Free podcasts of inspiring conversations with nonprofit leaders
Through inspirational 8-10 minute interviews with nonprofit leaders, Board Directors learn about their roles and responsibilities, as well as quick points to strengthen their nonprofit Boards. Perfect for introducing a topic for discussion, we invite you to share a podcast at your next Board meeting. CD and DVD compendiums are available for purchase. Download a PDF podcast episode guide.
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On Being Board podcasts are sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Podcast host Pat Wyzbinski steps into the role of featured guest to share her thoughts about nonprofit boards and challenges associated with governing nonprofit organizations today and in the future. Drawing upon more than three decades of experience as a management consultant, Pat reflects on board composition, public scrutiny, complacency, and communication inside and outside the boardroom. This episode of BoardStar: On Being Board marks the conclusion of the podcast series.
The success of a grant application may be influenced by the involvement and perceived capability of the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors. What is it about a nonprofit applicant’s Board that really matters to a foundation? PatWyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund explores foundations’ expectations and experiences with Maria Lopez Vento of the Helen Bader Foundation and Scott Gelzer of the Faye McBeath Foundation.
How do the prevailing economic winds affect workplace giving? Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund asks Mary Lou Young how The United Way meets and even exceeds its fundraising goals in an economic downturn. Mary Lou is currently the Chief Operating Officer of United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
How does a new board president build constructive partnerships with the executive director, board officers, committee chairs and other leaders? What practices can increase the effectiveness of board meetings? What other leadership responsibilities of the board president are critical to the advancement of a nonprofit organization? To explore the broad range of responsibilities shouldered by a board president, Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Barbara Hunt about her plans and priorities as the Cedarburg Cultural Center’s board president. Barbara is also Marketing Chair of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alumni Association Board and past chair of other local and national nonprofit boards.
How does the public know it can trust a nonprofit organization? Twenty standards addressing governance and oversight; measuring effectiveness; finances; and fundraising and informational materials comprise the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. Wisconsin Better Business Bureau President Ran Hoth talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about why the Better Business Bureau decided to create these standards and why organizations meeting the standards are encouraged to apply for a BBB national charity seal.
The Treasurer plays a critical role in helping nonprofit board directors understand the organization’s fiscal status. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Maricruz Talavera-Pettis about the Treasurer’s responsibilities, as well as qualifications needed by those serving in this important position. Maricruz Talavera-Pettis is the Director of Finance and Compliance for Rosalie Manor Community and Family Services in Milwaukee and currently serves as the Treasurer for Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.
Good annual planning not only identifies a baseline and defines what an organization hopes to accomplish, it effectively documents goals and objectives that unify the organization’s focus and purpose for the next 12 months. Presenting annual planning as a top priority for a nonprofit Board of Directors, Faye McBeath Foundation Executive Director Scott Gelzer and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund discuss timing, elements, budget considerations, evaluation, flexibility, and other characteristics and facets of this critical process.
She’s been recruited, oriented, and is officially on board, but now how do you help this new board director build commitment and truly engage in the work of the organization? Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Sara Wilson about numerous ways to help, such as using mentors, facilitating board education, focusing on the impact of the individual’s and board’s work, and expressing appreciation. Sara Wilson of Mayes|Wilson & Associates, LLC, has worked with boards and volunteers in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years.
What drives Jan Masaoka crazy about the nonprofit sector? Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund invites Jan Masaoka to share her thoughts about an array of challenges facing today’s nonprofits. How can a nonprofit board best focus on an organization’s needs? What dynamics are behind really tough decisions? What kind of leadership is most effective? Jan Masaoka is a national keynote speaker, writer, and researcher on nonprofit boards, and Editor-in-Chief of Blue Avocado, a provocative, fun, and ultra-practical online magazine for nonprofits.
A surprisingly high number of nonprofit executives are fired by their Boards or forced to resign. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Jan Masaoka about what is important to know - and common mistakes to avoid - as the Board of Directors considers terminating the employment of its executive director. Jan Masaoka is a national keynote speaker, writer, and researcher on nonprofit boards, and Editor-in-Chief of Blue Avocado, a provocative, fun, and ultra-practical online magazine for nonprofits.
While legislative advocacy is an acceptable activity for 501(c)(3) organizations under the tax law, IRS penalties for excessive lobbying can be harsh. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Linda Honold about the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and related rules and reporting requirements with which nonprofit organizations should be acquainted. Linda Honold is the Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund. She also chairs the Advisory Council for the Wisconsin Civic Engagement Project, as well as the Development and Strategic Planning Committees for USAction.
