As we approach the end of the year, it's time for nonprofit board members to take action and set their organizations up for success in 2025. In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into five essential tasks that every board member should tackle before the calendar turns. From conducting performance reviews for your Executive Director to lining up …

In this episode, we speak with Joe Schaefer, an expert in employee retention and executive benefits to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retention strategies for nonprofit executives. Joe shares insights on the importance of retention plans from both board and executive perspectives, explaining how these programs can help nonprofit leaders attr…

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the essential role of nonprofit leadership during times of crisis. With recent hurricanes impacting Florida, we discuss how executive directors and board members can maintain focus and adapt effectively when unexpected events disrupt operations. Michael shares key insights on the importance of strategic…

This week we discuss 3 ideas that have been on Michael’s mind. Number 1 is a concept created by The Patterson Foundation called Cope, Adapt, Innovate. Second is building on our podcast from last week and that is the idea that you cannot overpay for good talent. Third is how the CEO/Executive Director can manage their board. Timestamps: (00:00) Tota…

In this episode, we explore both financial and non-financial strategies to help your organization retain a superstar executive director. One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is hiring, supporting, and—when necessary—replacing the CEO/Executive Director. If you have a top-tier leader, it's crucial to invest in their retention, as the…

This week, we speak with Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions out of Golden, Colorado. Derik spent time in the military, serving 2 tours in Iraq before joining McKinsey & Company for 7 years. During his years at McKinsey, Derik realized he got more "soul food" from his work with nonprofits and left to start Sparrow Nonprofit Solu…

This week we speak with Tracy Vanderneck, MSM, CFRE and author of The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising. Together, we discuss Tracy’s background and her motivation for writing a book. Then, we dive more deeply into sections of the book and get Tracy’s expertise on the board’s role in fundraising, th…

This week, we speak to Gerhard Toth, Business Banking Manager at GTE Financial. Gerhard currently serves as a board member for United Way Suncoast and Braden River Soccer Club. When it comes to board service, Gerhard is led by passion. He chooses organizations that he truly aligns with the mission. In this episode, Gerhard discusses the difference …

As we approach episode 100, we think it is time to revisit some past episodes. This week, we revisit episode 32 with Cliff Walters. In this episode, we discuss the importance of bylaws with Cliff Walters of ​Blalock Walters, P.A.​ Cliff offers useful advice for people who are on a board or thinking about joining one. He covers important topics like…

This week, we speak with Linda Dale, CPA, board member, and board chair. Linda has served her community through board service for many years and is now serving as the board chair for Space Coast Health Foundation for the second time. Together, we talk about how being a CPA has led her to serving as treasurer on many boards, how understanding financ…

This week, we discuss the need to have strong relationships around the board room. These relationships don't just happen at board meetings. You need to be intentional about forming relationships among your board members. This means, creating opportunities every meeting for people to get to know each other, having off-site board retreats where board…

This week, we interview Mark Gordon, nonprofit board member and Managing Editor of the Business Observer. Together, we discuss Mark’s motivation for serving on nonprofits boards, what he has learned from serving on boards, 501(c)6 vs 501(c)3 service, and preconceptions about serving on boards. Mark is also the host of From the Corner Office, a podc…

This week, we discuss the constant nature of board recruitment. Just because you recently onboarded this year's board members does not mean you can stop. Next year will come, board members will roll off, and new members are needed to come onto the board. Timestamps: 00:00 Always be recruiting board members 00:40 Use your board matrix 01:40 Put them…

For many organizations, July 1st marks the beginning of the new fiscal year. This is a great time to onboard new board members, energize your staff with a new budget, and strategize for the new year. In this episode, we discuss a 6-step process to identify your organization's strategic direction in 2 hours. As a board, you do not need to spend all …

It is the week of July 4th, a perfect time for your executive director to take a vacation. As a board member, you should ensure that your executive director is taking time off to be able to refresh and continue to drive the mission forward. Many leaders of organizations do not take adequate time off, leading to burn out and lower retention rates. M…

This week, we speak with Chris Williams, owner of Aginto and Advisory Board Chair of Salvation Army Manatee County. Chris came to Salvation Army first as a client, then as a volunteer, and after some time was asked to join the board and then be board chair. In this episode, we discuss how Chris approaches his board meetings, communicating with othe…

Last week, we discussed retaining your CEO or executive director. This week, we transition to executive succession planning. We discuss having a plan for an acting CEO, an interim CEO, and a rising CEO. Many organizations want to bring along the next leader while their current CEO is still running the show. However, not every organization has that …

