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When governance is designed and practised effectively people can catalyze positive change and drive sustainable development and results.
Thursday, June 13
 

9:30am EDT

Introduction to Policy Governance System: A Critical Overview of the Principles in this System of Governance – Half day Course
Speakers
avatar for John Tzountzouris

John Tzountzouris

Registrar & CEO, College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
John is the Registrar & CEO at the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). John is a registered medical laboratory technologist who spent the first decade of his career working in human molecular genetic testing.He has over 25 years of experience in medical... Read More →


Thursday June 13, 2024 9:30am - 12:45pm EDT

9:30am EDT

CEO Selection, Performance Evaluation, and Compensation Principles… An Exploration of the Success Boards can Achieve in These Aspects of Their Aspects of Their Relationship with Their CEO - Advanced Pre-Conference Full Day Course
Speakers
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →


Thursday June 13, 2024 9:30am - 4:15pm EDT

9:30am EDT

Policy Governance Boot Camp Day - Introduction to the PG System: The Dynamic Fundamentals Full Day Course
A full day workshop which offers you the opportunity to learn about the Policy Governance®️ model. Through presentations, interactive small group exercises, and shared experiences deepen your understanding of the practices that enable a Board to effectively use this system of governance and appreciate how Policy Governance can positively affect the way your Board operates and overall organizational effectiveness.

Thursday June 13, 2024 9:30am - 4:15pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

Advancing Insight and Solutions in Critical Governance Issues Related to Credit Union and Banking Governance – Half day Course
Speakers
avatar for Ted Humphrey

Ted Humphrey

Board Chair, NuVision Credit Union
Ted Humphrey has been a board volunteer for 15 years and has been on a Policy Governance Board for 10 years.  Last year he completed the Policy Governance Proficiency Program, and he is currently the Governance Chair of Nuvision Federal Credit Union. He is an Adjunct Professor of... Read More →
avatar for Richard A. K. Lum

Richard A. K. Lum

CEO, Vision Foresight Strategy
Richard is an academically trained futurist and chief executive of Vision Foresight Strategy LLC (VFS), a foresight and strategic analysis firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. His professional interests include the futures of governance, conflict and security, and industrialism. In his... Read More →
avatar for Tansley Stearns

Tansley Stearns

CEO, Community Financial Credit Union
Tansley Stearns, President & CEO embodies an unwavering spirit, where "no" is a foreign concept. With over 25 years of transformative leadership in credit unions, her journey epitomizes dedication to community impact. At Community Financial Credit Union, Tansley's boundless enthusiasm... Read More →


Thursday June 13, 2024 1:30pm - 4:15pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

Advancing Insight and Solutions in Critical Governance Issues Related to Primary and Secondary Education School Districts - – Half day Course
Moderator:  Latoya Holiday


Speakers
avatar for Latoya Holiday

Latoya Holiday

Board Member, Sun Prairie School District
Latoya Holiday currently serves as the Executive Director of the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) at UW Madison’s Wisconsin Center for Education Research. MSAN is a national network of school districts working and learning together to eliminate racial disparities... Read More →
avatar for Gail Lovick

Gail Lovick

Board Chair, Deforest Area School District
avatar for Chad Wilson

Chad Wilson

Superintendent, EVIT Career and College Prep
Dr. Chad Wilson is superintendent of the East Valley Institute of Technology, a Career Technical Education District providing career training to high school students and adults at two central campuses in Mesa and funding for high school CTE programs in 11 school districts. Born and... Read More →
avatar for Ronda Doolen

Ronda Doolen

Chief Academic Officer, EVIT Career and College Prep
Dr. Ronda Doolen, DNP, is the Chief Academic Officer for the East Valley Institute of Technology, a public school providing career training to East Valley high school students and Phoenix-area adults. Dr. Doolen came to EVIT from Arizona College, where she served as Dean of Nursing... Read More →
avatar for Brad Saron

Brad Saron

Superintendent, Sun Prairie Area School District
avatar for Steve Schroeder

Steve Schroeder

Board Member, Sun Prairie Area School District


Thursday June 13, 2024 1:30pm - 4:15pm EDT

4:45pm EDT

Opening and Keynote #1 Panel Discussion – Introduction of Conference Theme – Panel Discussion – Why People Matter in Breakthrough Governance?
Moderator:  Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Panelists:
  • Karen Fryday-Field
  • Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau
  • Paul Smith
  • Kim Hyshka

This session was sponsored by NuVision Credit Union.

