Mentoring
Ideally it is important for a trusted group of advisors to be able to connect with an organization’s leadership on a professional level but personal connections should be considered, as well. Trust is earned over years of working side-by-side on important and mutually beneficial projects. “I have worked with these advisors for many years to shape positive community association legislation,” said attorney, Donna DiMaggio Berger, a shareholder in Becker & Poliakoff’s Community Association Law Group.
Strategic Thinking
Development of new programs and products is important to the success of an organization. A trusted team of advisors can be invaluable in strategic planning for product development and implementation. Ms. Berger went on to share how this group will be able to provide the insight and planning they need. “Their willingness to serve on CALL’s Advisory Board will enable us to gain valuable input on CALL’s legislative agenda as well as to broaden the scope of our outreach and the distribution channels for our many resource materials.”
Credibility
Access to and representation by trusted decision makers with longstanding ties to the community brings credibility to an organization.
Becker & Poliakoff attorney Yeline Goin, who serves as CALL executive director and lobbyist said, “These advisors will enable us to gain valuable input on CALL’s legislative agenda while providing a local connection between CALL and members of the Florida Legislature.”
Pio Ieraci of the Galt Mile Community Association commented, “I am honored to serve on CALL’s inaugural Advisory Board and, along with my fellow Board Members, am dedicated to spreading CALL’s important mission of outreach, advocacy, and education.”
Click here to read CALL’s press release in its entirety.
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