"We listen to the podcasts at our Board meetings. They are educational and informative, and what's really nice is that if it's something we've been talking about or relevant to the issue it's a good way to get the discussion going. We find them very helpful."
- Lora Rosenbaum
Conferences focusing on nonprofit governance offer Board Directors valuable opportunities to learn, network and exchange ideas with other nonprofit leaders representing a broad spectrum of experiences and mission interests. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Barb Knoff about the unique learning environments of conferences and how participants can share their learning experience with their colleagues and communities. Barb provides content planning and design support for national and regional conferences focusing on nonprofit governance and other issues, and edits the BoardStar: On Being Board podcast series.
Are your board meetings interesting, relevant, and engaging?
Meetings are the key vehicle a board of directors uses to lead an organization, so the issues directors need to discuss and on which they must take action should be every meeting’s focus. It is also important to know what should not be included in a board packet or discussed at a meeting. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund and Mary Wacker of MB Wacker Associates review the elements of successful board meetings, including some of the unique responsibilities of the board chair.
Thinking creatively about a nonprofit organization’s community connections may uncover new threads of support. Sam Macklem talks with the Nonprofit Management Fund’s Pat Wyzbinski about how board directors can expand the reach of the nonprofit they serve with the goal of strengthening its web of wealth. A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Sam Macklem has worked with nonprofits in fundraising and communications for more than 30 years.
Before a nonprofit organization pursues a social enterprise strategy, its leaders must be very thoughtful about what the nonprofit is trying to accomplish. What are the organization’s core competencies and how can they best be leveraged into a social enterprise? What are the risks? The Nonprofit Management Fund’s Pat Wyzbinski talks with Kathryn Dunn of the Helen Bader Foundation about the nature and breadth of social entrepreneurship and the nonprofit board’s role in determining the feasibility, risks, financial obligations, and other important factors associated with starting and maintaining a new enterprise.
One of the most difficult things for a nonprofit leader to learn is how to manage transitions and overcome fears that often accompany organizational change. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund and Mary Beth Malm discuss the dynamics associated with integrating several boards and staffs into a single “new” entity. Mary Beth has served as Executive Director for the Girl Scouts of Greater Milwaukee and was recently involved in the integration of seven Girl Scout councils in the Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana area.
Some nonprofit leaders equate strategic restructuring only with mergers, but additional examples include partnerships, joint ventures, management service organizations, and parent corporations. Where do boards begin when considering restructuring options?
Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Jean Butzen about questions a board can ask regarding the sustainability of the organization’s business model, changes in revenue sources, staff talent, quality of services, potential duplication of programs, and other critical factors. Jean Butzen is the president of Mission Plus Strategy Consulting, specializing in growing nonprofit social value through strategic restructuring.
Impressed by the successful use of “topgrading” in his workplace, Board Chair Greg Herrle proposed criteria for recruiting “A” players to the board of Journey House, a nonprofit organization in Milwaukee. He talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the clarity thoughtful criteria have brought to the board recruiting process and other benefits gleaned from suggestions in Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching and Keeping the Best People by Bradford D. Smart, Ph.D.
The orientation process presents an important opportunity to acquaint new board directors with their nonprofit organizations and to help them prepare for their governing responsibilities. In a discussion with the Nonprofit Management Fund’s Pat Wyzbinski, B. Denise Patton of BDP & Associates describes how boards can establish and consistently support orientation through their policies and practices; develop a current, complete manual; utilize board buddies; and set expectations for board education beyond orientation.
Sarah Dean is finding deep satisfaction in using skills she developed over a lifetime to help a nonprofit organization, after a distinguished 45 year career in health administration, regulation, policy development and analysis. She talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about decisions she made as a retiree that laid the groundwork for active re-engagement in community issues, and offers advice to retiring executives who are considering community service.
Board Directors scattered across the country or around the world often employ creative methods for conducting business, developing the Board, and advancing the knowledge and interests of the organization’s membership. Soil and Water Conservation Society, founded in 1943, is an international organization serving more than 5,000 members. Board President Peggie James talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the Society’s experiences with teleconferences, blogs, electronic publications, and other ways it engages leaders, shares information, increases efficiency, and reduces costs.
Diminished resources, financial turbulence and increased demands for public accountability are adding new challenges to the Board’s already difficult task of determining a nonprofit executive’s compensation package.The Nonprofit Management Fund’s Pat Wyzbinski talks with Dennis Anderson about a Board’s overall approach to compensation; access and use of salary data; and the growing trend towards incentives, fringe benefits, and other affordable rewards Boards may use to retain top talent. Local nonprofits can reference a valuable resource, Agency Executives Group 2007 Compensation and Benefits Survey for Nonprofit Agencies to research market data in Greater Milwaukee. Dennis Anderson, SPHR, CCP, is Executive Compensation Director of the Management Association (MRA).
