Dear Reader,

One of my favorite presenters on nonprofit boards is Vernetta Walker, and I can’t quite put my finger on why except that she has an uncanny ability to talk about nonprofit boards as they really are—the good the bad, and the ugly—with wisdom, humor, and deep compassion, while providing guidance on how your practices might need to change.

A good example of this is in her article in NPQ today. Originally written for the Nonprofit Quarterly magazine, it is entitled “Nonprofit Conflicts of Interest: Recusal Is Not Enough,” and it takes on the sloppy kind of compliance behavior that too often replaces real stewardship-level caution.

We suggested the topic to her after reading more than a few news articles in which multiple conflicts were occurring at the board and executive staff levels. Almost invariably, when asked about the unbid contract ultimately given to a board member, or the number of vendors on a board or connected to the executive, or the number of highly compensated staff related to either the board or the executive, a nonprofit would defend themselves by claiming that the decision maker in question recused themselves from the pertinent conversations.

But as we all should know, this does not address the real issues in the situation, which require a much more affirmative and ethics-based approach that attends to perception and cuts across staff and board lines.

I want to let you know about Vernetta’s article today because she is also one of two panelists on an NPQ must-see online mini-series on board chairs; it’s not just for current and aspiring board chairs, but also for executives and emerging leaders.

The first session took place last week, but we recorded it so subscribers can view it anytime; the next is due to take place on the 13th. I was and will be present because, as much of a nerd as I am about these things, I always learn something from Vernetta, who is here joined by the equally wise Marla Cornelius. The upcoming session will focus on the role of board chairs in executive transitions, in financial leadership development, and more. The webinars are fee-based, but you can cut costs significantly by just buying an all-inclusive Leading Edge Membership, which are at this point selling at a rapid clip.

Your friend,