board

Board dynamics (the interpersonal relations between board members and senior staff) have a high level of importance to the board’s governing effectiveness. Exceptional boards govern in constructive partnership with the chief executive and staff, recognizing the effectiveness of this relationship is interdependent. This session explains how boards can create a culture that will foster engagement, trust and collaboration, as well as provide clarity around respective roles for a constructive partnership to build genuine mutual respect. Learning Objectives Create a governance culture that encourages engagement and trust" Define a constructive partnership" Understand shared leadership and succession planning" Speaker Susan Decker Principal, Decker Consulting

The desire to have a highly functioning board is universal, and the journey to achieve this often starts before inviting anyone to join an organization board. How an organization identifies, prepares, supports, and evaluates its board is often done inconsistently. Participants will learn strategies to implement a board-building plan to ensure their organization’s board is highly functioning and performing at its best Learning Objectives Learn the how to recruit year round Understand how to effectively cultivate potential board members Uncover ways to educate and support your board in its work Speaker Dave Sternberg Founding Partner, Loring Sternberg & Associates

Effective governance is the bridge between strong leadership and meaningful, measurable outcomes for an organization’s mission. This session explores how boards can move beyond policies and procedures to actively shape long-term impact. Participants will learn how to translate governance principles into strategic action, ensuring decisions at the board table ripple through programs, partnerships, and community results. Through discussion and applied examples, attendees will consider how to align governance practices with organizational values, performance indicators, and sustainability goals. Learning Objectives Connect board governance practices to organizational outcomes and community impact Use data and evaluation to inform governance decisions and measure progress Identify strategies for aligning board work with mission, vision, and strategic priorities Speaker Vernetta Walker CEO, Vernetta Walker and Associates