Community college trustees play a variety of roles in governing their colleges, but there is little consistency in interpreting these actions. Defining the specific responsibilities of trustee involvement has increasingly developed into a priority for community college leaders. To what extent trustees should be involved in different decision-making processes is critical for college presidents and leaders, and the ability to use them as a resource to advance the college is important to help ensure the welfare and protect the mission of the college. The authors examined the involvement of community college trustees in making key institutional decisions, identifying college leaders' perceptions of trustee involvement in comparison to desired roles that community college leaders prefer. Findings indicated a disconnect between the desired and actual role of trustees, specifically in the area of trustees raising money for the institution, having a voice in curriculum, determining financial priorities, and making decisions on programs of study.