Board Meeting Agenda Sample

The NACD Future of the American Board report advises: “The board should determine the best position for effective and agile governance and select the issues for board focus, and it possesses the autonomy to do so. Meeting agendas should align with current board priorities and be adjusted as needed. Boards can no longer wholly defer to management to determine priorities or simply rely on the formula provided by last year’s board calendar and work program. While each board must determine its own priorities, it is highly likely that those priorities involve issues of strategy, risk, and talent.”

A clear, intentional board meeting agenda sets the foundation for productive discussions and effective governance. For guidance on designing board calendars and agendas that strengthen oversight, see Director Essentials: Board Calendars and Meeting Agendas. Here is a sample agenda:

Opening Executive Session

• Vote—New board member 
• Vote—New corporate secretary 
• CEO commentary without senior management present

Call to Order (by the Board Chair)

• Approval of minutes 
• Review and approval of board resolutions, as applicable