The Strategic Board: The Step-by-Step Guide to High-Impact Governance
"The Strategic Board tackles head-on the single most urgent problem facing not-for-profit organizations and their boards of trustees. It is refreshingly, lucidly written, as well as fast-paced. It is blessedly free of social science jargon, as well as theory, and offers a clear, direct explanation of the basic reasons most not-for-profit boards fail to fulfilltheir responsibilities or to function at minimally acceptable standards. It offers a practical, no-nonsense "how to" roadmap that will leave not-for-profit board members no excuse for being ineffective or sub-optimal. This book picks up where the authoritative, research-based study of boards by Bowen, Nygren, and et. al, and Chait, Holland, and Taylor leave off, and outlines what a not-for-profit organization must do in order to transform itself into a strategic-thinking, strategically-run organization. It is must reading for every not-for-profit board and chiefexecutive."—Joel Fleishman, Professor of Public PolicySanford Institute"Mark Light demonstrates a keen understanding of the challenges facing nonprofit boards, and offers a simple, useable framework for focusing the work of a board."—Carol A. Lukas, Director, National Services, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation"Who among us, often serving simultaneously in both roles of nonprofit executive and board member, would not relate in a heartbeat to Light's seven 'realities' and four 'questions of great governance?' The importance and usefulness of Mark's insights and tested plan are immeasurable to allof us who wrestle daily with this #1, always-in-your-face challenge.—Roni D. Posner, Ed.D., Executive Director, Alliance for Nonprofit Management"It is a delight to recommend this step-by-step guide to high impact governance! As a direct result of this remarkable process, our United Way is posting stunning gains in a highly competitive fundraising and communityinvestment arena where everything is measured and outcomes matter! Mark Light's star shines brightest in this extraordinary work!"—Alan Perez, President/CEO,United Way of Erie County"Finally-a no-nonsense book from a seasoned nonprofit executive who has worked as both a consultant to nonprofit organizations and in the trenches of governance. Straight to the point and eminently practical, Mark Light's governance model challenges nonprofit executives to think beyondtraditional approaches and reach for innovative solutions."—Richard D. Moyers, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations"Mark Light zeroes in on the obstacles to good governance and sharply focuses the board's attention on its essential and strategic role."—Alice Korngold, President and CEO, Business Volunteers Unlimited"Mark Light's Strategic BoardTM governance model is a new and innovative approach to the most important challenge to nonprofit organizations today-improving governance. As a consultant who has used this model in my own work with boards, I can say with confidence that this book will bewelcomed by the nonprofit community and well-used."—James Abruzzo, Managing Director, Nonprofit, Education and e-Philanthropy PracticeStratfordGroup