Sample resignation letter from a board member (7)

In this guide, we will see sample resignation letters from a board member.

Sample resignation letter from board member

A sample letter from a board member is useful if you are a volunteer or a nonprofit board position, and you have decided you will be leaving your job.

To avoid burning any bridges and leaving on a good note, writing a formal letter of resignation would be the most professional way to go.

Here you can see the letter format that you may need to follow and some letter templates that can help you write your own.

It is usually the case that you will have to present your resignation letter during a board meeting and the members of the board need to accept your resignation, which depending on your own personal circumstances may be for immediate dismissal or with a notice period of at least 2 weeks’ (standard).

On occasion, it could be better to let the board chair and president know your intent to resign from your board position and after this conversation, you can write and hand in your resignation letter. 

Here is the letter format you can follow (indeed.com):

  • Use proper formatting.
  • Include dates and addresses.
  • Include a polite greeting.
  • Create the body of your letter stating the intention to resign and mentioning the date when your resignation will be effective. 
  • Express your gratitude.
  • Offer to help.
  • Closing and signature.
  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from eforms.com:

“Ellen Donaldson

123 Yellow St.

Beach Town, NY 10013

May 1, 2017

Mark Belleville

Chairman

Construction Group Inc.

321 Fenton Pl.

Beach Town, NY 10013

Dear Mr. Belleville,

I regret to inform you that I will be resigning as a Board Member of Construction Group Inc. I will be able to continue serving until the end of our fiscal year, or until a replacement has been found.

The reason behind my resignation is that I have been offered a job opportunity in Capital City which will require my family to relocate. I am happy with how the company has progressed thus far and I’m sure that my replacement will be able to contribute to the continued growth of the organization.

The position I’ve held on the Board for the past three years has taught me more than I could have hoped. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to gain insight into the industry and for the guidance which has led me to become a stronger leader.

I look forward to watching the company continue to progress in the years to come.

Yours Sincerely,

Ellen Donaldson”

  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from eforms.com:

“Rick Yorkdale

987 Cooper St.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

September 1, 2017

Colleen Shute

Director

Mark & Mark Financial

555 Glasgow Pl.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Dear Ms. Shute,

It has been an honor to work alongside you on the Mark & Mark Financial Board of Directors. You have been more than a capable leader and I have learned much about the decision making that goes into running a successful company. However, I feel that it would be best if I resigned from my position on the Board, effective October 1, 2017.

My commitments have become increasingly time-consuming and, over the past year, it has been difficult for me to manage many aspects of my personal life. I want you to know that my departure is not directly related to any specific person on the Board, but simply due to my need to make my extremely strenuous schedule slightly less demanding.

With my remaining time on the Board, I would be happy to assist in the effort of finding a replacement and training said replacement so that they are fully prepared come the time of my resignation. Please contact me with any questions or comments in that regard.

Thank you for the opportunity and give my regards to the other members.

Best wishes,

Rick Yorkdale”

  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from eforms.com:

“Trenton Fischer

12 Simpson St.

Leicester, MA 01524

October 1, 2017

Cindy Kennedy

Chairman of the Board

Cut Co Inc.

5555 Stuart Ave.

Leicester, MA 01524

Dear Mrs. Kennedy,

This letter is meant to serve as an official notice of my resignation from my position on the Board of Cut Co Inc., effective immediately.

I feel that I lack the commitment and devotion necessary to run a company of this caliber. I believe that stepping down from my position will allow someone with a stronger passion for the industry to excel where I have failed. While I wish my time with Cut Co Inc. was more prosperous, I remain proud of the progress that we have made.

If you would like assistance in finding a suitable candidate to fill my position, feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Trenton Fischer”

  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from livecareer.com:

“Dear Ms. Chairwoman and Board Members,

It is with deep regret that I announce my resignation from the Parker County Children First Initiative, effective January 1, 2015. I am moving out of the area and will not be able to devote the necessary time and attention to the Children First Initiative.

