Testimonials

"BoardStar podcasts are a simple and effective way to educate our Board about a timely subject.  Feedback our Board Development Committee has received from Board Directors indicates a strong preference for the integrated approach to Board training the podcasts provide. Good Board Directors are busy people, actively engaged in their 

professional network and striving to maintain a healthy work/life balance.  They prefer taking 15 minutes for education and discussion at each Board meetings over the old approach with day long Board retreats."

BoardStar: On Being Board

Free podcasts of inspiring conversations with nonprofit leaders

 Back by popular demand, BoardStar is proud to offer a new series of podcasts on various  governance topics in the nonprofit sector. Each month, a free podcast will be available for download. The new monthly series is underwritten by a generous gift from the Daniel M. Soref Foundation.

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.

Play using Windows media player - Click on any title below.

Play using iTunes- Download any podcast from iTunes or subscribe for automatic updates 

New! Conflict of Interest  9:54

In this day and age of increasing calls for accountability and transparency in the nonprogit sector, more and more attention is being paid to issues of Conflict of Interest. Sometimes it's easy to tell when there is a conflict, but at other times there is a legitimate question about conflict. In this podcast, Justice Janine Geske of Marquette University Law School has a refreshingly condid conversation with BoardStar about it.

 New!  Donor Relations  9:06 

We all know that fundraising is one of the critical responsibilities of a Board of Directors.  We also know that donor relations is one of the most important parts of fundraising.  In this podcast, Jean Kenney Dole, Assistant VP of University Advancement at Marquette University, talks about how a Board can become involved in this important job.

 Creative Messaging  9:54
 

Gary Mueller, Executive Creative Director of BVK Advertising and Founder of SERVE, returns for another podcast to dispel myths about nonprofit marketing and messaging.  How can a nonprofit creatively and dramatically draw attention to its mission and the cause without resorting to expensive tactics?  How can the Board help?

 Changing Real Estate

 9:59

What role does the board play as a nonprofit organization considers various facility options? What are the most common mistakes nonprofits make as they undertake real estate projects? BoardStar’s Pat Wyzbinski talks with Heather Heaviland about a nonprofit’s goals, financial considerations, and other important elements and activities associated with a change in real estate. Heather Heaviland is Director of Real Estate Services of the Wisconsin office of IFF. 

Managing Risk  10:05

What questions should a board ask about a nonprofit’s financial practices that may help minimize risk to the organization? BoardStar’s Pat Wyzbinski talks with Scott Haumersen about prevention and detection controls, and the importance of understanding and addressing various federal and state laws and reporting requirements. Scott Haumersen, CPA and Managing Partner at Wegner LLP CPAs and Consultants, has more than 30 years’ experience providing accounting, auditing, and advisory services to nonprofit clients.

Nonprofit Sustainability

 10:05

 What picture emerges when a nonprofit’s programs and finances are examined in the deep, interconnected way they really work? What decisions would a nonprofit board make about its organization’s strategies after mapping and examining the impact and profitability of each program? Steve Zimmerman, co-author of Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability, talks with BoardStar’s Pat Wyzbinski about how each activity in which a nonprofit engages contributes to both the impact and the financial viability of the organization.

 Committees

 11:58

Which standing committees contribute to your board’s efficiency? What is each group’s commission? What can committee chairs and staff members do to advance this important work? BoardStar’s Pat Wyzbinski and Faye McBeath Foundation Executive Director Scott Gelzer discuss the use of formal work groups as part of a nonprofit’s corporate structure and how focus, flexibility and creativity can contribute to the committees’ overall success.

Grantmaker'sPolicy on Diversity

 8:23

A governing board that reflects the demographics of its organization’s stakeholders or the community it serves is not only the goal of many nonprofits, it is often a goal actively encouraged by foundations and other funders. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation recently passed a policy indicating certain grants are contingent upon demonstration that persons of color comprise at least 10 percent of a nonprofit agency’s board. BoardStar’s Pat Wyzbinski discusses the policy and its implications with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Jim Marks, Vice President, Director of Grant Programs.

Positive Planning

 9:30

A nonprofit Board's primary role is to plan for the organization's future, but many Boards become frustrated and mired in problem-solving as they navigate the typical planning process. BoardStar's Pat Wyzbinski talks with Joan Jacobs of Chrysalis Solutions about appreciative inquiry, a process that fosters a constructive, growth-oriented, and possibility-focused perception of an organization's future by focusing on what works well today.

