Can staff members be on the board?

Yes. However, it is most common for staff members to attend board meetings when their input is needed on an issue, but to not be actual voting members of the board. If you do choose to have staff on the board there are two areas of concern:

• Conflict of interest. Whenever the board is considering an issue from which the staff board member stands to benefit, the staff board member must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the decision.
• Funders may find it disturbing if the board is composed primarily of staff members.

You might want to read this interesting article: Should the CEO Have a Vote on the Board