Please know that I have thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to serve with you all to further childhood nutrition, fitness, and wellness. I am proud of our collective achievements and the significant progress the Initiative has made toward improving the emotional and physical health of our community’s children. I am particularly honored to have served as chair of the organization’s volunteer fundraising activities, and I am truly grateful for the extensive assistance each of you offered. As a board and as individuals, you are all tremendously talented, and I feel lucky to have volunteered by your side these past six years.

I am hopeful that I have given sufficient advance notice so that we can ensure a smooth transition for the next Fundraising Chair. I will always champion your cause and remain available to the organization via telephone or email. I look forward to seeing your many future accomplishments.

Sincerest regards,

Marianne Coupier”

  1. sample resignation letter from a board member (template)

Example from indeed.com: 

“[Your name]

[Address]

[Date]

[Board president’s name]

[Title]

[Board name]

[Address]

Dear [name].

I am writing to inform you about my decision to leave my position as [board member or position on board] of [name of the organization], effective [date or immediately].

[Give reasons for why you cannot continue to serve on the board].

Thank you for the opportunity to make a contribution to such an incredible organization. I’ve truly valued the opportunity to work with such a strong and dedicated team. I wish the best to you and the other members going forward.

Sincerely,

[Name]”

  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from indeed.com:

“[Name]

Example

Use this example of a board resignation letter when creating one for yourself:

Melissa Pierce

233 Apple Tree Lane

Norfolk, VA 23121

September 18, 2019

Mr. Aaron Beeker

Director

Norfolk Children’s Museum

1038 Main Street

Norfolk, VA 23121

Dear Mr. Beeker,

It is with regret that I need to inform you about my decision to resign from the Board of Trustees for the Norfolk Children’s Museum.

My family commitments and work schedule have made it impossible to give the board the time it requires to be truly effective in my position. I have seen substantial growth during the time that I have served and am confident you will continue to grow this amazing organization in my absence.

Thank you for giving me the chance to work with such a great team. I look forward to hearing about the continued successes of the Norfolk Children’s Museum.

Sincerely,

Melissa Pierce”

  1. sample resignation letter from board member

Example from greatsampleresume.com:

“Dear Chairman Parker:

It is with regret that I must tender my resignation from the Board of Directors of the ABC Tri-County Art Council effective May 31, 2013. As you may have heard, I am leaving my position as assistant curator at the ABC Museum of Art to accept the head curator position at XYZ Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. It is with mixed emotions that I leave the art council as it has become near and dear to my heart over the last four years that I have served on the board. I will also miss my work at the museum, but look forward to the unique challenges I will face in my new position.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to bring my personal love of art to school children in the tri-county area. The exposure to classic and contemporary works of art I believe serves to enrich the education of children and give them an appreciation for the beauty of art and the talent and dedication required to produce paintings, sculptures, and other pieces. I have also enjoyed organizing the annual art festival that has served to introduce art to adults in the community who otherwise would not have taken the time to visit a museum or art gallery.

My association with the ABC Tri-County Art Council has been a rewarding experience. The other board members are gifted and passionate individuals with whom I have enjoyed working and sharing my love of art. I will be happy to meet with and mentor a new board member should you name one prior to my departure for New York. Additionally, I will be happy to leave copies of my notes, my networking contacts, and other pertinent information I have compiled over the last four years for the new board member. I feel certain the council will continue to be supported by the ABC Museum of Art and the new assistant curator.

Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 anytime in the near or distant future. I will be happy to do everything in my power to help the ABC Tri-County Art Council continue to bring art appreciation to everyone in the community. Once I am settled in my new position in New York I will send you my email address. I look forward to staying in touch with the board.

Sincerely,

Miranda Dashwood

Miranda Dashwood

855.213.0348”

Other sample resignation or leave letters

Below are some of the other resignation or leave letters we curated.

If you are looking for a job, you should also ideally start your job research on job websites such as Indeed.

Sample resignation letter Germany
Sample resignation letter going back home
Sample resignation letter going back to school

References 

Eforms.com: “Board Resignation Letter Template – with Samples”

Livecareer.com: “Board Resignation Letter Sample”

Indeed.com: “How to Write a Board Resignation Letter (With Template and Example)”

greatsampleresume.com: