Wikipedia defines a board of directors as a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization.
Other names include:
Board of Governors
Board of Managers
Board of Regents
Board of Trustees
Board of Visitors
It is often simply referred to as "the board".
Business executives sometimes consider joining a non-profit board and should consider:
Do you have a passion for the mission?
What is the written?
Strategic plan
Mission
Vision
Values
What is the responsibility?
What is the average board member's contribution?
What are the executive directors biggest challenges?