This week, we tackle the subject of executive retention planning. More specifically, the importance of performance plans, compensation, and bonus structure. High performers want to know how to improve, and they want compensation tied to performance. A problem comes when boards do not clearly define the CEO/ED's bonus structure or compensation plan.…

This week, we speak with Brian Carter and Jacob Kinsel, both are CPAs at Mauldin & Jenkins. Together, Brian and Jacob provide a masterclass on the financial statements and audits for nonprofit board members. Including an overview of the 990, what boards should be aware of during the audit process, and how nonprofit boards can mitigate fraud. If you…

Recently, I had the pleasure of facilitating a board retreat with a high performing, aligned, and productive board. In this episode, I discuss the 5 observations I have from working with this nonprofit board. Timestamps: 00:00 5 observations of a high performing board 01:20 Aligned on the mission 01:40 Understands its role 02:15 They were educated …

This week we speak with the author of "The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs", Brian Quail. Brian worked in nonprofits for 40 years, was a CEO for 25, and raised over $1 billion for his organizations across his career. In this episode, we focus on the 5 frameworks from Brian's book: “90 Days," “Your Team," “The Financials," “Donor Relationships…

July 1st brings in a new fiscal year for many nonprofit organizations. As we approach this time of transition, we discuss two ways to get your new board aligned. In your first board meeting with your new board, discuss the mission. What does the mission mean to each person? It is also important to discuss what is NOT the mission. Mission creep can …

This week we speak with Kerry Diaz, a former practicing attorney, turned nonprofit CEO, board member, entrepreneur, and now nonprofit consultant. Together, we discuss Kerry's transition from board member to CEO, succession planning best practices, and traits that make an effective nonprofit CEO and board member. Contact Kerry: kerryadiaz@gmail.com …

There might come a time when a board member is not showing up for meetings, reviewing meeting materials, or being a good steward of the organization. It is the role of the board chair to step in and have a conversation with that board member. Remember, board members are volunteers, so a delicate balance has to be reached. Oftentimes, people feel ob…

This week, we speak with the Honorable Adelaide “Alex” Sink. Alex served as Florida’s elected Chief Financial Officer from 2007 to 2011. Prior to elected office, Alex had a 26-year career at Bank of America where she served on several nonprofit boards. We discuss how serving on nonprofit boards helped her banking and political career, evaluating an…

A nonprofit's #1 currency is trust. Any fraudulent activity by a nonprofit agency negates this trust. The Board has a role and responsibility to minimize the risk of fraud. This week, we discuss 10 tips for nonprofit boards to help mitigate fraud in their organizations. Timestamps: 00:00 How nonprofit boards can mitigate fraud risk 01:40 #1-3 - Est…

This week, we speak with Hal Williams. Hal is the creator of Results 1st and the author of the new book “Put Results First”. Results 1st helps individuals and groups focus on results in each of their functions, activities, processes, and structures. Together, Michael and Hal dive into the 4 parts of the book, including discussions on defining succe…

In recent interactions with nonprofit board members, there has been a difference in familiarity regarding the operational nuances between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Given that many board members do not interact with the organization on a daily basis, there may be unintentional assumptions about how nonprofits operate. In this episode, …

This week, we speak with Malcolm MacLeod. Malcolm is a board chair, retired nonprofit CEO, lawyer, and author of the book entitled, “The Practice of Philanthropy: A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff.” Malcolm's book is the culmination of 19 years of experience spent as the president and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Those 19 years …

In this episode, Michael shares insights from the Florida Philanthropic Network Annual Summit, highlighting five reasons why nonprofit professionals should attend conferences. He emphasizes networking, learning, idea generation, growth through association, and team building as essential benefits. Michael urges nonprofit leaders and board members to…

This week, we speak with Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children Manatee. Anne had quite the career in the for-profit world as former Sales, Marketing, HR and Recruiting manager before joining Take Stock Manatee as the CEO. Take Stock in Children Manatee is a mentor based organization that partners students with a mentor to earn a scholarship u…

This week, we discuss 3 easy ways to fundraise as a nonprofit board member. Fundraising as a nonprofit board member can be a contentious topic. Most people do not join a nonprofit board to fundraise. However, it is your responsibility as a board member to ensure the financial stability of your organization. Fundraising as a board member does not me…

This week, we speak with Janene Amick, CEO of Florida Cultural Group. Janene has been part of Florida Cultural Group (f/k/a Manatee Players, Inc.) for 19 years, beginning as a board member. Together, we discuss her role as Chief Cheerleader, her approach for fund development, and how she encourages her board members to fundraise. We also talk about…

