Omega Phi Beta - History of Organizational National Leadership

History of Organizational National Leadership

In a short five years following its inception, Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) had rapidly grown to include seven undergraduate chapters and an Alumnae chapter located in New York City. Realizing a need to oversee the operation of these chapters and to establish a set of organizational policies and protocols, the general membership ratified the creation and elected the first National Board of Omega Phi Beta in March 1994. For the next six years, the National Board of Omega Phi Beta served as the central governing body of the organization and became responsible for identifying the need, enforcing, and communicating organizational policies, protocols and initiatives throughout the Sorority.

In 1999, the National Board realized that the scope of its responsibilities had shifted and expanded. A Re-Organization Committee was established in February 1999 to explore several issues and develop a proposal to significantly change the organization. Part of this exploration required the Reorganization Committee to revisit the organizational structure of the Sorority and the roles and responsibilities of the National Board. Some of the highlights from the proposal included establishing a partnership with the newly named Alumni Association of New York City; and the renaming of the National Board to the National Board of Directors which was instated in the summer of 2000.

After a second restructuring under the Quality and Assurance Committee (formerly known as the Re-Organization Committee) The need for further development brought about a second restructuring under the Quality and Assurance Committee (formerly known as Re-Organization). The committee worked diligently, which resulted in a written proposal that was presented to and adopted by the general membership in 2006 changing the national structure to include a Board of Trustees and a National Council of Officers.

The role of the Board of Trustees is to create and maintain the long-term vision for the Sorority and establish appropriate goals and milestones toward fulfilling the Sorority’s vision. In short, the BOT is the ultimate governing body of OPBSI and oversees the progress of the National Council, Alumnae Association, and all relevant committees.

The National Council of Officers on the other hand, focuses on the day-to-day operations of OPBSI, and has full and final administrative authority over activities and operations, as well as the power to do what is in the best interest of OPBSI.

As we grow into the next millennium, we can not ignore the future challenges and obstacles our communities will have to overcome. This reality is what prompts us to revisit our own structure and “re-organized” - so that we are prepared and capable of serving out our mission and commitment to serve and educate through our diversity.