Corporate Structures

September 6, 2010 | 11:35

Drawing a picture of your organization not only sheds valuable light on how your nonprofit works, but can also spark new ideas about engaging the expertise and energies of others. Pat Wyzbinski, founder of BoardStar, and Scott Gelzer, executive director of the Faye McBeath Foundation, will highlight options and opportunities associated with organizational structure. They will discuss the distinct role of each box on the organizational chart, including the governing board; executive committee; honorary board; advisory board, auxilary board; and membership with voting rights.

Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County

- Cindy Lange

On Being Board

 Time: 10:50 

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.  

Funders' Expectations of Boards

 Time: 7:22 

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? Pat Wyzbinski 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.

"Nice job! 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."

"It's great!" 

"Wow! That is really well done... I really like the casual tone & dialog. It sounds like a radio broadcast. Nice work." 

 Charity Accountability  Time: 8:30 

 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.

Treasurer's Tutorial Time: 9:58

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.

"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."

 Annual Planning Time: 10:30

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.

Maintaining Board Engagement Time: 8:30

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.

Reflecting on Nonprofits

Time: 9:48

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.

Firing the Executive Director

Time: 10:08

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.

L obbying and Advocacy

Time: 9:30

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.

 Time: 8:00

Learning Outside the Boardroom

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.

 Time: 10:04   
Making Meetings Work

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.

 Time: 7:52

Web of Wealth

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.

 Time: 9:56

Social Entrepreneurship

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.

 Time: 8:04

Merger Integration

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.

 Time: 10:30

Strategic Restructuring

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.

 Time: 7:50

Recruitment Considerations

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.

 Time: 8:54

Orientation Manual

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.

Re-Engagement

Time: 8:48

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.

 Time: 8:31

Long Distance Boards

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.

 Time: 11:30

Executive Compensation

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).

 Time: 8:44

Teaching Nonprofit Governance

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.

Time: 8:06

Governance Committee

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.

Time: 7:28

Grassroots Possibility

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.

Time: 9:50

Adapting Policy Governance

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.

 Time: 10:52
Understanding Excess Benefits

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).

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 Time: 6:34

Online Matching

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.

 Time: 7:51

Getting Connected

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.

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 Time: 7:51

Nonprofit Vs. For-profit Boards

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.

 Chart of filing requirements.

IRS 990 Tips

Time: 9:20

Community Foundation Boards

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.

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Time: 8:41

990: Take Two

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.

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Time: 10:52

Form 990: First Look

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.

  Time: 8:54

Popular Pick: Leadership In Fundraising 

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.

Time: 8:11

Making Memories Matter

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.

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 Time: 9:34 POPULAR PICK: Marketing the Mission

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.

Time: 8:02

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.

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 Time: 8:45
FUNDRAISING THROUGH EVENTS

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.

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TRUE PROGRAM COSTS

Time: 9:13

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

LEADERSHIP COACHING

Time: 8:24

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. 

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 MEASURING MISSION
Time: 9:16

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 Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Executive Director Kathleen Pritchard of the Planning Council for Health and Human Services of Milwaukee about terms, benefits, and cautions associated with measuring the mission of a nonprofit organization.

ARCHITECTURAL IMPLICATIONS Part 2

Time: 7:21

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.

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ARCHITECTURAL IMPLICATIONS Part 1
Time: 8:29

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.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Time: 9:42

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.

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IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Time: 7:46

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.

CULTIVATING MAJOR GIFTS 

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.

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BOARD STAR: MIKE MAHONEY

Time: 9:46

A  corporation may increase visibility and give back to the community through Board service.

Chairing the Board at the time the Milwaukee Art Museum broke ground for its dramatic Calatrava addition was a learning experience for Board Star Mike Mahoney. In an interview with Pat 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.

BOARDSOURCE

Read the complete
2007 Governance Index

MERGER - Part 2

Time: 8:53

 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 with Pat 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.

MERGER – Part 1

Time: 8:53

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.

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Findings from the BOARDSOURCE GOVERNANCE INDEX 

Time: 10:27 

Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with David Styers of Washington, DC-based BoardSource 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.

BOARD STAR: Julilly Kohler

Time: 9:14 

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 with Pat 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.
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FINDING: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Time: 9:35

Boards are the protectors of the mission of a nonprofit organization, and 99 percent of the 43 Boards surveyed by the Nonprofit 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 the Center for Urban Initiatives and Research and a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, worked with Pat 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.

Hiring an Executive Director - Again
Time: 8:21

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.
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New Audit Standards
Time: 10:33

Two new auditing standards directly impact those charged with a nonprofit’s governance. Andy Holman talks with Pat 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.

BoardSTAR: LES WEIL
Time: 7:49

Nonprofit cheerleader, connector, volunteer, activist, and social philanthropist—by any name, Les Weil is an outstanding example and proponent of community involvement. A force behind Project Ripple Effect, Les talks with Pat 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.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
Time: 10:15

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 with Quality By Design President Barbara Gross about the finance committee's responsibilities and what distinguishes its work from the work of the Board.

