Why nonprofit boards must be more than oversight

PHOENIX (STN) – Strong boards don’t just govern nonprofits; they help drive their missions forward, and for nonprofit leaders, cultivating a high-performing board is as critical as building an effective staff.

Those were the key takeaways from a ‘Leading in the Moment’ panel discussion during the May episode of ‘It Happens at STN,’ featuring UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez. The two shared insights into the evolving role of board members and the leadership practices that make those relationships thrive.

“The job of the board is governance and stewardship,” Fonder explained. “It’s about protecting the mission, overseeing leadership and focusing on the long-term health of the organization.”

Fonder emphasized that a board’s role is not to manage day-to-day operations but to provide oversight and strategic direction. And while those core responsibilities remain consistent, the dynamics between leadership and the board naturally shift as organizations grow and evolve.

One relationship, Fonder noted, stands above the rest: the connection between the CEO and the board chair. “That relationship has to be locked in,” he said. “Show me a high-performing board, and I’ll show you a high-performing executive team.”

Lopez highlighted the importance of helping corporate board members understand the nuances of nonprofit work. “In a corporate board, the focus might be profits or shareholder value,” she said. “But in a nonprofit, it’s about mission, impact and outcomes. We need to guide board members in understanding those differences.”

“You’re not collecting résumés,” Fonder said of recruiting board members. “You’re building a team of stewards, ambassadors and collaborators. Take your time. Have conversations. Invite them to meetings. Make sure alignment with the mission and values is clear before they ever step into the boardroom.”

Lopez echoed the importance of intentionality, advising leaders to think about the future when recruiting. “Your board needs to reflect the next chapter of your organization,” she said. “You want board members who challenge you, ask tough questions and help you think bigger.”

Both leaders underscored the importance of preparing board members to be effective. “Never assume a new board member knows exactly what to do,” Fonder said. “Coach them. Roll out the red carpet.”