Board Bank Provides a Masterclass in Leadership

BY ERICA BOCK, MANAGING EDITOR

This year’s annual Board Bank training event focused on the theme of discovering and applying your why. The morning kicked off with a delightful networking opportunity, inviting twenty participants to connect over a shared breakfast. This laid the groundwork for collaborative connections, setting a tone of camaraderie for the day ahead. The stage was then handed over to Elizabeth Desrosiers, Leadership Development Chair, and Sarah Redford, Leadership Development Vice Chair, who shared invaluable leadership insights. Their wisdom provided a solid foundation, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership within the board context. Topics covered during the event included fundraising, financial and legal responsibilities of board membership along with workshops to help participants “discover their why,” explore board opportunities throughout Cincinnati via Cincinnati Cares and a board simulation exercise.

Amy Thompson, CEO of Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, took the spotlight as the keynote speaker. Her address delivered a profound perspective on the intricacies of effective board engagement, offering participants valuable insights to carry forward. After a brief intermission, Doug Bolton, President and CEO of Cincinnati Cares, guided participants through the art of choosing the right board. Bolton emphasized the significance of aligning personal values with organizational goals, providing practical advice for navigating the diverse landscape of board opportunities.

The second half of the afternoon included engaging sessions featuring Danya Karram, JLC Board Member and CoFounder and President of Brilliant Advice, Ja’Lah Willingham, Executive Director of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, and Sarah Houseman, JLC Legal Advisor

The Board Simulation Activity provided an immersive experience, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a simulated board setting, refining their decision-making skills. The day culminated in a captivating panel discussion titled “Apply Your Why.” Meredith Comin, JLC Board Member and Past President, Meggan Thompson, JLC Nominating Committee Member, and Jeff Levine, President of the Board of Trustees of Ault Park Advisory Council, shared their experiences, inspiring participants to align their personal mission with their board involvement. Attendees learned how to identify the purpose of nonprofit boards, responsibly govern as a nonprofit board member and manage effective meetings, understand their legal responsibilities and provide legal oversight, provide financial oversight, fundraiser to support the mission and operation of the nonprofit, and gain confidence in asking questions as a nonprofit board member.

As the day concluded, participants departed with enriched knowledge, meaningful connections, and a reignited passion for effective leadership for board service. When asked to provide feedback on the Board Bank experience, one participant shared, “I directly serve on state and national-level boards. I believe this was a great training to remind me of the “why” when facing challenging times.” The focus of Board Bank is to teach participants what serving on a board entails, to feel confident in their abilities to serve, and to make connections with others who can be helpful in their current or future board experience. The event served not only as a learning platform but also as a catalyst for fostering a vibrant and collaborative board culture. Participants will come back together in February for follow-up training events that will also provide opportunities for networking with other individuals currently serving on nonprofit boards. More than 150 JLC members have completed Board Bank training over the last several years, including many who have gone on to serve on boards following this invaluable training.