When Agencies Run Amok RICADV Leadership Conference November

When Agencies Run Amok RICADV Leadership Conference November 8, 2013 With Heather Gowdy, Senior Manager

Case Study: American Legacy Foundation

“We stumbled. There are kids out there we could have touched that we didn’t, because this money was taken from our coffers. ” - Board Chair and Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden

Case Study: Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association

“[VASRA] can never be the same after this tragedy. It will take years to recover our reputation and status within the rowing community. We will never recover the time lost dealing with the embezzlement aftermath and the distraction from one of our primary purposes, to develop scholastic rowing. ” - then-Board President Michael Mutter

Small Group Discussion § What could these organizations have done differently? § What steps should all nonprofits take protect against financial malfeasance by one or a small number of individuals?

Policies and Practices § Have them § Know them § Abide by them § Revisit them

Case Study: Hull House

Case Study: Youth Horizons

Decision-Making in Tough Economic Times § Establish a sense of urgency § Agree on shared goals and priorities § Have the tough conversations § Avoid delay and inaction § Recognize and remove barriers § Build—and be—an effective team

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Inattention to Results Patrick Lencioni Avoidance of Accountability Lack of Commitment Fear of Conflict Absence of Trust

Examining Your Own Organization

Case Study: Anonymous

Small Group Discussion § Has “bad behavior” every threatened the health of your nonprofit? How did you handle it? Would you do the same again?

Your stories

Building a Board-Staff Partnership § Clarify and honor your respective roles § Communicate early and often § Show a unified front § Develop the board § Plan for transitions in leadership § Consider the benefits of coaching

Questions and Discussion

Thank you. Heather Gowdy gowdy@lapiana. org