From the history of nonprofits and the impact of recent scandals to the dynamics of decision making and the dual tensions of public accountability and personal responsibility, a course in nonprofit governance offers a fascinating array of teaching and learning opportunities. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor Douglas M. Ihrke talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about his approach to teaching nonprofit governance, as well as his research interests in board diversity and conflict, and the chief executive/board leadership balance.
"Possibility Playground was truly awe inspiring. Every business/person in Port and Oz County had a lawn sign/fund raiser/money box collecting and advertising. I don't know how they did it . They were everywhere for a year straight!!!!
Kudos to them for their inspiration, strength and energy."
The Racine Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1932, recently transformed its board’s nominating committee into a governance committee. Bonnie Prochaska, who chairs the new committee, talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about how the committee is tackling policy needs, board recruiting, education, self-assessment, and other tasks and responsibilities that will ensure the nonprofit organization is efficiently and effectively governed.
An elementary school teacher’s vision inspired her community to build a universally accessible playground for children of all physical abilities. Nearly the size of a football field, Possibility Playground in Wisconsin’s Ozaukee County was literally constructed by more than 2,000 community volunteers over a six-day period in September 2008. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Possibility Playground’s Secretary and Fundraising Chair Stacy Peters about the project’s success in generating broad community support and raising $500,000 in cash and donated materials, as well as next steps for the newly organized nonprofit.
After 18 years of service as the Chapter Executive of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin, Bud McKonly encouraged his board to seek a new governance model. In a discussion with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, Bud, now retired, reflects on the selection and adaptation of John Carver’s Policy Governance Model. He identifies “Carverisms” or essential elements of the model and describes their impact on the board and the chief executive.
The new IRS Form 990’s questions about compensation and excess benefits impact nonprofit organizations of all sizes. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Karin Werner about excess benefits rules and penalties, as well as simple steps nonprofits can take to protect themselves from excess benefits excise taxes. Karin Werner is Director of the Milwaukee Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations (M-LINC).
The Marian Center for Nonprofits experienced such success with the web-based board matching process that executive director Charlane O’Rourke-Hertig suggested changing the organization’s bylaws to expand the size of its Board of Directors. She talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about initiating the online search, keeping track of her exchanges with board prospects, and the sequence of events leading to the recruitment of three new Board Directors. Visit www.boardstar.org for more information about this free web-based recruitment and matching service for nonprofit boards.
BoardStar created a web-based matching service called Greater Milwaukee On Board to help connect talented individuals with Board or committee service in their communities.Reggie Frias made connections with numerous Milwaukee area nonprofits through the online matching process, and now serves on three governing boards. He talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about his nonprofit board work, fundraising, and the “corporate” dynamic in a nonprofit group, as well as how he balances his Board responsibilities with his career at MillerCoors.
Nonprofit governance is often influenced by events and practices originating in corporate boardrooms, but the similarities and differences of nonprofit and for-profit boards are not always well-understood. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund and veteran Board Director Randy Bryant discuss board composition, compensation, focus, motivation, and other issues about which for-profit and nonprofit boards may or may not enjoy commonalities. Randy currently serves as Board President of the Milwaukee County Historical Society and on the board of Ten Chimneys Foundation, Inc.
The newly revised IRS Form 990 and 990-EZ, along with explanations of major changes and detailed instructions, are available for download from the IRS. The governance requirements should be reviewed, so any steps necessary for IRS compliance can be implemented.
WARNING - ALL organizations are now required to file one of three forms or risk losing their tax-exempt status.
A community foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization governed by a board of private citizens chosen to represent the public interest and to contribute their knowledge of the community. Greater Milwaukee Foundation President Douglas Jansson talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the Foundation’s obligation to adequately represent the population it serves, its role in addressing complex community issues, qualities it values in board directors, and how it assesses its own effectiveness.
Continuing their discussion of the new IRS Form 990, CPA Scott Haumersen and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund identify additional changes of special interest to nonprofit boards. Which directors are independent? What questions are raised about the compensation of employees or directors and officers? What unrelated business income information must be disclosed? What advice should a nonprofit heed as it prepares Schedule O? Scott Haumersen is the Managing Partner of Wegner LLP, CPAs and Consultants.
CPA Scott Haumersen and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund discuss the substantially expanded scope of the new form, its review by the board before filing, and other changes, surprises, and potential challenges in Form 990’s Part VI: Governance, Management, and Disclosure section. Scott Haumersen is the Managing Partner of Wegner LLP, CPAs and Consultants.
