My 5 cents at the Lucy booth:

I've been on a bunch of Boards, none of which allowed immediate family
members to sit on the same board, and I'd guess that most organization's
bylaws are similar, because it might create undue weight on a particularly
close vote.

Obviously, though, times have changed, and I think the two halves of a
couple think much more independently these days and one partner is less
likely to be unduly influenced by the opinion of the other. (Not so long ago
it was assumed that a wife would always vote as her husband did. In fact she
was expected to!! ...probably hard for some of you to imagine.) 
  
I think another and perhaps better reason, particularly on a Board that is
expected to provide strong financial support, is that (in the case of a
couple at least) you're drawing on the same joint income.  If there is a
limit to the number of seated Board members, it would cause you to lose a
seat for an additional Board member with an additional ability to give.

Lucy Sperlin
Butte County Historical Society
Oroville, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Pam Williams
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:17 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Board Staffing/Nepotism/conflict of interest

I am posting this question for a friend who is not on this list (yes, I
know that's always a "fishy" statement, but it's true!)  I will forward
responses to the asking party.

Does anyone have or know of any guidelines for museum boards regarding
multiple family members on a board?  The museum involved is NOT a family
owned or run museum.  A state staffed/run organization with professional
staff.  

Pam Williams
Assistant Museums Director
City of Bowie Museums
Bowie, Maryland

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