A Clean Handoff Checklist

Board Transitions: A Clean Handoff Checklist

Elections are done; now comes the handoff. A clean transition protects continuity and credibility. Use this checklist to move from “who’s on first?” to “we’re ready.”

1) Organizational meeting.
Elect officers, adopt a meeting calendar, and confirm signing authority. Approve a simple resolution reflecting officer roles and bank signers.

2) Banking & financial controls.
Update signature cards, view‑only access for appropriate roles, and ACH/wire protocols. Review reserve transfers and any special assessment accounts.

3) Records & access.
Confirm who has keys, codes, portals, and email addresses. Create forwarders for role‑based inboxes (e.g., president@, treasurer@). Inventory pending records requests.

4) Vendor contact sheet.
Assemble a one‑page sheet with core vendors, contract terms, service contacts, and after‑hours procedures. Note upcoming renewals and termination windows.

5) Open actions list.
Summarize active projects, approvals in flight, and looming deadlines. Assign owners and due dates.

6) Orientation packet.
Include governing documents, design standards, meeting rules, the current budget, reserve study summary, insurance declarations, and a glossary of acronyms.

7) Communication plan.
Publish a “Hello from the Board” note: who’s serving, priorities for Q1, and how to get in touch. Set expectations for meeting cadence and response windows.

A board that transitions cleanly buys itself months of calm.

Educational content only; not legal advice.
We help boards implement this handoff through JAM Consults and the Board Member Society.