Listeners from more than 40 countries have identified their favorite topics. Leadership in Fundraising is BoardStar’s second popular pick podcast episode.
One of the board’s roles is to ensure an organization has adequate resources to accomplish its mission. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund and José Vásquez discuss this responsibility, exploring why board directors themselves must contribute; why they may be reluctant to ask others for financial support; policies they must determine prior to embarking on a fundraising campaign; and how they work with staff as a team to develop strategies and to approach potential funders.
Scott “Scooter” Schmidt was the victim of a random act of violence. Founded in his memory, the Scooter Foundation sponsors activities for six- to 10-year old students to help them develop self-confidence and interpersonal skills and to emphasize nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Board President Susan Schmidt, Scooter’s sister, about the Foundation’s goals and the role its seven Board Directors play in its work.
Month after month, since it was released in February 2007, one podcast consistently makes our top-ten list. Back by popular request...
Do you want to create a buzz around your cause? Marketing an organization’s mission is key to its success, but a nonprofit may struggle with identifying its true message and how to effectively share that message with the public. Gary Mueller, creative director at advertising agency BVK and founder of SERVE, Inc., a nonprofit advertising and marketing agency, addresses the role of a nonprofit Board in marketing the mission and the Board’s obligation to understand, approve, and support marketing strategy. He is interviewed by Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.
SPENDING DOWN ASSETS
The Board of the Elizabeth A. Brinn Foundation, a private, independent charitable foundation in the Milwaukee area, decided to sunset and dissolve the organization on a specific timetable. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Rick Wiederhold about the Foundation’s decision, its approach to grantmaking, and the impact the Foundation hopes to have before it closes its doors. Brinn Foundation President, CEO, and Board Director, Rick Wiederhold is the retired Chairman of the Board for the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise in Washington, DC.
Implementing a special event requires a significant investment of time and financial resources, so it is crucial for the nonprofit board to clearly understand the event’s goals and what is at stake financially, endorse the concept of the event, and serve as the event’s best cheerleaders and supporters. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Amalia Schoone of In Progress Consulting about what nonprofit leaders should consider when tackling a special event, including the five revenue streams that make a special event profitable.
How does a nonprofit determine what each of its programs contributes to the organization’s bottom line? How do boards relate program costs to the organization’s mission impact and financial sustainability? Steve Zimmerman, Spectrum Nonprofit Services, talks with the Nonprofit Management Fund’s Pat Wyzbinski about the challenging task of identifying and splitting expenses
and revenues in the quest to calculate each program’s true costs
A nonprofit executive’s renewed sense of mission or purpose and increased understanding of how to work with a Board are oft-cited results of the executive’s experience with an astute coach. Far from a luxury, increasing the effectiveness of a leader benefits an entire nonprofit organization. In a discussion with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, professional coach Angela Rester explains how, after examining various attributes, such as the leader’s style, time management, and communication, the coach helps the executive develop and practice new skills that contribute to better executive/Board interaction and teamwork.
What are inputs, outputs, or outcomes? Are all programs measurable? Why is an outcomes-focused approach a valuable communications tool for nonprofit staffs and Boards of Directors?Pat Wyzbinskiof theNonprofit Management Fundtalks withExecutive DirectorKathleen Pritchardof thePlanning Council for Health and Human Services of Milwaukeeabout terms, benefits, and cautions associated with measuring the mission of a nonprofit organization.
I like having you and Pat in my head and heart as I continue toward excellence! The podcast information is either very relevant to an organizational need, or good foundational information for me as I continue to build on great beginnings. I also pass the link to the podcasts to our Directors."
Thinking about a building can be an effective way to contemplate the future of a nonprofit organization. As Board Directors and staff imagine aloud the facility their organization may occupy in the coming years, they stimulate conversation about new programs, demographic changes, and other forces that generate and comprise an array of potential scenarios for their nonprofit. In the second of a two-part discussion, Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund focuses on how a nonprofit can approach the question of changing the space in which it operates. Her guest is Brian Schermer, Director of the Nonprofit Pre-Design Assistance Center, and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
A nonprofit’s physical space communicates much about the organization and its values and should be of critical concern to its board of directors. Does it look welcoming and well-kept? Does it accommodate the nonprofit’s business and contribute to the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall well-being of the organization and staff? How does it appear to clients, volunteers, donors, and neighbors? In the first of a two-part interview, Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund discusses the importance of a healthy working environment with Brian Schermer, Director of the Nonprofit Pre-Design Assistance Center and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
How does a larger organization manage a world of real-estate, myriad public contracts and business subsidiaries?