This week we are discussing leadership tips and ideas for nonprofit CEOs. In this episode, we cover 5 easy to implement leadership tips any nonprofit CEO can benefit from. Michael has been working with nonprofit CEOs for the past several years. These tips are a culmination of what has worked the best for these CEOs when it comes to stakeholder buy-…

This week, we speak with Erin McLeod, President & CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. In this episode, we discuss her philosophy working with the board of directors, leadership style, and that board succession planning doesn’t always go as planned. We also talk about her thoughts on transparent leadership, including staff in board meetings, and setti…

This week, we continue our conversation from episode 69, “You are the new board chair, now what?” In this episode, we discuss the keys to success as a board chair and top decisions to avoid. If you follow these keys, we believe you will have a successful tenure as board chair. Timestamps: 00:00 Board Chair Orientation continued 01:20 Keys to succes…

This week, we are speaking with Sarasota Orchestra’s board chair, Tom Koski. Together, we speak about how he got into philanthropy in Sarasota, fundraising for capital campaigns as a board chair, and the massive projects he has been involved with in Sarasota County. The secret sauce to a capital campaign? Tom say's it is communicating the need. You…

Congratulations! You are the new board chair. Now what? Many organizations have just welcomed a new board chair, or will be welcoming one in the upcoming months. In this episode, we discuss the roles and characteristics of a board chair. We also touch on the initial steps a new board chair should take to get their tenure off to a positive start. Ti…

This week, we are speaking with Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health. Empath Health is a $380m, 3000+ employee hospice, home health, and senior care oriented organization serving 60,000+ people from central to southwest Florida. Jonathan shares with us how he came to be the CEO of Empath Health, the needs of a CEO from their board me…

This week, we are discussing board ethics. How to remain ethical while on a board, typical examples of potentially unethical behavior, and a litmus test to determine whether or not you should take specific actions. “Are the actions I take going to break the public trust? Then you shouldn’t do it.” Timestamps: 00:00 - Board Ethics 01:20 - It starts …

This week, we speak with Mary Ruiz, former CEO of Centerstone of Florida (f/k/a Manatee Glens) and newly elected board chair of MCR Health, Inc. In this episode, we discuss how Mary's experience as a CEO helps her be a more effective board member, why the Executive Committee may be a relic of the past, and how to get the most out of fellow board me…

You do not need to create a new strategic plan every year. However, it would be of value to update your current strategic plan. We do this through a "strategy refresh". A short facilitated session in which we help you refresh your strategic plan with up-to-date information and knowledge. In an ever changing environment, your strategic direction sho…

As the year comes to an end, there are a few tasks nonprofit board members can complete to wrap the year up successfully. These short but powerful tasks can help you get a head start on the new year and be prepared for your board responsibilities in 2024. Timestamps: 00:00 What can you do as a board member before the end of the year? 01:20 #1 - Rea…

This week, we discuss aspects of nonprofit board membership prospective board members should consider before joining a board. Everyone on the board should be willing to give their time, talent, and treasure to their organization. Be sure to ask plenty of questions prior to joining a board to have a clear understanding of the level of commitment the…

This week, we are speaking with Board President of Project Light of Manatee, Cheryl Evans. Together, we discuss how Cheryl got involved in Project Light, stepping into the board president role for the first time, and how she is growing in the position. Cheryl candidly shares with us her successes and struggles. Including overcoming obstacles to rec…

A board retreat is a wonderful opportunity for board members to get to know each other, to plan for the upcoming year, or discuss an important topic in depth. However, these can only be achieved with a properly planned retreat. Today, we discuss the strategies we use to conduct a productive nonprofit board retreat. Timestamps: 00:00 - Our board ret…

In the spirit of the season, today we are giving thanks. From us at The Corley Company, we thank the nonprofit organization’s making our community a better place, the leadership and staff that carry out the work, the donors that help make projects happen and the volunteers who give so much of their time. Timestamps: (00:00) Thank You Listeners (01:…

Imagine giving 3-6 years of your volunteer time to an organization, only to roll off the board and never hear from the organization again. This is a very realistic scenario for many board members. In this week’s episode, we are discussing what happens when you roll off a nonprofit board and how organizations can keep past board members engaged. Tim…

This week, we are joined by the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Dawn Stanhope. When it comes to engaging your board, there aren't many people who do it like Dawn, and she actually has two boards. Listen in to hear Dawn’s strategies for keeping board members engaged, what she looks for when she is identifying new board members, and what…

In this week’s episode we talk about what nonprofit board members want. People join nonprofit boards for a multitude of reasons, but we believe they can be narrowed down to 4. They want to contribute, make a difference, grow skills, and build relationships. If your nonprofit board can provide these four things, we believe you will have an easier ti…