FOUNDER'S SYNDROME
Time: 8:06

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit 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 at LarsonAllen Public Service Group.

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ORGANIZATIONAL LIFECYCLES
Time: 12:04

Susan Kenny Stevens, author of Nonprofit Lifecycles: Stage-Based Wisdom for Nonprofit Capacity, is the senior consultant at LarsonAllen Public Service Group and the nonprofit sector's leading expert on organizational lifecycles. In a discussion with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit 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.

REVIEWING FINANCIALS
Time: 11:18

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, Scott Haumersen of Wegner LLP, CPAs & Consultants offers helpful hints for all Directors as they review their nonprofits' financial documents.
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YOUNG NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS
Time: 8:16

Research indicates only one percent of Milwaukee area nonprofit Board Directors are under the age of 30, yet 190 young professionals belong to Milwaukee'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 President Bridgette Carter talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit 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.

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TWO POLICY MUSTS
Time: 10:02

Conflict of interest and whistleblower policies are essential policies for nonprofit organizations. Attorney  Dennis Purtell of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek SC and José 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.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE MEDIA
Time: 8:48

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 of Zeppos & Associates and José 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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ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES: CONSORTIUM
Time: 8:52

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 of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the challenges and successes of a consortium governed by a Board comprised solely of nonprofit staff from environmental organizations.

HIRING A CONSULTANT
Time: 9:07

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 the Nonprofit Management Fund and Boardstar’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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SELECTIVE SKILL SETS
Time: 7:56

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about his “best board” and how the organization effectively utilizes the talents of 15 highly accomplished leaders.

EXECUTIVE SEARCH 

Time: 8:12

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 with Dr. Richard Barnes of Barnes Development Group about the services a nonprofit Board or its search committee can tap in support of the executive recruitment and selection process.

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THE NEW CEO’S PERSPECTIVE 

Time: 7:52

Milwaukee Public Museum President Dan Finley assumed his leadership position during the organization’s recent financial crisis. In a discussion with BoardStar’s José Vásquez, he shares valuable reminders about the responsibilities of all nonprofit governing Boards as he describes how he and the Milwaukee Public Museum Board worked together to restore the organization’s financial stability and leadership credibility.

GIVING BACK: NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

Time: 7:52

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the company’s philanthropic efforts. The company, one of Milwaukee’s special corporate citizens, is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

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DIVERSIFYING THE BOARD

Time: 9:09

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 of Weaving Diversity into the Fabric of America, talks with BoardStar’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.

PREPARING THE BOARD FOR ITS MEETING — AN EXECUTIVE’S PERSPECTIVE

Time: 9:55

Board meetings are a crucial time for sharing information and for making corporate decisions. Executive Director Kathy Gale of Interfaith 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 by Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.
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ADVERTISING THE MISSION

Time: 7:30

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 the Nonprofit Management Fund discusses ADVERTISING THE MISSION with Gary Mueller, creative director at advertising agency BVK and founder of SERVE, Inc., a nonprofit advertising and marketing agency. In a separate podcast, Pat interviewed Gary about MARKETING THE MISSION.

MARKETING THE MISSION

Time: 10:00

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.

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THE INTERIM IS IN 

Time: 9:45

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 from Unkel Management and Marketing Solutions, and John Turner fromLeaders for Nonprofit Organizations.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT

Time: 8:35

Building a strong Board is one of the hardest, most complex jobs at a nonprofit organization. BoardStar's José Vásquez and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit 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.

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BYLAWS AND CORPORATE RECORD KEEPING

Time: 12:35

Attorney Teig Whaley-Smith of Community Development Advocates talks with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about bylaws and other corporate documents critical to a nonprofit organization.

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STRATEGIC PLANNING—AN ENGAGING PROCESS

Time: 8:31

Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Frank Martinelli of the Center for Public Skills Training about the first and foremost role of every Board of Directors—planning for the organization’s future

ASK BY EXAMPLE - LEADERSHIP IN FUNDRAISING

Time: 9:11

One of the Board’s roles is to ensure an organization has adequate resources to accomplish its mission. BoardStar’s José Vásquez and Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund discuss this responsibility and, in particular, the Board’s role in fundraising.

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FOLLOWING IN YOUR PARENTS' VOLUNTEER STEPS - PART 2

Time: 8:25

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 asks Sharon and David Lerman, both Board Directors and active volunteers, to comment on the example they have set for their children.

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FOLLOWING IN YOUR PARENTS' VOLUNTEER STEPS – PART 1 

Time: 10:20

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 professionals Jane Moore and Dave Hendricks.