CFO, Richard Zalewski engages broad strategies and systems to manage the finances of the Milwaukee Center For Independence, a $48 million nonprofit organization. He talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the nature of his work and his interaction with MCFI’s board of directors, including the use of reports, dashboards, and web-based tools to represent both the details and the overall financial position of this complex organization. The Milwaukee Center For Independence is a large, diverse, community-based rehabilitation organization directly serving more than 2,000 people daily and another 8,000 through its four organizational affiliates.
Next Act Theatre’s Board of Directors has five officers, including Immediate Past President, a position held by Allyson Nemec, AIA, of Quorum Architects, Inc. Allyson talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the benefits of retaining a former Board President as a Board officer, as well as the nature of her current Board responsibilities and activities.
Time: 8:28
In the United States, most philanthropic dollars come from individuals, so identifying and building relationships with individuals who are able to make major donations is an important part of a nonprofit organization’s comprehensive fund development program. But how does an organization connect with and cultivate potential donors? How large is a major gift? Who solicits these donations? How often? In a discussion with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, Christi Murn of Murn & Associates, LLC, shares insights and information about today’s donors and a task list for Boards in pursuit of major gifts for their nonprofit organizations.
A corporation may increase visibility and give back to the community through Board service.
Chairing the Board at the time theMilwaukee Art Museum broke ground for its dramatic Calatrava addition was a learning experience for Board StarMike Mahoney. In an interview withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, he reflects on the museum Board’s need to balance severe cost overruns with its commitment to doing the right thing artistically and for the long-term. He also draws upon an array of governing experiences -- ranging from Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin to the Faye McBeath Foundation and Creative SHARP Presentations -- as he comments on what makes a good nonprofit Board President, the need for Board focus, and adjustments Boards must make in this post-Sarbanes-Oxley era. Mike Mahoney is Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Park Bank in Wisconsin.
Two Milwaukee nonprofits survive a merger to thrive as a new organization.
The time and expense involved in making a merger work can surprise even the most experienced nonprofit leader. Interfaith Caregiving Network and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program merged in 2007 to form Interfaith Senior Programs. In her discussion withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund,Kathy Gale provides the Executive Director’s perspective about integrating two organizations’ staffs, procedures, systems, and cultures -- as well as reactions to the merger by donors and the general community.
Cooperation, Collaboration, Partnership, Strategic Alliances, and Merger…
Anna Pepelnjak was Board President of the Interfaith Caregiving Network when the organization was approached by Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Board leaders about the possibility of an alliance.Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Anna Pepelnjak about the Boards’ involvement in the process that led to a merger and the resulting organization, Interfaith Senior Programs.
Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks withDavid Styers of Washington, DC-basedBoardSource about survey findings published in the recently-released BoardSource Governance Index. Their discussion focuses on Board recruitment and diversity; financial sustainability; Board education; evaluation of Board and CEO performance; use of committees and task forces; and discovery of a “sweet spot” associated with Board size.
What a creative idea. I thought the topic was well covered and about the right length. Perhaps you should consider a morning drive-time show on talk radio in your spare time... But seriously, good luck on the project, I would definitely recommend it to our Board of Directors.
Julilly Kohler is claimed by a wide array of nonprofit organizations and causes as a champion and leader. Influential and deeply involved in community issues, she talks withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about what Boards interest her, lessons she has learned over the years as a Board Director, and advice she would offer others charged with governing a nonprofit organization. In addition to her role as a social philanthropist, she is an attorney at law, business owner, and community developer. ...........................................................................................................................................
Boards are the protectors of the mission of a nonprofit organization, and 99 percent of the 43 Boards surveyed by theNonprofit Management Fund in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are satisfied their organizations are fulfilling their missions. But what about other areas, such as recruitment, orientation, time dedicated to Board responsibilities, training needs, and Board/staff relationships?Dr. Steve Percy, Director of theCenter for Urban Initiatives and Research and a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, worked withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund to analyze the self-assessments of 568 Board Directors representing 43 local nonprofits. Their discussion provides useful insights for Boards and nonprofit organizations everywhere.
Relying on prior knowledge and experience to guide the search process can prove profitable when hiring a new Executive Director. One of the Board’s hardest jobs is replacing the Executive Director. In her role as Board President of Walker’s Point Center for the Arts,Christine Symchych navigated the ED hiring process twice in two years, and is now turning over the reins to a new President. She shares her hands-on learning experience withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund. ...........................................................................................................................................
