Original Article: "What does ex officio mean?" http://www.boardsource.org/Knowledge.asp?ID=3.159
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Often, chief executives are said to serve as ex officio members of their board, meaning that they attend board meetings "by reason of their office," rather than through elections. Other ex officio members could be government officials who are required to represent the government as part of a major grant provision. These delegates are appointed because of the position they hold and not because they have expressed particular interest in the organization.
It is important to expect the same commitment from these delegates as from other board members. There is often a misconception that ex officio board members lack voting rights, but the term has nothing to do with voting. It is important to clarify in the bylaws whether ex officio board members may have the right to vote.
