The people who are in charge of the regional centers are called the Board of Directors (BOD). They make decisions about what an organization does and how it is managed. Board members write policies that are rules and regulations to guide the organization.

The board decides:

1. Who runs the organization;
2. How the organization will operate;
3. How much money will be spent;
4. What the organization does for the community;
5. Who is selected to be on the Board.

Members are selected to represent different groups from the community. The Lanterman Act says that 50% of the regional center Board of Directors must be adults with developmental disabilities and/or family members of an individual with developmental disabilities.  All regional center board members are volunteers who want to make sure the regional center does a good job helping people with developmental disabilities.

The Board of Directors reflect the geographic and ethnic characteristics of the area served. Westside Regional Center’s Board of Directors are composed of:

• individuals who have demonstrated interest in, or knowledge of, developmental disabilities;
• persons with fiscal expertise, governance or management experience; and
• representatives of each of the various categories of disability to be served by the corporation.

A board is led by officers. They have required jobs that help the Board run smoothly and carry out its mission. All Boards must have at least two officers.

1. The President leads the Board and its activities. They run the Board in a business-like manner and follows all laws. The President leads the meetings and chairs the Board’s Executive Committee.
2. The Vice President is the backup for the Board President. The Vice President is often assigned additional duties such as chairing special committees. They lead the meeting when the president is not there.
3. The Secretary makes sure the Board business is documented with minutes of meetings and all important decisions. They insure records of the Board are up to date.
4. The Treasurer makes sure financial records are complete. They provide timely reports to the Board and ensures an audit [official review] of the organization’s finances is done.

Members of the Board are responsible for making sure the organization follows the law and its budget. Members must be informed about community needs and the organization’s services. Members responsibilities include:

• Prepare for meetings and complete assignments
• Understand and follow the bylaws (rules that explain how a board runs)
• Stay informed about important issues that affect the organization
• Keep important information confidential
• Give opinions on issues
• Work as a team member
• Understand and practice meeting rules and codes of conduct

The Board hires an Executive Director to run the organization. The Executive Director carries out the Board policies so the organization meets its goals. The Executive Director hires employees to do the work.

The WRC Board of Directors typically meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM. All meetings are open to the public and everyone is permitted to attend.

There are several committees to the Board of Directors that carry out work and projects then report back to the Board. These committees include: Client Services Committee, Consumer Advisory Committee, Equity Committee, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, Political Action Committee, and the Service Provider Advisory Committee.  If you would like to read more about what these committees do, please click here. If you are interested in joining any of these committees and would like additional information, please view the schedule of meetings or email the Board Liaison, Megan Mendes, at MeganM@WestsideRC.org.

For more information, read the “Boardmanship: Inclusive and Accessible” workbook written by People First of California, Inc.