Two new auditing standards directly impact those charged with a nonprofit’s governance.Andy Holman talks withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about why an organization engages in an audit, the changing auditor/organization relationship, and how the new standards have redefined how and about what an auditor issues an opinion. Andy Holman is a partner at the accounting firm Ritz, Holman, Butala, Fine LLP and an adjunct professor in nonprofit accounting at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Nonprofit cheerleader, connector, volunteer, activist, and social philanthropist—by any name,Les Weil is an outstanding example and proponent of community involvement. A force behindProject Ripple Effect, Les talks withPat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the need for committed volunteers and the numerous opportunities available to individuals interested in engaging in the work of nonprofit organizations. ...........................................................................................................................................
Who should sit on the finance committee? What questions should be asked by finance committee members, and what is the impact of those questions? How does the committee do a good job of assessing an organization's financial health?Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks withQuality By Design PresidentBarbara Gross about the finance committee's responsibilities and what distinguishes its work from the work of the Board.
I originally found out about the podcasts at a board retreat. I then subscribed to the podcast through iTunes and now automatically receive any new shows that are available and download it to my iPod. They're great to listen to while running because of their relatively short length. This allows me to pack a couple of different casts into one 'session'."
It is not unusual for the identity of a founder to be tied very closely to the identity of his or her organization, but difficulties can arise when, over time, those identities are not individuated. In addition to her renowned work with organizational lifecycles,Susan Kenny Stevens has studied nonprofit founders and is herself a founder. She talks withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about the nature of founder's syndrome and the challenges Boards face in governing a organization run by its founder.Susan Kenny Stevens is the senior consultant atLarsonAllen Public Service Group.
Susan Kenny Stevens, author ofNonprofit Lifecycles: Stage-Based Wisdom for Nonprofit Capacity, is the senior consultant atLarsonAllen Public Service Group and the nonprofit sector's leading expert on organizational lifecycles. In a discussion withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund, she differentiates seven stages of organizational life and explains how the challenges and expectations facing a nonprofit are different at each stage. Understanding where an organization is in its development helps nonprofit leaders make better decisions about its governance, management, financial resources, programs, and administrative systems, and if and how the organization can progress to the next development stage.
Will the nonprofit organization have enough money to pay its bills during the upcoming year? What are its net assets? Are funding sources sufficiently diversified? Is the organization spending enough in support services? To fulfill a Board's fiduciary stewardship role, every Director must learn how to read a financial statement and be comfortable asking questions if something is not clear. In a discussion withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund, Scott Haumersen ofWegner LLP, CPAs & Consultants offers helpful hints for all Directors as they review their nonprofits' financial documents.
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Research indicates only one percent of Milwaukee area nonprofit Board Directors are under the age of 30, yet 190 young professionals belong toMilwaukee's Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, part of a growing national movement dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector's next generation of leaders.YNPN-Milwaukee Board PresidentBridgette Carter talks withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about the impact short Board terms, active mentor relationships, targeted outreach, and other strategies may have in spurring increased participation by young professionals on nonprofit Boards.
Conflict of interest and whistleblower policies are essential policies for nonprofit organizations. Attorney Dennis Purtell ofWhyte Hirschboeck Dudek SC andJosé Vásquez discuss the nature of the policies and why Boards should engage in thoughtful dialogue in order to understand them and, when necessary, apply them.
How does a nonprofit organization prepare to interact with the media? Who serves as spokesperson? How quickly should a nonprofit react? Is a crisis communications plan really needed?Evan Zeppos ofZeppos & Associates andJosé Vásquez discuss the nature and expectations of today’s media and what board directors should understand about their roles and responsibilities when communicating with this key stakeholder.
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Nonprofit organizations are structured in many different ways, some of which result in unusual Board composition and inherent conflicts of interest.Milwaukee Environmental Consortium Board Chair Lynn Broaddus talks with Pat Wyzbinski ofthe Nonprofit Management Fund about the challenges and successes of a consortium governed by a Board comprised solely of nonprofit staff from environmental organizations.
Nonprofit organizations can benefit greatly from outside expertise, but their Boards have much to consider when choosing a consultant and formalizing the working relationship. Noting that simply finding someone with a great skill set is not enough,Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund andBoardstar’s José Vásquez offer invaluable advice about hiring a consultant, including utilizing a request for qualifications, selection considerations, and what a contract should cover.
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Northwest Side Community Development Corporation’s strategic alliances and partnerships created the need and opportunity to recruit new skill sets and expertise to its governing board.Howard Snyder, co-founder and Executive Director, talks withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about his “best board” and how the organization effectively utilizes the talents of 15 highly accomplished leaders.
