As a member of this board, you hold a pivotal role in supporting the growth and empowerment of African American businesses in our community. Your leadership will help guide our efforts in advocating for Black-owned businesses, addressing issues like gentrification and displacement, and ensuring the long-term success of our initiatives.
This site will outline your specific responsibilities as a board member. While all board members share the collective mission of advancing our goals, each role is designed to tap into your unique strengths and expertise, helping Bantucola thrive in every aspect of its work.
Let's explore the exact roles and responsibilities that each board member will undertake as we work together to create lasting change in Pensacola’s African American business landscape.
Important Documents
There are some documents that every board member should have in their possession at all times to help guide them through working with Bantucola as a board member. Please download and view the following:
1. Owner/Stakeholder (Executive)
As the Owner or Stakeholder of Bantucola, this role is central to the organization's vision and overall strategy. While the Owner may or may not be a formal board member, their leadership and influence are integral to the direction of the organization. Responsibilities include:
Visionary Leadership: Setting the long-term vision and mission for Bantucola, ensuring that all activities align with the purpose of supporting African American businesses and addressing issues like gentrification and displacement.
Stakeholder Engagement: Maintaining relationships with key community members, business leaders, and partners to advocate for the growth and empowerment of Black-owned businesses.
Oversight of Executive Team: Providing high-level guidance to the Executive Director and leadership team, ensuring strategic alignment and effective implementation of initiatives.
Resource Development: Leveraging personal and professional networks to create opportunities for funding, partnerships, and support for Bantucola’s mission.
Advocacy and Public Representation: Serving as the face of the organization in public forums, media, and community engagements, ensuring Bantucola’s goals are well-represented in local and regional dialogues around economic empowerment and racial equity.
2. Chairperson (President) Click Here
The Chairperson is the leader of the board and the primary representative of Bantucola to external stakeholders, partners, and the community. Key responsibilities include:
Leading board meetings and ensuring they are efficient and productive.
Setting the strategic direction of the organization in collaboration with fellow board members and staff.
Ensuring that board members fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
Overseeing the Executive Director’s performance and ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
Acting as a liaison between the board and the community, especially in high-level advocacy efforts related to business growth, gentrification, and community displacement.
3. Vice Chairperson (Vice President) Click Here
The Vice Chairperson assists the Chairperson and steps into their role when needed. Responsibilities include:
Supporting the Chairperson in their duties and assisting in meeting facilitation.
Overseeing committees and special initiatives.
Taking on leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Chairperson.
Lead efforts related to internal board development, ensuring the board is effective and diverse in its approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
4. Treasurer Click Here
The Treasurer ensures the financial health and transparency of Bantucola. This includes:
Overseeing the organization’s financial management, including budgets, audits, and financial reports.
Ensuring the board is informed about the financial status of the organization.
Working with the Executive Director to identify opportunities for fundraising, grants, and financial sustainability.
Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory financial requirements.
5. Secretary Click Here
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring the board's work is well-documented. Responsibilities include:
Keep minutes of all board meetings and ensure they are accurately recorded.
Ensuring proper documentation of decisions, actions, and important communications.
Handling correspondence and notices to board members, ensuring everyone is informed of upcoming meetings and initiatives.
Assisting in the preparation of reports, agendas, and other official documentation.
6. Board Community Liaison Click Here
Board Members-at-Large contribute to the overall strategic direction and support of Bantucola. Their responsibilities include:
Providing expertise, feedback, and ideas during board discussions.
Lead or participate in committees focused on specific issues such as advocacy for Black-owned businesses, gentrification, community outreach, and more.
Assisting in fundraising efforts, including identifying potential donors, sponsors, and partners.
Engaging with the local community to ensure the organization's efforts are in line with the needs of African American businesses.
Supporting initiatives related to economic development, community relations, and public awareness of Bantucola’s mission.
7. Committee Chairs Click Here
Committee Chairs lead specific working groups within the organization. They play a hands-on role in organizing initiatives and ensuring goals are achieved. Some possible committees include:
Advocacy and Policy Committee: Focused on addressing issues like gentrification and displacement, advocating for policies that support Black-owned businesses.
Fundraising and Development Committee: Leads efforts to raise funds, build relationships with donors, and secure grants to support Bantucola’s programs.
Community Engagement Committee: Works to build relationships with local businesses and community organizations, creating partnerships to support mutual growth and impact.
Event Attendance Requirements
Board members are required to attend at least 75% of Bantucola-hosted events annually.
Attendance at major flagship events, including Black Business Weekend, networking mixers, and ribbon cuttings is mandatory unless excused in advance.
Board members must actively engage with attendees, business owners, and community leaders during events to strengthen relationships and support Bantucola’s mission.
If unable to attend an event, board members should notify the board chair in advance and designate an appropriate representative when possible.
Failure to meet attendance requirements without valid reasons may result in a review of board member status.