This is around one of those times of the year when nonprofit nominating committees (should be governance committees but not everyone has embraced this concept) start thinking about who the next board chair should be. Sound familiar?
Well, I believe that the nonprofit board chair is THE most important person in a nonprofit organization. Let me say that again. I believe that the nonprofit board chair is THE most important person in a nonprofit organization. Why? The Chair is responsible for keeping the board members together, making sure the board is results-focused, and essentially being the best "friend" if not supervisor of the Exec in addition to performing basic functionary tasks like check-signing, public relations etc., etc.
So, how strategic are you about selecting your nonprofit Board's chair? Most are not and few if any have a succession plan that is focused on long-range governance leadership for their organization. And this long range-governance leadership begins with thinking about the Board Chair. Ask yourself: when was the last time you recruited a new board member as a prospective Board Chair 3 years later? And, have you invested in any training or education to prepare a Board member for becoming the Board Chair? If the Vice-Chair is to be the next Chair, how prepared are they?
So many questions.....