How does a nonprofit Board seeking a new chief executive work with an independent party to find the best candidates?BoardStar’s José Vásquez talks withDr. Richard Barnes ofBarnes Development Group about the services a nonprofit Board or its search committee can tap in support of the executive recruitment and selection process.
Milwaukee Public Museum President Dan Finley assumed his leadership position during the organization’s recent financial crisis. In a discussion withBoardStar’s José Vásquez, he shares valuable reminders about the responsibilities of all nonprofit governing Boards as he describes how he and theMilwaukee Public Museum Board worked together to restore the organization’s financial stability and leadership credibility.
Northwestern Mutual gives back to the community through an array of efforts ranging from grants and sponsorships to matching gifts and volunteer support. Increasingly, it is placing employees on nonprofit Boards.Northwestern Mutual’s Gil Llanas, director of community relations and the foundation, talks withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about the company’s philanthropic efforts. The company, one of Milwaukee’s special corporate citizens, is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Why do so many well-intentioned leaders miss the point when it comes to diversifying a nonprofit Board?Social Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Deborah Blanks, author ofWeaving Diversity into the Fabric of America, talks withBoardStar’s José Vásquez about the value of engaging individuals with varying skill sets, backgrounds, and perspectives; how to find them; and how they help a Board make great decisions.
Board meetings are a crucial time for sharing information and for making corporate decisions. Executive DirectorKathy Gale ofInterfaith Caregiving Network highlights numerous elements contributing to effective meeting preparation — from constructing agendas and summarizing data to supporting the Board chair and the work of Board committees. She is interviewed byPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund.
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A nonprofit does not have to spend great sums of money to engage in an effective advertising campaign, but it should be willing to set clear goals, reframe discussions about its organization’s cause, and utilize innovative tactics for conveying its message.Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund discussesADVERTISING THE MISSION withGary Mueller, creative director at advertising agencyBVK and founder ofSERVE, Inc., a nonprofit advertising and marketing agency. In a separate podcast, Pat interviewed Gary aboutMARKETING THE MISSION.
Do you want to create a buzz around your cause? Marketing an organization’s mission is key to its success, but a nonprofit may struggle with identifying its true message and how to effectively share that message with the public.Gary Mueller, creative director at advertising agencyBVK and founder ofSERVE, Inc., a nonprofit advertising and marketing agency, addresses the role of a nonprofit Board in marketing the mission and the Board’s obligation to understand, approve, and support marketing strategy. He is interviewed byPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund.
A chief executive departure can rock an organization to its foundation, but by utilizing the services of an interim executive director, a board can take the time it needs to carefully access the organization’s course and to hire its new leader.BoardStar's José Vásquez talks with two guests who have served as interim executive directors in the nonprofit sector:Robert Unkel fromUnkel Management and Marketing Solutions, andJohn Turner fromLeaders for Nonprofit Organizations.
Building a strong Board is one of the hardest, most complex jobs at a nonprofit organization.BoardStar's José Vásquez andPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund discuss the Board development process, including questions that can be used to evaluate Board candidates as well as criteria that contribute to balanced representation on a Board.
AttorneyTeig Whaley-Smith ofCommunity Development Advocates talks withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about bylaws and other corporate documents critical to a nonprofit organization.
Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks withFrank Martinelli of theCenter for Public Skills Training about the first and foremost role of every Board of Directors—planning for the organization’s future
One of the Board’s roles is to ensure an organization has adequate resources to accomplish its mission.BoardStar’s José Vásquez andPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund discuss this responsibility and, in particular, the Board’s role in fundraising.
A youth from a family where at least one parent volunteers is almost twice as likely to volunteer as a youth with no family members who volunteer. In the second of two interviews about parental influence on youth volunteerism,BoardStar’s José Vásquez asksSharon and David Lerman, both Board Directors and active volunteers, to comment on the example they have set for their children.
A youth from a family where at least one parent volunteers is almost twice as likely to volunteer as a youth with no family members who volunteer. In the first of two interviews about parental influence on youth volunteerism,BoardStar’s José Vásquez talks with volunteers and nonprofit professionalsJane Moore andDave Hendricks.
One inevitable change that happens to organizations no matter how small or large is leadership change at the executive level.BoardStar’s José Vásquez talks withMindy Lubar Price, President and CEO ofLeading Transitions and Project Manager of theExecutive Transitions Initiative of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, about the role the Board plays in conducting a successful executive transition.
Board chairs display strong leadership under the best of circumstances, but during a crisis they must step far beyond their expected duties.Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks withPaulette Harder, immediate past president ofGuest House of Milwaukee, and Brad Murray, the current president of the Board.
