Accomplished executive and investor RoAnn Costin leads Wilderness Point Investments as founder and managing director. When she isn’t busy overseeing operations for the private equity firm, she serves on numerous non-profit and corporate boards. Over the years, RoAnn Costin has held over two dozen board positions, including positions on boards of trustees and boards of directors.

Here are several traits and qualities that effective board members need:

1. Passion: Whether they are part of a nonprofit or corporate board, great board members are passionate about an organization’s mission. This passion serves as motivation when donating time to board activities and makes certain organizations more appealing than others.

2. Dependability: Board members who are unreliable and unpredictable are frustrating, so having a consistent one is crucial for success. Dependable board members attend scheduled meetings and show up prepared. They are also actively engaged in the organization and the board’s agenda to immediately tackle relevant issues.

3. Vision: Effective board members are capable of seeing the big picture. They have a firm vision that realizes their mission and makes that vision a reality via their board activities. Further, they influence others toward pursuing the organization’s goals.

4. Community connections: Organizations want board members who are positively regarded within their community. These individuals are regularly out networking and promoting the organizations they are a part of during this process. Connected board members also grant organizations access to additional opportunities and resources for projects.