Qualities of a “Dynamic Board”

1. Qualities of a“Dynamic Board” Presenters: Candace Plants, Kathy McGoldrick, Don Jones

2. Types of Boards and Opportunities for Volunteerism Not-for-Profit For Profit Citizens Task Force Steering Committees Advisory Boards Community Groups Government School Boards Etc.

3. How For-Profits Differ FromNot-For-Profits Not-For-Profits Owned by the public Serve the public Success is meeting needs of the public Board members are usually unpaid volunteers Members should make reasonable, not excessive income For-Profits • Owned by stockholders • Generate money for the owners • Success is making sizeable profit • Board members are usually paid • Members can make very sizeable income

4. How For-Profits Differ FromNot-For-Profits Not-For-Profits Money earned over and above should be spent soon on meeting the public needs Conventional wisdom suggests that the Chief Executive Officer should not be on the Board Usually exempt from paying federal, state/provincial, and local taxes Money donated to the nonprofit can be deducted from the donor’s personal tax liability For-Profits • Money earned over and above that is kept as profit and distributed to owners • Chief Executive Officer is often on the Board of Directors, sometimes as President • Usually not exempt from paying federal, state/provincial, and local taxes • Money invested in the for-profit usually cannot be deducted from the investor’s personal tax liability

5. Ten Roles and Responsibilities Determine the Organization’s Mission Purposes Select the Chief Executive Support the Chief Executive and Assess His or Her Performance Ensure Effective Organizational Planning Ensure Adequate Resources Manage Resources Effectively

6. Ten Roles and Responsibilities Determine, Monitor, and Strengthen the Organization’s Programs and Services Enhance the Organization’s Public Standing Ensure Legal and Ethical Integrity and Maintain Accountability Recruit and Orient New Board Members and Assess Board Performance

7. As an agency director, what are you looking for from your board members Become knowledgeable about the organization Be passionate about organization’s mission Contribute ideas and experience Maintain integrity and help achieve goals Be willing to challenge the status quo Do not be afraid to ask stupid questions Willingness to learn Cross-section of personalities and talents

8. How do you become involved with a board that fits with your values and schedule? Think about: Personal Strengths and contributing Interests, importance, and personal beliefs Time, frequency, and duration of meetings Volunteer to organization prior to joining the board Networking with other contemporaries to identity opportunities

9. How do boards and agency leaders work together to create a vibrant and dynamic board experience? Expect Diversity - a variety of opinions and talent Generate enthusiasm around a common goal Actively engage in decision making processes Carry out action steps towards goals Agree to disagree Share facilitation roles as individual experiences allow

10. How can board members contribute in healthy and meaningful ways? Match task with talents Utilize quality instructional tools and training Mentor new board members Show board members that they are valued Use personal and professional position to gain support for organization (donations, volunteers, etc.) Board members should also personally support the organization

11. Some Final Thoughts To everything there is a season. There is a time to join and a time to go. Keep our noses in and our fingers out . Have I told you lately that “ I Love You!”. The art of being disagreeable. Know what your organization does and whom it serves. Never miss an opportunity to say something good about your organization. Make your organization a top priority. Practice due diligence. Go beyond compliance. Do the right thing The mark of a good leader is knowing when to follow.

12. Final Thought Humility, a sense of humor, and not taking yourself too seriously have their places in the boardroom

13. Questions?Thoughts?Applause!!