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What Great Board Members Know (and Practice) [Interactive Governance Training]

Interactive Governance Training

All nonprofit boards—no matter how experienced—benefit from ongoing training. The landscape of nonprofit governance is constantly evolving, and even seasoned board members can struggle with role clarity, accountability, or staying strategic. This interactive governance training engages participants in collaboratively designing a governance style that works for your organization and is built on proven behaviors and habits. This session is often delivered as an add-on to an existing board meeting, retreat, or strategic planning session. It can be conducted as a 60-min or half-day session.

Session Overview

This practical training equips board members with the knowledge, mindset, and tools to govern with confidence and clarity. Through real-life scenarios and interactive discussion, participants will explore their legal, organizational, and cultural responsibilities—focusing on fiduciary duties, board-staff dynamics, and the habits that shape effective governance. The session blends practical insights with a touch of humor, helping board members understand their role, strengthen collaboration, and leave with actionable takeaways they can apply right away. Whether new or experienced, every participant will gain fresh perspective and energy for board service.

Session Takeaways

Fiduciary Duties Are More Than Legal Checkboxes

Board members must actively uphold their duties of care, loyalty, and obedience—not only to ensure legal compliance, but to foster trust, transparency, and mission alignment in every decision they make.

Culture and Behavior Shape Board Effectiveness

Individual behaviors—such as meeting preparation, accountability, and curiosity—directly influence board culture. Positive habits build strong governance; unchecked behaviors can erode effectiveness and strain staff relationships.

Clear Roles Prevent Confusion and Conflict

Understanding where governance ends and management begins is essential. Board members must stay strategic and respect operational boundaries while maintaining open, collaborative communication with staff leaders.

Schedule a Session for Your Board

Katie Appold, MPA

About Katie Appold, MPA

Katie’s nonprofit career includes a variety of leadership roles for human service, foundation, and publishing-related nonprofits, as well as many volunteer roles. Under Katie’s leadership, nonprofit organizations have developed new programs related to free healthcare, affordable and accessible housing, and literacy programs for K-12 students. In her first Executive Director role, Katie increased the annual revenue of the organization she led by 300% and received the top grant prize in the nation for affordable housing through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. She went on to help establish Do More Good, a nonprofit educational platform that eventually merged with Nonprofit Hub, one of the largest free content sites for nonprofits in North America. Today, Katie serves as the contracted leader of Inform USA in addition to her work with Nonprofit Nav and as an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership and fundraising for Cornerstone University. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership. Katie serves on the boards of Gracious Grounds and the National 211 Steering Committee.

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