Speakers
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →
avatar for Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Servant Leadership, Tom T. Talks
Tom Thibodeau has taught at Viterbo University for thirty-five years. Twenty years ago, he helped to found the Place of Grace hospitality house in LaCrosse, Wisconsin which serves meals and human dignity.  He is a proud husband, father, grandfather, active community member, and part... Read More →
avatar for Paul Smith

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors Institute
Paul is the award-winning author and founder of Future Directors. He's been described as a ‘board futurist’ and a leading thinker on where next for corporate governance.He speaks regularly around the world on the themes of board performance, inclusive decision-making, governance... Read More →
avatar for Kim Hyshka

Kim Hyshka

Principal, Dialogue Partners
 Kim Hyshka, CP3 has over a decade of experience as a leader in stakeholder engagement, specializing in high-stakes, high-impact interventions. She’s been a transformational figure for clientele ranging from governments to global conglomerates, Indigenous peoples and NGOs. Her... Read More →
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →



Thursday June 13, 2024 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT

5:50pm EDT

Welcome Session for First Time Attendees – How to Navigate the Conference and Connect
Speakers
avatar for Jeremiah Dameron

Jeremiah Dameron

Director, Affiliate Services, GOVERN for IMPACT
Ask me how to become an Affiliate with GOVERN for IMPACT and/or how to maximize all the benefits and opportunities available to you as an Affiliate of GOVERN for IMPACT!Why Join GOVERN for IMPACT as an affiliate?... Read More →
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →
avatar for Kathy Wiener

Kathy Wiener

Senior Managing Principal, Group i&i Consulting
avatar for Steve Schroeder

Steve Schroeder

Board Member, Sun Prairie Area School District


Thursday June 13, 2024 5:50pm - 6:30pm EDT

6:30pm EDT

Conference Reception Desk Open
Stop by the registration desk to check-in, receive your conference package and name tag, as well as make inquiries about the conference.


If you require assistance when the registration desk is not open, please feel free to contact any of the following GOVERN for IMPACT team members:
  • Jeremiah Dameron, Director of Affiliate Services at 1-917-501-2148
  • Carol Milton, Administrative Coordinator at 1-226-238-8800

Thursday June 13, 2024 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
 
Friday, June 14
 

7:30am EDT

Conference Reception Desk Open
Friday June 14, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

7:30am EDT

Breakfast – Kick Off Together followed by Plenary Session
Speakers
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

8:40am EDT

Opening and Keynote #2 – Positive Impact of Servant (Service) Leadership
Speakers
avatar for Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Servant Leadership, Tom T. Talks
Tom Thibodeau has taught at Viterbo University for thirty-five years. Twenty years ago, he helped to found the Place of Grace hospitality house in LaCrosse, Wisconsin which serves meals and human dignity.  He is a proud husband, father, grandfather, active community member, and part... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 8:40am - 9:55am EDT

10:05am EDT

1A) Starting with the Ends - Building Meaningful Critical Outcomes (Ends) For People
Organizations are the vehicle through which we touch and affect society. Boards can choose to have a significant impact and influence on the Critical Outcomes the organization will have. This workshop will address the constructs and process for the board to create meaningful, relevant, and achievable "Ends". The concept of building impactful Ends is critical to the Board's role and function as the Ends guide the CEO and organization purpose and focus having real impact on real people who have real needs. Ends are the governing tool that most enable the Board to positively influence people's outcomes and lives building a better tomorrow for our broader communities.

Speakers
avatar for Mark Bielang

Mark Bielang

Superintendent, Portage Public Schools
Mark Bielang ( Central Michigan University: Ed.S. ’92 Educational Administration; Western MichiganUniversity: B.S. ‘74 Industrial Education; M.A. ‘81 Educational Leadership) is Superintendent of PortagePublic Schools, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to Portage, Bielang... Read More →
avatar for Randy Van Antwerp

Randy Van Antwerp

Board Chair, Portage Public Schools
Randy Van Antwerp (B.S., M.B.A., J.D.) enjoyed a successful career in the paper and packagingindustry. He worked at Philip Morris International, James River Corporation, and Georgia-Pacific before retiring as Vice-President and General Manager of Packaging DynamicsCorporation.After... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

10:05am EDT

1B) Creating an Authentic Board Connection with People Who Care About Your Organization's Purpose
All Boards of Directors have their mandate and positive power to fulfil their role because some ownership or careholdership or primary stakeholders have recognized a need to be served or a challenge to be tackled in society. That careholdership empowers the Board to build strategic foresight for and stewardship of the organization. In order for the Board to fully meet its mandate, it then needs to deeply understand the careholdership perspectives, values, and insights into the designed purpose and impact of the organization on an ongoing basis.

