This digest discusses the relationship between community college trustees and the president, focusing on the necessity of establishing a rapport before times of crises. It is vital that the roles of both parties be clearly defined, and that each has a mutual responsibility to inform the other in an emergency. The president should embody the principles of adaptability and sound personal judgment, and act as a spokesperson directing the communication and planning processes. Since communication is essential to maintaining a relationship, measures such as presidential evaluations and process improvement teams should be employed to facilitate dialogues between the two parties and foster competent trustee leadership. If this communication is characterized by trust and openness, an effective relationship between the board and president should develop--one that withstands, and even assuages, times of crises. (YKH)