Stepping into the role of board president in a condo or co-op building is a real opportunity. Whether you’re in a self-managed walk-up or a high-rise with full-time staff, the position comes with both responsibility and influence.
A good president doesn’t just help things run smoothly—they help create a better experience for everyone in the building. Here’s what to expect, what powers you actually have, and how to lead effectively no matter the size of your board or building.
Why the role matters
The board president sets the tone. You lead meetings, keep things moving, and often act as the main point of contact for residents, management, and outside professionals. But maybe most importantly, you’re the person who helps the board stay focused and functional—especially when decisions risk stalling.
In well-run buildings, the board president is more facilitator than figurehead. Your job is to keep communication clear, timelines realistic, and priorities aligned with the needs of the community.
Core responsibilities of a board president
The specific day-to-day may vary depending on your building, but here are the key responsibilities most presidents take on:
- Chairing board meetings
Set agendas, lead discussions, and keep things productive. Help the board move toward decisions, and make sure everyone’s voice is heard along the way. - Keeping the board focused and accountable
Boards can easily get bogged down—whether it's delayed votes or circular conversations. A strong president keeps things on track, ensures decisions don’t stall, and follows up between meetings to keep progress moving. - Communication with residents
You're often the public face of the board. That means sharing updates, managing expectations, and creating transparency. Whether through emails, newsletters, or building apps, clear communication builds trust. - Team leadership
Encourage participation from all board members. Support new members, delegate when needed, and help the board operate as a team, not just a group of individuals with tasks. - Oversight of building operations
Coordinate with your manager or staff on ongoing projects, maintenance, and vendor issues. You’re not doing the day-to-day work—but you’re helping ensure it gets done. - Reviewing financial and legal matters
Understand the building’s financials, major contracts, and legal obligations. You don’t have to be the expert, but you should be informed and confident signing off when needed. - Conflict resolution
Step in when issues arise between residents, or between owners and the board. Keeping the tone respectful and solutions-oriented helps maintain community harmony. - Compliance and governance
Help ensure the building is meeting all legal requirements and following its internal rules. That includes filings, elections, and other key deadlines.
What powers does the board president have?
While the president leads, they don’t rule. Most important decisions still require board votes. That said, presidents typically have authority to:
- Call special meetings when needed
- Sign contracts and official documents on behalf of the board
- Represent the board in communications with attorneys, vendors, or city agencies
- Delegate tasks and appoint committees
In practice, the role is about coordination—not control.
What the role looks like in different types of buildings
In self-managed buildings (usually under 12 units)
You’ll likely be more hands-on. Without a property manager, many day-to-day responsibilities land on the board. The president often plays a key role in organizing maintenance, responding to residents, and managing basic building operations.
Tips that help:
- Know your governing documents—they set the rules for what the board can and can’t do
- Encourage board members to split responsibilities to avoid burnout
- Keep clear records of finances, decisions, and conversations
- Use simple tools (even shared spreadsheets) to stay organized and responsive
- Document processes so future board members don’t have to start from scratch
In small-to-medium buildings with part-time or external management
You may have a managing agent, but they’ll rely on the board president to move things forward. This often includes approving proposals, giving direction on priorities, and helping respond to resident concerns.
What works well:
- Build a strong, responsive relationship with your manager
- Clarify which decisions require board input, and which can be handled by management
- Keep the board connected between meetings with simple updates or reminders
- Use centralized tools or dashboards to keep everyone aligned
In larger buildings with full-time staff and professional management
The role shifts more toward leadership and oversight. You’ll likely focus on high-level decisions—capital projects, budget planning, legal matters—while working closely with your manager and fellow board members.
What to focus on:
- Lead with clarity and direction at meetings
- Keep the board aligned on priorities and informed between sessions
- Support your manager while holding vendors and staff accountable
- Represent the board effectively to residents, especially during major building initiatives
Don’t overlook this: culture and communication matter
Regardless of building size, one thing stays constant: good board presidents build trust.
- Communicate clearly with residents—not just when something goes wrong, but as part of ongoing transparency
- Encourage healthy board dynamics by making space for differing opinions, but also keeping discussions focused
- Follow through—when you say something will be addressed, make sure it is
- Help the board move at a steady pace, so decisions don’t get stuck in limbo
A president who leads with consistency, accountability, and clarity has a huge influence on the overall tone of the building.
Final thoughts
Becoming board president of a condo or co-op is no small job. But when done well, it helps keep your building running smoothly, residents well-informed, and the community moving forward. It’s about leadership, not control—and keeping people and priorities aligned.
With the right structure, tools, and communication in place, it’s a role you can grow into with confidence. Daisy’s dashboard helps board presidents stay on top of everything—from meeting agendas to task approvals—so decisions don’t stall and the whole board stays in sync, even between meetings.