This workshop will challenge Boards on building a perpetual commitment to connecting with careholdership people and to authentically incorporate their perspectives into the Board's direction to the CEO and organization. This session will address the "why", "what", and some "how" information about building the Board's legitimate relationship with the people of its careholdership.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Meek

Susan Meek

Consulant, The Governance Coach
Susan Meek is an executive-level professional with experience in nonprofits, government, and private industry with a primary focus on operations, communications, and governance in the education sector in Colorado. She received her MBA in Business Economics and Public Policy from George... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

11:20am EDT

2A) Using Future Focus to Develop Ends (Critical Outcomes)
Using Future Focus to Develop Ends
In theory Policy Governance boards know that they should be future focused and Ends driven. But how does a board accomplish this in practice? It will not happen by accident, and even well-intentioned boards can be distracted by the emergency of the moment, but a structured and intentional discipline can combat this tendency. Ted Humphrey (Board Chair, Nuvision Federal Credit Union) and Richard Lum (Principal of Vision Foresight Strategy) will present on Richard's collaboration with Nuvision.
Attendees will learn . . .
  • The difference between forecasting and future focused exercises,
  • The difference between a strategic plan and strategic vision.
  • How strategic vision creates the context for Ends.
  • Board cadence for strategic thinking.

Speakers
avatar for Ted Humphrey

Ted Humphrey

Board Chair, NuVision Credit Union
Ted Humphrey has been a board volunteer for 15 years and has been on a Policy Governance Board for 10 years.  Last year he completed the Policy Governance Proficiency Program, and he is currently the Governance Chair of Nuvision Federal Credit Union. He is an Adjunct Professor of... Read More →
avatar for Richard A. K. Lum

Richard A. K. Lum

CEO, Vision Foresight Strategy
Richard is an academically trained futurist and chief executive of Vision Foresight Strategy LLC (VFS), a foresight and strategic analysis firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. His professional interests include the futures of governance, conflict and security, and industrialism. In his... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 11:20am - 12:30pm EDT

11:20am EDT

2B) Make Your Board/Careholdership Relationship Real and Useful - What Does It Take to Engage People in 2024?
The relationship between a Board and its careholders is a complex and important one. The most successful Boards know that careholdership/ownership relations should be more than going through the motions. Like any good relationship, it takes work to build a base of respect, communication, and shared values. Improving engagement with your careholdership/ownership is an opportunity for the Board to increase the focus and relevance of the organization’s purpose and its intended effects/outcomes and to clarify who it serves. Clear and consistent communication with careholders gives the Board ongoing insight into changes in the environment. We all know “why we engage the careholdership”, but we need to know more about “how” to do it. What does it look like to have meaningful conversations? Learn key strategies that will help guide intentional relationships. Learn how to leverage that connection to define Ends Policy expectations that connect to your careholdership/ownership values.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Hyshka

Kim Hyshka

Principal, Dialogue Partners
 Kim Hyshka, CP3 has over a decade of experience as a leader in stakeholder engagement, specializing in high-stakes, high-impact interventions. She’s been a transformational figure for clientele ranging from governments to global conglomerates, Indigenous peoples and NGOs. Her... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 11:20am - 12:30pm EDT

12:30pm EDT

Lunch and Table Presentation Discussions
  • Coherent Governance – Similarities and Differences in Policy Governance – Update Brad and Steve
  • How Your CEO is Measuring Achievement of Executive Boundary Policy(ies) on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice – John Tzountzouris
  • Servant Leadership and Policy Governance - It's All About People Leading Through Service - Hear about – John Bohley's new book - hot off the press 
  • Maximizing Your Affiliateship and Leading at GOVERN for IMPACT - Jeremiah Dameron
  • Practical Governance Tools for Board Decision-Making and Conducting Effective Board Meetings - Reid Lehman

Speakers
avatar for Jeremiah Dameron

Jeremiah Dameron

Director, Affiliate Services, GOVERN for IMPACT
Ask me how to become an Affiliate with GOVERN for IMPACT and/or how to maximize all the benefits and opportunities available to you as an Affiliate of GOVERN for IMPACT!Why Join GOVERN for IMPACT as an affiliate?... Read More →
avatar for John Tzountzouris

