Event
August Nonprofit Expert Office Hours
Boardable hosted its first Nonprofit Expert Office Hours in a small-group, conversational format designed to help nonprofit leaders and board-facing staff get practical guidance beyond software. Featured expert Kristi Howard-Schulz, founder of KHS Consulting and a longtime nonprofit leader, led a discussion shaped by attendee-submitted questions and live conversation in chat.
Practical, Community-Driven Guidance
Guest Expert: Kristi Howard-Shultz, Founder, KHS Consulting
The session centered on four core themes: recruiting and onboarding strong, representative boards; improving role clarity between board and staff; increasing board engagement (especially around fundraising); and tightening the “nuts and bolts” of effective board meetings. Christy shared a practical approach to recruitment that starts with an inventory of current strengths and gaps across skills, representation, and resources, then uses mission engagement indicators (like newsletter and social activity) to identify prospective members. On fundraising expectations, the group discussed the tension between “give/get” requirements and inclusion, with ideas like defining meaningful giving based on circumstances or using designated seats to preserve representation without a rigid financial threshold.
On onboarding, Christy emphasized building it into organizational culture and ensuring board members have a real connection to mission delivery through tours, hands-on experiences, and beneficiary touchpoints. The conversation also tackled role clarity using simple analogies (like the balcony and dance floor) and addressed a common ED challenge: how to stop “doing everything” for the board without creating confusion or disengagement. The meeting concluded with tactical guidance on agendas, consent agendas, mission moments, and keeping the strategic plan visible in board discussions, plus an invitation to continue learning through Boardable’s Slack community and shared resources.
Watch the Replay Now
Watch our first every Nonprofit Expert Office Hours and see Kristi provide practical guidance to nonprofit professionals to help move their mission forward.
