Strong Board Governance series serves nonprofit leaders at all levels

Nonprofit boards bring together people with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. All with a shared commitment to the mission. The opportunity is in how organizations engage that collective strength: building deeper connections, improving communication, and creating meaningful ways for every board member to contribute. The Strong Board Governance Series at the Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence is helping organizations do exactly that. 

For Terry Hanson, resource development manager at Friendly House, a community service hub in Davenport, Iowa, that opportunity came into focus about a year into his first role centered on fundraising. He quickly saw that stronger engagement with his organization’s board could unlock new possibilities for development efforts, and across the organization.

Terry Hanson, resource development manager at Friendly House

One session in particular shifted his perspective: a conversation focused on helping board members contribute more meaningfully to fundraising and leadership. “It really focused on how to help board members maximize their strengths,” Hanson said. “Instead of thinking about fundraising as something that only a few people do, the conversation was about finding ways every board member can play a role.” 

That idea—meeting board members where they are and giving them clear, accessible ways to engage—is central to the series.

“The Strong Board Governance Series is about turning good intentions into effective action,” said Daisy Ramírez, Harris Center director. “Participants leave with a stronger understanding of their role and practical strategies they can apply right away, whether they’re leading a board or working alongside one.”

Participants represent a wide range of experience, from longtime nonprofit executives and board chairs to professionals earlier in their careers. That mix creates a dynamic learning environment where insights come not only from expert facilitators but from peers navigating similar challenges.

“The community was one of the most valuable parts,” Hanson said. “Many of the people there were active board members, while others were staff members like me, trying to figure out how to work more effectively with boards. Being able to hear those different perspectives made the conversations really meaningful.”

After completing the series, Hanson began applying what he learned right away. With support from his executive director, he started sharing short videos and resources with board members and incorporating new approaches into his work.

“Sharing smaller pieces of information from the sessions has helped open conversations with our board,” he said. “It creates opportunities for peer-to-peer communication and helps everyone feel more connected to the work. The series gave me confidence and real tools that I’m already putting in place.”

Registration for the 2026 Strong Board Governance Series is now open, with the first of six sessions beginning May 14. Participants do not need to attend every session, and a limited number of scholarships are available to offset registration costs. To learn more and register, click here.