I am working from the assumption that the bigger community (RIPE - which
  includes the rep.s of the Members!) develops and agrees to the activity
  plan, the NCC Members approve and agree to paid the bills, and the
  managing director is expected to make it happen, with whatever it takes.

  Operationally, I always saw the Board as a "background" group, which
  focuses on keeping the safety belts in good working condition, and to
  take care of formal responsibilities of the Association, as well as
  providing guidance to the MD.

  At the time when I was on the Board, we were very reluctant to interfere
  with the day-to-day management of the NCC. As this is a memory of the
  past, things might have changed. Probably something the Board should
  comment on.