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Kol Ami Board of Directors

Kol Ami is a 501(c)(3) religious charitable organization and is overseen by a board of directors made up of members of our community. Once a year Kol Ami will have open nomination for vacancies on the board. These vacancies occur because we have term limits for board members. Board terms allow for leadership growth and development for members and also brings new vision for our organization. Board members are the leaders of the organization, and you can find board member responsibilities and expectations in the document below. 

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As of of March 10, 2025, annual nominations for the Kol Ami Board of Directors are open. Please review the Board Member Responsibilities document below, and if you are interested in being considered for the Board, please fill out and return the below Board Member Application.

Board of Directors Responsibility Description

Introduction

Kol Ami Board members are trustees who act on behalf of the Synagogue’s congregants. The Board of Directors have the principal responsibility for fulfillment of the Synagogue's mission and the legal accountability and liability associated with Congregation activities and its property. This means that as a group they are in charge of establishing a clear organizational mission, forming a **strategic plan to accomplish the mission, and overseeing and evaluating the plan’s success. The Board is also charged with engaging a Rabbi and supporting and evaluating that individual. Finally, the Board is responsible for ensuring Kol Ami’s financial solvency. While differences of opinion within the Board and between the Board and the Rabbi are sure to arise, Board members and the Rabbi should seek to keep disagreements impersonal. By practicing discretion and accepting decisions made on a majority basis, Board unity and confidence will be promoted. The Board should be open to self-evaluation and periodically review its own composition to ensure constituent representation, Board expertise, and commitment. 


**Strategic planning is the process of determining what an organization intends to be in the future and how it will get there. The Board is responsible for ensuring the development of this plan and working with professional staff to implement the plan. 

Roles & Responsibilities

General

  1. Annual review of the mission statement of the synagogue to determine if the goals and objectives of the Congregation are consistent with its mission statement. Help develop and review annually Board goals, objectives, and priorities; and organizational policies. 

  2. Develop and implement a strategic plan to achieve the Synagogue’s mission. The plan should be periodically reviewed every 3 years. 

  3. Ensure that financial resources are used wisely, efficiently, and ethically to achieve the Synagogue’s mission. 

  4. Develop and maintain communication links and beneficial relationships with the Synagogue membership, committees, and outside community. 

  5. Appoint/review/approve personnel decisions involving the Synagogue’s staff and Rabbi. 

  6. Serve on and/or be the Chair of at least 1 committee. 

  7. Provide for the periodic self-evaluation of the Board’s performance 

  8. The Board shall ensure that there is an active and effective nominating committee to identify and recruit new Board members and officers. This will assure that Board members are replaced as the need arises. 

  9. Observe, listen to, and be attentive to the needs of the members of the Congregation. 

  10. Provide or be willing to solicit financial support to the Congregation 

  11. Remain current regarding payment of all dues, fees, and financial obligations 

  12. Actively welcome new members into all aspects of congregational life 

  13. Positively represent Kol Ami to the Community at Large 

Serve As a Jewish Leadership Role Model

  • Engage in Jewish study by attending Torah Studies, Shabbat, and Holiday services and  event programming 

  • Ensure the provision of religious education program for children and adult 

Fiscal Management

  • Review monthly financial reports of the Congregation 

  • Approve the annual capital and operating budget 

  • Understand the budget plan and monitor its implementation 

  • Oversee and approve the expenditure/maintenance of Congregational funds, records, and 
    property. Ensure the financial stability of the congregation 

  • Oversee both short-term fund-raising and long-term resource development programs to meet 
    programmatic and capital needs 

Membership, Volunteer and Programming Development

  • Help to increase and maintain Congregation membership 

  • Identify and recruit candidates for new leadership positions and committee membership 

  • Collaborate with the Rabbi in planning significant programs. 

Board Member Expectations

Attendance at Board / Business Meetings

  • Regularly scheduled Board meetings 

  • Orientations, training sessions, and retreats 

  • The installation of Synagogue officers 

  • The Congregation’s annual meeting 

Board Participation

  • Be prepared to discuss agenda items 

  • Participate thoughtfully and respectfully in discussions at Board meetings 

  • Support the final decisions of the board 

  • Support raising funds for the Synagogue 

  • Learn and understand the Synagogue’s mission, goals, bylaws, policies, operating procedures, and financial affairs 

  • Recruit and Mentor new Board members 

Committees

Participate actively or take a leadership role in one or more of the Synagogue’s committees and build relationships with members of the congregation 

  • Financial Stability Committee 

  • Religious Life Committee 

  • Education Committee 

  • Social Action Committee 

Board Member Desired Skills

  1. Strong verbal and written communication skills 

  2. Ability to think critically and objectively 

  3. Ability to work collaboratively with an open mind to new and different ideas 

  4. Financial, business knowledge and/or willingness to learn 

  5. A prior record of committee service in the congregation 

  6. Leadership abilities and the recognition of the larger needs of the congregation 

  7. Commitment to Jewish knowledge and service to the Jewish community 

  8. Good judgment and the ability to refrain from personalizing disagreements 

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