Resources

CEO Chair Partnership: Built By Design

Cover image of two hands shaking

Built by Design explores one of the most influential relationships in association leadership: the partnership between the CEO and board chair. Drawing on interviews with 45 association chief executives, the report examines how strong CEO/chair relationships are intentionally developed through trust, communication, role clarity, shared leadership practices, and governance discipline. The report translates field insights into practical guidance, offering eight leadership questions that help CEOs, chairs, and boards strengthen governance effectiveness, improve decision-making, navigate risk, and advance organizational mission together.

Intention in Action: Building a Culture of Leadership on Your Board

Nonprofit associations operate at the intersection of mission and complexity, navigating shifting member expectations, volatile policy landscapes, and the enduring challenge of sustaining strong volunteer leadership. In this environment, the quality of a board’s governance has never mattered more. Yet one of the most consequential dimensions of board effectiveness remains chronically underinvested: culture.

Board culture – the shared values, behavioral norms, and expectations that define how leaders show up together – is not the same as governance structure, strategic intent, or board composition. It is something more foundational. It is the operating environment within which all of those elements either flourish or falter. A board with a well designed culture can navigate hard decisions, weather conflict, and maintain alignment through transition.

Board Preparedness: Ready to Lead from Day 1

In the dynamic realm of association governance, the composition of the boardroom is in constant flux—new members join, seasoned ones depart, and the board renews itself cyclically. This perpetual transformation brings forth not just challenges but also rich opportunities for organizational growth and strategic development. With each changing term, there emerges a renewed potential for associations to harness the varied experiences and insights that new directors bring to the table. However, this potential can only be realized through deliberate and strategic board member preparation—hence the critical nature of board orientation and development.

Strategic Frameworks: The Future of Strategic Planning

While strategic planning is not new, the speed of change has led to shorter time horizons, challenging both leaders and opportunities for growth. This research explores the impact of rapidly evolving strategic processes, from traditional ten-year plans to agile annual sprints. Learn how top association executives navigate uncertainties and embrace change post-COVID, forging successful paths towards a purpose-driven future. Unveil the transformative power of strategic frameworks to empower boards, volunteers, and staff in steering associations towards resilience and achievement.

Why a Strategic Core is Needed Today More than Ever

Coming out of two years of ongoing societal disruption, there are frames and phrases organizational leaderships are exhausted of hearing. Yet, the underlying commonality of these areas is a focus on the needs of change in the moment. There is only so long anyone can live in a crisis and have rapid- decision making serve as a recipe for success. Coming up for a breath of air, organizations are recognizing it is time to once again turn eyes to the horizon. How does the future we want to create look different? What new strengths have we discovered that we should invest in and leverage to bring about that future? Have we discovered new audiences who will be key partners, enabling the successful advancement of mission? These questions and more drive towards crafting. adopting, and living an organizational strategic core