1. How many people serve on the Board of Directors?

13 - 17

2. Who appoints members of the Board?

The current Board of Directors appoints new members to the Board.

3. How long are the terms of each Board member’s appointment?

Each term is three (3) years. Members may be re-appointed for a second term.

4. What are the eligibility requirements of Board positions?

Members of our Board of Directors reflect California’s diverse constituency served by DRC. We are mandated by federal acts to serve individuals with developmental, mental, physical, learning, and sensory disabilities. Persons living with disabilities, family members, attorneys, professionals, and providers are all represented on the Board. DRC is also committed to appointing members that represent California’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities. Every effort is made to ensure the Board reflects different geographic areas of the state.

5. What are Board members’ responsibilities?

The Board provides overall direction for DRC. Review the Board Roles and Responsibilities description. Generally, the Board does its work through standing Committees. Each Board member serves at least one Committee. Board members are also responsible for helping to develop resources, participate in some outreach events, and recruit new members. Committees include Audit, Finance, Governance, Public Policy, and Planning and Community Engagement. In addition, the Board officers serve on the Executive Committee.

6. How many Board meetings are held each year, and where are they held?

Typically, the board convenes five times per year: three virtual meetings and two in-person meetings, with hybrid participation options available. Each year, one of the in-person meetings is held over three days, and the location rotates throughout the state. The in-person meetings are held in different areas of the state to be more accessible to our constituents in Northern, Southern, and Central California.

7. How long are the meetings, and what other time obligations are there?

In addition to board meetings, members are expected to serve on one or two committees. These committees meet anywhere from monthly to quarterly. While the average time commitment is approximately 2-5 hours per month, this can increase significantly based on additional responsibilities.

8. What about travel expenses for Board members?

All Board travel expenses meeting DRC’s Board travel policy guidelines, related to Board meetings, are paid for by DRC. DRC also provides reasonable disability-related accommodations for Board members. Members are not paid an honorarium for their services.

9. Are there any prohibitions regarding appointments?

No person shall serve as a Director who (1), as a result of their employment or other activities, impedes DRC’s ability to be independent of any agency that provides treatment, services, or habilitation to individuals with disabilities as required by federal law or (2) is an employee or contractor of the DRC.

Additionally, persons who have served six (6) consecutive years may not be appointed to the Board for a period of two (2) years.

Directors must disclose any actual or possible conflict of interest, including any transaction in which the Director has a material financial interest or a loyalty conflict of interest. The Director shall disclose the conflict before the Board acting on the matter, and the Director shall abstain from deliberating on and voting in any action which causes the conflict. Directors shall also comply with the Agency’s conflict of interest policy.

If the Board has reasonable cause to believe a Director has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

10. How do I apply for a position on the Board?

Applications are accepted at any time, regardless of whether there is a position open. Notices of vacancies are posted on our website and social media. Please refer to "Join our Board" for instructions. To be considered for an open position, applications (or updates) are due two (2) to three (3) months before the active recruitment period.

11. Where can I get more information?

Please contact us at DRCBoardApplications@disabilityrightsca.org or (916) 504-5800.