John Tzountzouris

Registrar & CEO, College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
John is the Registrar & CEO at the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). John is a registered medical laboratory technologist who spent the first decade of his career working in human molecular genetic testing.He has over 25 years of experience in medical... Read More →
avatar for John Bohley

John Bohley

Consultant, Boards On Course
I am the principal consultant for Boards On Course which focuses on assisting boards of directors excel through application of the 10 powerful principles of the Policy Governance® model and other board performance improvements. Over the years, I have served in management roles in... Read More →
RL

Reid Lehman

Miracle Hill Ministries
From 1985 - 2019 (with a 20-month break-consulting with nonprofit boards beginning in October 2015) Reid Lehman served as President/CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, the largest provider of homeless shelter services in the Carolinas. More than 650 men, women and children are housed... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

1:45pm EDT

1C) Creating Meaningful Trust and Empowerment Through Clear Boundaries
One of the key premises in Policy Governance is that the Boards should empower the CEO (and team) to have full authority and accountability to interpret the Board's high-level direction and put strategies, processes, expertise, and resources in place to achieve these desired Critical Outcomes (Ends) within ethical, equitable, and prudent means.

This is not a blank check for the CEO; however, as the Board is accountable for identifying the Board's high-level values and placing operational mandate boundaries or "Executive Limitations" around what means or approaches would be not acceptable to the Board based on the Board's owner/careholder/primary stakeholder informed values.

In this workshop you will learn about the empowering nature of executive boundaries for leaders and their people, how to identify on what operational matters the Board needs to set these boundaries, and how Boards can effectively articulate reasonable, risk-informed executive boundaries. You will hear from one organization's CEO and Board Chair about how they achieved success and been empowered working within key boundaries and be invited to share your own experiences and challenges with developing, executing, monitoring, and benefitting from Executive Limitations Policies.

Speakers
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →
avatar for Greg Haecker

Greg Haecker

Board Chair, Fellowship Housing Corporation
avatar for Pam Orr

Pam Orr

Executive Director, Fellowship Housing Corporation
Pam Orr is the Executive Director for Fellowship Housing, a nonprofit that serves single moms and their children through safe, affordable housing and financial literacy training. She loves seeing single moms transform as they gain confidence and are empowered to build new legacies... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:55pm EDT

1:45pm EDT

2C) Board Decision-Making – How People Can Effectively Arrive at Key Board Conclusions/Direction/Policy – A Deep Dive into the Board’s One Voice and Its Decision-Making
Critical decision-making is one of the most important Board processes in building Board excellence and significant Board impact. The challenge is that many Boards are not aware of some of the key characteristics of sound decision-making processes and further, even more dangerous, they are not aware of the key biases that can enter into Board decision-making. This session will explore and compare/contrast typical Board decision-making processes WITH the principles around effective Board decision-making. We will use an effective Board decision-making framework to explore some of the villains in Board decision-making processes, i.e. how “hidden bias” and “rush to the finish” can distort effective Board decisions.

Participants will:
  • Study an example of frequently used Board decision-making and its impacts.
  • Co-create an effective Board decision-making framework and process to evaluate the implications of using such a framework.
  • Study the villains hidden in Board decision-making and strategies to avoid these derailers of good decisions.
  • Build a strategy and/or tools to introduce effective decision-making at the Board they work with and serve.
 
The session will explore implications of the group’s exploration including:
  • What can be done to ensure that we follow effective sound decision processes when serving on Boards?
  • What trends get Boards off track?
  • What are the barriers and impediments to making better decisions as Boards?
 
Participants will explore an example of a past Board decision that was dealt with well, and one which was not as effective.

Speakers
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →
avatar for Paul Smith

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors Institute
Paul is the award-winning author and founder of Future Directors. He's been described as a ‘board futurist’ and a leading thinker on where next for corporate governance.He speaks regularly around the world on the themes of board performance, inclusive decision-making, governance... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:55pm EDT

2:55pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

Keynote #3 – How to Maximize Generative AI in and around the Boardroom to Enhance the Work of Governance Leadership
In an era where technology reshapes every aspect of businesses and decision-making, understanding and leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) within the boardroom will become a strategic imperative. Paul Smith's keynote will delve into the potential of GenAI, offering Board Directors a comprehensive exploration of its applications and implications for corporate governance.

This keynote address will include:
  • A brief history of GenAI, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of its capabilities and potential.
  • The responsible use of GenAI, including bias, ethical considerations, data integrity, and privacy, ensuring boards can govern with confidence and accountability.
  • Learn to navigate its strengths and understand its limitations, empowering you to make informed decisions about incorporating GenAI into your strategic toolkit.
  • Speculation on the future uses of GenAI in corporate governance, preparing directors for the evolving landscape.
This session promises not just foresight but hands-on learning; featuring a live interaction with ChatGPT as Paul guides us through real-time queries and audience participation.