Board leaders, nonprofit executives, and governance professionals attending the2006 Board Development Conference share tips about measuring organizational effectiveness.Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund talks with representatives from theOver Head Players at the Sixth Street Theatre, Racine Theatre Guild, Literacy Services of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Center for Independence, Young Professionals of Racine, Recreational Activities for the Developmentally Disabled, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund travels to the2006 Board Development Conference to interview keynoteJason Saul, managing director ofMission Management, and author ofBenchmarking for Nonprofits: How to Measure, Manage, and Improve Performance.
Funders, vendors, civic leaders, and the community as a whole are external constituencies important to—but not always easily engaged by—nonprofit Boards.Terrie Temkin, PhD, of CoreStrategies for Nonprofits, Inc., based in Miami, Florida, talks with Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund about how Board Directors can elicit and evaluate information from sources beyond the boardroom.
The Constitution of the United States created the space for nonreligious and nongovernmental organizations to grow and develop. Another treat for students of history and the nonprofit sector,Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund continues a discussion about the history of nonprofit governance withDr. John Palmer Smith, Executive Director of theHelen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Long before the founding of the United States, dramatic forces and voices began shaping what we know today as the nonprofit sector. What are the critical milestones in the sector’s earliest days?A treat for students of history and of the nonprofit sector,Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund talks about the history of nonprofit governance withDr. John Palmer Smith, Executive Director of theHelen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Dashboards are graphic displays of key indicators many nonprofit Boards use to help monitor the progress of their organizations.Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund talks withMary Unkel, a partner withUnkel Management and Marketing Solutions, about three categories of indicators nonprofit Boards find especially useful.
BoardStar’s José Vásquez andPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund consider listeners’ questions regarding Board committees; CEO interviews; hiring relatives; and more. Questions for BoardStar may be emailed toboards@nonprofitmanagementfund.org.
The departure of a Director, whether planned or otherwise, is an ideal opportunity for a nonprofit Board to grow and learn from an honest dialog with that individual.Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks withSam Macklem, a partner withMcDonald Schaefer Group, about exit interviews and exit strategies.
Occasionally, a Director leaves a Board feeling detached or disenchanted, despite exerting his or her best efforts.BoardStar's José Vásquez leads a roundtable discussion withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund, andRich Greene, a consultant in the Milwaukee area.
An author ofGovernance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards,William P. Ryan describes the powerful nature of generative work and how effective Boards work in multiple modes: fiduciary, strategic, and generative, to govern the organizations they serve.Governance as Leadership is published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effective preparation of Board packets and appropriate use of consent agendas, executive sessions, and mini-evaluations can boost the productivity of your Board meetings.
Board retreats present an opportunity to work without the worry of day to day business.Clarence Johnson fromNeighborhood House of Milwaukee andKen Schmidt fromHope House of Milwaukee share retreat lessons and tips withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund.
Executive Director Pat Linnane andBetsy Ross-Bothe, a new Director of the Planning Council for Health and Human Services, talk withBoardStar’s José Vásquez about their experiences with theGreater Milwaukee On Board web-based matching service.
It’s a rare opportunity to listen in on a seminar designed solely for presidents or chairpersons of nonprofit Boards, but this week’s BoardStar podcast visits a president’s summer camp conducted byPat Wyzbinski of Management Cornerstones.
Deborah Fugenschuh, president of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, discusses the governance responsibilities of corporate, family, and independent foundations with Pat Wzybinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.
Nonprofit boards are expected to clearly articulate their expectations of the chief executive, but may not think to ask the executive what he or she expects of the board.BoardStar's José Vásquez talks with three experienced executives in the first of a two-part podcast.
Gwen T. Jackson is the Chapter Chairman Emeritus of theGreater Milwaukee Chapter of the American Red Cross, and a lifelong community activist who has served on the boards of dozens of nonprofit organizations. She shares her perspectives withPat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund.
One of the ways we can learn about how to improve nonprofit governance is to understand what governance practice actually takes place. Discussing the findings of a recent study focusing on nonprofit boards in Southeastern Wisconsin arePat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund andSteve Percy, Professor of Political Science and the Director of theCenter for Urban Initiatives and Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
BoardStar's Jose Vasquez talks withNorthwestern Mutual's Lynn Heimbruch about the company's civic commitment and support of employee volunteerism at the nonprofit board level.
When an issue piques your interest, delivers shivers, or perhaps even makes you mad, you may be moved to act by volunteering your time. You'd be in good company. About 65 million people volunteered at least once last year, according to theUnited States Department of Labor. Among those volunteers are nonprofit Board Directors -- the backbone and common denominator of the wide variety of nonprofit organizations serving communities throughout the country.
BoardStar: On Being Board
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