Once Again! Should a Nonprofit CEO Be a Voting Member of the Board of Directors?
I was surprised to read in a Board Source nonprofit report that this board of directors’ question is one of the most frequently asked. From a Google search, I was also surprised to find that, outside of a few vague references that there may be legal issues involved with the decision, (more…)
Nonprofit board term limits – How long should directors serve?
By Eugene Fram
I am currently a director of a five person condo board responsible for reserve and operating assets of well over $1million and capital assets probably worth over $25 million. When the condo group was formed over 15 years ago, the bylaws stipulated that each director can only serve for one two year term, but couldn’t be reelected until after a period of one year off the board.
The logic of this arrangement was that every year either two or three new board members must be replaced. (more…)
How Can A Board Be Kept Involved When It Is Only Making Policy Decisions?
By Eugene Fram
The name of the game for the CEO is to communicate the important information to board members and to keep them abreast of significant operational developments. This involves: (more…)
What Are Nonprofit Directors’ Duties During Merger, Acquisition or Being Acquired?
By Eugene Fram
Craig Leonard, Morrison & Foerster, LLP has a comprehensive article in the February 25, issue of Board Member.com covering director duties of for-profit organizations when a takeover occurs. Many of his topics listed also can be applied to nonprofits, (more…)
Nonprofit chief executives should have a title, PRESIDENT/CEO
By Eugene Fram
When nonprofit organizations reach a budget level of over $1 million and have about 10 staff members it is time to offer the chief operating officer the title of PRESIDENT/CEO. In addition, the title of the senior board volunteer should become CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD, and the title of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR needs to be eliminated. Experience has shown that with a reasonably talented PRESIDENT/CEO at the helm, he/she can provide the following benefits:
Executive Director: When Is It An Appropriate Title?
By Eugene Fram
An Executive Director title compared with a President/CEO title for a nonprofit’s chief operating executive is a debate that still pervades the nonprofit governance discussions. Following is a list of situations when the Executive Director tile is appropriate.
Nonprofit Internal Controls – Are They Being Properly Reviewed?
By Eugene Fram
One of the responsibilities of either a nonprofit or a for-profit board is to make certain that internal controls in place are adequate. This task is usually delegated to an audit committee and/or a finance committee. However, what is meant by internal controls can vary greatly depending of the type of nonprofit and the clients that it services.
Fortunately, De La Rosa Nonprofit Consulting has developed a comprehensive checklist that directors can use to frame internal control questions for the auditors. (www.gcn.org/files/InternalControlsChecklist.pdf) Using the list, the committee can chose the relevant questions before meeting with the auditors and then be able to delve more deeply into significant topics for their organization.
Will New York Lead the Way In Changing Nonprofits?
By: Eugene Fram
In January, Governor Andrew Como place a salary state funded cap of $199,000 for nonprofit executives at (more…)
To Whom Should Advisory Boards Provide Service?
By: Eugene Fram
I have established or served on a number of nonprofit advisory boards. Based on these experiences, I suggest that board members, along with the CEO (more…)
Should All Board Members Be Required to be Involved With Fund-Raising?
By Eugene Fram
No, just those (more…)
Nonprofit Management 