Please join us for a dynamic keynote exploration of how GenAI can redefine excellence in the boardroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to lead in the digital age.

Speakers
avatar for Paul Smith

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors Institute
Paul is the award-winning author and founder of Future Directors. He's been described as a ‘board futurist’ and a leading thinker on where next for corporate governance.He speaks regularly around the world on the themes of board performance, inclusive decision-making, governance... Read More →
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →


Friday June 14, 2024 3:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

6:45pm EDT

Gala and Dinner
Friday June 14, 2024 6:45pm - 10:00pm EDT
 
Saturday, June 15
 

7:45am EDT

Breakfast
Saturday June 15, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

8:55am EDT

Keynote #4 - Navigating Tough Conversations in the Boardroom: In Our Polarized World How Can We Talk and Work Together to Move Forward?
We are living in a unique time, on one hand, communication has never been so easy, text messaging, zoom calls, video conference, facetime, talking has never been so easy…but is it really? While the number of communication technologies expand constantly, divisive conversations are on the rise and there is an overwhelming pattern of talking “at” people rather than “with” them. So, if the quality of our conversations directly correlates to the quality of relationships, decisions and life, it’s time to stop and take stock. Each of us contribute to this new normal, so as leaders, managers, and colleagues we need to consider how to best engage and interact with those around us.

This session will go behind the curtain of truly effective leadership and dialogue. To explore what it takes to convene better, more connected conversations, to constructively explore our differences and as a result, build relationships and trust. Strong leaders know how to breathe new life into old problems, but they also know they can’t go it alone. Together we’ll tackle 3 key road blocks to meaningful conversations and share tools to transform the way we come together.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Hyshka

Kim Hyshka

Principal, Dialogue Partners
 Kim Hyshka, CP3 has over a decade of experience as a leader in stakeholder engagement, specializing in high-stakes, high-impact interventions. She’s been a transformational figure for clientele ranging from governments to global conglomerates, Indigenous peoples and NGOs. Her... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 8:55am - 10:10am EDT

10:10am EDT

10:25am EDT

1D) The First Among Equals - The Role of the Board Chair (the expectation that the Chair will lead and participate in the Board’s assessment of its own performance)
Leading people as the first among equals, the legitimate role of the Board Chair is nuanced responsibility. The Board Chair takes their mandate as the chief facilitator of an effective Board process from the Board of Directors. This role demands a unique blend of leadership and humility. It is challenging to find strong, effective, inclusive Board Chairs in today’s society, as many leaders are overworked, tired, and running out of steam.

Despite their title, the Board Chair has no more authority than any other Board Member. Instead they need to be an unaffected, trusted, transparent leader to carry and build the trust of the Board, fostering collaboration and ensuring that each Member’s voice is head and valued in the decision-making process.

Speakers
avatar for Rose Mercier

Rose Mercier

Senior Consultant & Partner,, The Governance Coach
Rose has more than twenty‐eight years’ experience in organizational transition and leadershipdevelopment, and twenty‐plus years in management and leadership positions. In the past seventeenyears, Rose has focused on supporting boards with the effective implementation of PolicyGovernance... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 10:25am - 11:35am EDT

10:25am EDT

2D) Strengthening Your Board’s Leader Character While Removing Barriers to Board Service - and How does Board Character Get Challenged in Different Environments (e.g. public elected Boards)?
Governing Boards are made up of a cast of characters/people. People demonstrate different levels of beliefs and competencies in leadership behaviours which are shaped by people’s leader character. Learn about how it is possible that a Board with an excellent technical governing system or approach to governance, can still not achieve governance excellence and not deliver on the Board’s expected results if the Board leader character as a whole is not optimal, inspiring, and trusted. Examine the “people factor” related to Board culture and Board leadership behaviors and how they can significantly influence Board success… and how Boards can build and enhance their leader character as an entity.

Participants will…
  • Refresh the basic connection of Board culture (values and leadership) with the major components of Board governance (Board job products, process, structure) and learn the components of Leader Character and how these interact – an overview of research in Leader Character.
  • Using a group scenario on decision-making, study leader characteristics in action.
  • Evaluate Board Leader Character in action and/or the absence of it while studying short Board of Director cases.
  • Study how Boards can cohesively build and strengthen their cohesive leader character.
  • Summarize critical learning to be applied going forward.