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EXECUTIVE SUCCESSION PLANNING 

Time: 7:50

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 with Mindy Lubar Price, President and CEO of Leading Transitions and Project Manager of the Executive Transitions Initiative of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, about the role the Board plays in conducting a successful executive transition.

FROM CRISIS TO SUCCESS THROUGH BOARD LEADERSHIP

Time: 8:36

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 with Paulette Harder, immediate past president of Guest House of Milwaukee, and Brad Murray, the current president of the Board.

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BOARDS MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS: CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF LEARNING 

Time: 7:54

Board leaders, nonprofit executives, and governance professionals attending the 2006 Board Development Conference share tips about measuring organizational effectiveness. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with representatives from the Over 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.

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BOARDS MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS: AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON SAUL 

Time: 8:26

Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund travels to the 2006 Board Development Conference to interview keynote Jason Saul, managing director of Mission Management, and author of Benchmarking for Nonprofits: How to Measure, Manage, and Improve Performance.

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TIPS FOR ENGAGING CONSTITUENCIES 

Time: 7:32

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 the Nonprofit Management Fund about how Board Directors can elicit and evaluate information from sources beyond the boardroom.

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U.S. CONSTITUTION CREATES NONPROFIT RIGHT OF WAY

Time: 9:58

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 the Nonprofit Management Fund continues a discussion about the history of nonprofit governance with Dr. John Palmer Smith, Executive Director of the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

NONPROFIT ROOTS: 400 YEARS DEEP 

Time: 10:42

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 the Nonprofit Management Fund talks about the history of nonprofit governance with Dr. John Palmer Smith, Executive Director of the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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ORGANIZATIONAL DASHBOARDS

Time: 9:34

Dashboards are graphic displays of key indicators many nonprofit Boards use to help monitor the progress of their organizations. Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund talks with Mary Unkel, a partner with Unkel Management and Marketing Solutions, about three categories of indicators nonprofit Boards find especially useful.

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QUESTIONS FROM BOARDSTAR LISTENERS 

Time: 8:27

BoardStar’s José Vásquez and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund consider listeners’ questions regarding Board committees; CEO interviews; hiring relatives; and more. Questions for BoardStar may be emailed to boards@nonprofitmanagementfund.org.

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TO LEAVE THE BOARD OR SUFFER IN SILENCE? 

Time: 7:42

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 with Sam Macklem, a partner withMcDonald Schaefer Group, about exit interviews and exit strategies.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO LEAVE THE BOARD 

Time: 7:08

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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund, and Rich Greene, a consultant in the Milwaukee area.

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GOVERNANCE AS LEADERSHIP: A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR WILLIAM P. RYAN 

Time: 9:10

An author of Governance 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.

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PRODUCTIVE BOARD MEETINGS

Time: 7:00

Effective preparation of Board packets and appropriate use of consent agendas, executive sessions, and mini-evaluations can boost the productivity of your Board meetings.

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RETREATS

Time: 6:50

Board retreats present an opportunity to work without the worry of day to day business. Clarence Johnson from Neighborhood House of Milwaukee and Ken Schmidt from Hope House of Milwaukee share retreat lessons and tips with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.

RECRUITING BEYOND OUR SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: WEB-BASED BOARD MATCHING 

Time: 7:19

Executive Director Pat Linnane and Betsy Ross-Bothe, a new Director of the Planning Council for Health and Human Services, talk with BoardStar’s José Vásquez about their experiences with the Greater Milwaukee On Board web-based matching service.

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WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE BOARD PRESIDENT? 

Time: 9:14

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 by Pat Wyzbinski of Management Cornerstones.

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FOUNDATION BOARD MYSTIQUE

Time: 7:17

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.

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EXECUTIVE EXPECTATIONS Part 2

Time: 7:23

BoardStar’s José Vásquez concludes his discussion with nonprofit executives Constance Clark, Ricardo Diaz, and Deborah Fugenschuh.

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EXECUTIVE EXPECTATIONS PART 1

Time: 6:28

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.

ON BEING A BOARD STAR

Time: 8:48

Gwen T. Jackson is the Chapter Chairman Emeritus of the Greater 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 with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.

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HOW DO MILWAUKEE NONPROFIT BOARDS COMPARE NATIONALLY?

Time: 6:56

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 are Pat Wyzbinski of theNonprofit Management Fund and Steve Percy, Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Center for Urban Initiatives and Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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EMPLOYERS VALUE BOARD SERVICE:

Time: 6:24

BoardStar's Jose Vasquez talks with Northwestern Mutual's Lynn Heimbruch about the company's civic commitment and support of employee volunteerism at the nonprofit board level.

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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Time: 6:17

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 the United 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.