This chapter reviews social and organizational theories that influence governance to contextualize new ways to think about the roles of boards of trustees. This chapter discusses how various organizational theories help define the roles of boards of trustees, the CEO, and other stakeholders with respect to governance. Using this backdrop, reforms to advance thinking about board operations that advance the mission of community colleges are presented. For example, student success and equity are at the forefront of challenges facing community college leaders and their boards. Understanding more fully how board actions and relationships can help advance this work is critical, and more research on governance and trustees is needed.