Speakers
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Janzen Le Ber

Marlene Janzen Le Ber

Professor, Leadership Studies Distinguished Chair, Centre for Leadership, Brescia University College
Marlene Janzen Le Ber is Professor, Leadership Studies & Distinguished Chair, Centre for Leadership at Canada’s only women’s university, Brescia University College. A multiple research grant holder in complex processes of leadership, her current research spans core topics in leadership... Read More →
avatar for Steve Schroeder

Steve Schroeder

Board Member, Sun Prairie Area School District


Saturday June 15, 2024 10:25am - 11:35am EDT

11:45am EDT

12:00pm EDT

1E) The Most Important Relationship - Building a Strong Board/CEO Relationship
Building a strong Board and CEO relationship is crucial for effective governance and organizational success. The Board plays a senior partner role in this dynamic, and several key dimensions contribute to its success. Firstly, the Board must create a clear understanding of the organization’s purpose and critical outcomes enabling alignment by the CEO’s with the Board’s vision. Expectations of the CEO should be well-defined, providing a framework for their role.

Continuous feedback and evaluation of the CEO’s performance are essential to maintain a healthy relationship. The Board needs to actively support the CEO and provide the necessary resources for the CEO to excel. Compensation for the CEO is a pivotal factor, as it reflects their value to the organization.

However, like any relationship, the Board and CEO partnership requires clear definition and consistent effort. Honesty, patience, humility, and a sense of humanity are all essential elements for building the trust necessary to make this relationship effective and ultimately drive the organization’s success.

Speakers
avatar for Hartger Wasskink

Hartger Wasskink

Governance Consultant, De Professionele Dialoog
Dr. Hartger Wassink is an organizational psychologist with experience in academic research as well as consultancy. His particular interests lie in 'professional dialogue', distributed leadership in schools, and the role of values in management and board (Policy Governance®). Hartger... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:10pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

2E1) Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice – What Board Perspectives and Actions are Making a Real Difference… including Flattening the Governance Hierarchy
Moderator: Tom Keyse

Boards in all sectors are exploring the promises and challenges (including, in some cases, outright opposition) of developing and implementing EDIJ policies. At GOVERN for IMPACT, the Board of Directors has stated in policy that “We recognize and respect that diverse life experiences lead to rich dialogue and decision-making and strive to encourage diverse views within the Board meant to inform impactful decision-making.”  The GOVERN Board also recently affirmed that it “is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and just environment where all Board members, contract staff, volunteers, affiliates, and contacts feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, identity, disability, education, or any other bias.”

In this session, you’ll hear from Lindsay Grillet, GOVERN Board member, about the GOVERN Board’s journey to adopting these policies. You’ll also learn from Ryann Peyton, a 2023 GOVERN annual conference keynote speaker (Leading Through Generations), about how other Boards are addressing EDIJ challenges, including by flattening the governance hierarchy. Finally, frequent GOVERN presenter Dr. Marlene Janzen Le Ber, will share insights from the [EDIJ research project exploring EDIJ issues] in which GOVERN is participating, and to which GOVERN members will be invited to contribute their experiences. Come to listen, learn, and share what Board perspectives are making a real EDIJ difference.


Speakers
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →
avatar for Ryann Peyton

Ryann Peyton

Director, Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) / Legal Entrepreneurs For Justice (LEJ)
Ryann serves as the Director of the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) and Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice (LEJ), lawyer professional development programs of the Colorado Supreme Court. A former litigator and a seasoned consultant and advocate on professionalism, diversity... Read More →
avatar for Lindsay Grillett

Lindsay Grillett

Board Member, GOVERN for IMPACT
Dynamic senior communications professional adept at building and cultivating relationships to promote effective collaboration, resulting in impactful contributions to business goals. Expertise in leading complex programs that reach both internal and external audiences, ensuring successful... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

2E2) Navigating Transitions – Grieving and Seeing the New Possibilities
Speakers
avatar for Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Thomas (Tom) Thibodeau

Servant Leadership, Tom T. Talks
Tom Thibodeau has taught at Viterbo University for thirty-five years. Twenty years ago, he helped to found the Place of Grace hospitality house in LaCrosse, Wisconsin which serves meals and human dignity.  He is a proud husband, father, grandfather, active community member, and part... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

Closing Plenary Session
Speakers
avatar for Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →
avatar for Karen Fryday-Field

Karen Fryday-Field

CEO & Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →


Saturday June 15, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
 
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