I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

This week on I 501(c) You, Michael sits down with Sandra Bograd, Of Counsel at Genova Burns, to unpack the often-misunderstood world of nonprofit and corporate board governance. Drawing from decades of experience in law, compliance, and ethics, Sandra breaks down what makes boards effective, how governance in nonprofits and for-profits overlap, and why board members must lean into their fiduciary roles, paid or not. If you've ever wondered what separates a high-impact board from a passive one, this episode is essential listening for nonprofit leaders, board members, and governance professionals.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Sandra Bograd, Esq., Of Counsel, Genova Burns, LLC

(08:00) How did you navigate stakeholder relationships?

(10:30) What is good governance?

(12:45) Ensuring good governance

(15:00) Getting the board on board

(18:40) Is governance different on for-profit and nonprofit boards?

(20:45) Role of the board chair

(23:05) Prepping for board meetings

(24:30) Benefits of strong board governance

(29:15) Risks of joining a board

(35:25) Thoughts when nonprofits are victims of fraud

(39:35) Board speaking with senior staff

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley interviews Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation and a widely respected governance expert. Wendy shares her 25+ year journey through the nonprofit world, the strategic importance of board governance, and why strong leadership and effective board dynamics are key to nonprofit success. She explains how governance directly influences donor trust, organizational sustainability, and even board recruitment. If you're a board member, nonprofit executive, or funder, Wendy’s insights are a masterclass in turning governance into a powerful asset. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Wendy Deming, CEO of The Bishop Parker Foundation

(06:55) Governance is the bedrock for a solid foundation

(08:15) How can Governance be a strategic asset?

(10:45) Indications that boards need to improve governance

(13:20) What traits make a good nonprofit leader?

(17:30) As a funder, what do you look at before you fund an organization

(23:45) Biggest surprise as the CEO

(26:20) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c)You, Nelle Miller shares what it really takes to lead a nonprofit from the inside out. From her deep experience as a board member to taking on tough interim CEO roles, and now leading All Faiths Food Bank, Nelle walks us through the messy, meaningful, and mission-driven work of nonprofit leadership. She talks governance, the importance of boundaries between boards and staff, and how staying connected to purpose fuels her every day. It’s a rich, honest look at what it means to lead with humility, clarity, and conviction in the nonprofit world.

www.allfaithsfoodbank.org

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Nelle Miller, President & CEO of All Faiths Food Bank

(03:00) Compare and contrast leading for-profit and nonprofit organizations

(06:00) The work of the board

(07:00) Evolution of the All Faiths Food Bank board

(09:15) What experiences as a board member made you a better CEO?

(11:20) Your role as an Interim CEO

(13:30) How do you communicate with the board?

(15:30) How do you stay motivated?

(18:50) How did growing up influence your career?

(20:50) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

What does it take to grow a business with purpose and serve effectively on nonprofit boards? In this episode, Michael welcomes Joey Brannon, founder of Axiom Strategic Consulting, for a rich conversation on strategy, execution, and board leadership. Joey shares how his firm helps business owners scale with intention, the rhythms that drive transformation, and why execution, not ideas, creates real value. He also dives into nonprofit board service, offering sharp insights on how to contribute meaningfully, ask the right questions before joining a board, and support both mission and management. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a business owner looking to give back, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.

Visit Axiom’s website: https://www.axiomstrategic.com/

Grow with Purpose Podcast Link: https://www.axiomstrategic.com/podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Joey Brannon, Founder, Axiom Strategic Consulting

(03:30) Joey’s approach with clients and developing a discipline of execution

(08:30) Compare and contrast working with for-profit and nonprofit organizations

(13:30) How should board members operate?

(19:50) Advice for those thinking about joining a board

(23:30) Selecting a nonprofit to be on their board

(30:00) Recapping with Read

In this episode of the I 501(c) You podcast, host Michael interviews Randy Scheid, a returning guest and author of the new book Giving Reimagined: Leveraging Technology to Transform the Way We Give. Randy dives into how AI, blockchain, and emerging tech can revolutionize the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. From using Bitcoin to aid vulnerable communities to rethinking outdated grant processes, this conversation offers a bold vision for how the sector can shift from being tech-averse to tech-first. 

Randy’s Linkedin

Find the Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2chuaT8

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Randy Scheid, Author, Founder of RGS Partners Consulting

(01:30) Why right the book?

(03:00) Why is this topic important to our sector?

(04:30) What do we need to understand as we read your book?

(07:30) How blockchain can be used for nonprofits

(10:15) Biggest barrier holding the sector back

(14:30) Ethics in AI

(17:00) How to start using AI

(20:45) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit Board Members, host Michael Corley chats with Javan Van Gronigen, co-founder of Donately, to explore the evolving landscape of digital fundraising. Javan shares his journey from creative agency work to mission-driven tech innovation, and explains how Donately is helping nonprofits modernize their donor experience. They dig into why targeting matters, the power of board members in fundraising, and how nonprofits can avoid donor fatigue. Plus, Javan offers insights on AI, digital trust, and why nonprofits must embrace content strategy now, not later.

https://www.donately.com/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Javan Van Gronigen, Co-Founder of Donately

(02:40) What is Donately?

(04:30) Human expertise on Donately

(05:55) What do nonprofits do that turn away donors?

(11:00) What do board members need to know about fundraising?

(13:30) What is the future of fundraising?

(20:30) Who usually reaches out to Donately?

(22:45) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Amazon

iHeartRadio

Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, Lance Pierce, multiple-time CEO and a seasoned leader in global development, climate policy, and corporate social responsibility, shares hard-earned wisdom from decades across sectors. From Peace Corps volunteer to leading tech-collaborative nonprofits, Lance offers deep insight into what makes effective nonprofit boards, how CEOs can cultivate powerful board relationships, and why the sector must embrace reinvention to thrive in a changing world. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Lance Pierce, Nonprofit Leader, multiple-time CEO

(09:00) The Lance Pierce leadership philosophy

(11:00) What makes for an effective nonprofit leader?

(15:15) What makes for an effective nonprofit board member?

(18:25) How should a CEO work with a board?

(22:30) Structuring the CEO-Board relationship

(24:50) How do you prepare for a board meeting?

(29:55) The Board Chair-CEO relationship

(36:20) Advice to a new CEO

(47:55) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Stephen Minix, Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, brings his high‑energy approach to collaboration, impact measurement, and storytelling in the nonprofit world on this episode of I 501(c) You. A former basketball coach and educator turned community leader, Stephen shares how nonprofits and funders can use data and trust‑based relationships to work better together and create lasting change. From why “collaboration moves at the speed of trust” to how measuring outcomes can unlock new opportunities, this conversation is packed with insights for nonprofit board members, executive directors, and funders who want to maximize their impact.

Visit UpMetrics website at: Upmetrics.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Stephen Minix, Vice President of Community at UpMetrics

(02:55) What is UpMetrics?

(06:00) Why is collaboration so important in the nonprofit sector?

(07:50) Why are people reluctant to collaborate?

(10:00) How do you work through collaboration resistance?

(12:40) The “what” and “how” of UpMetrics

(17:15) Who usually engages UpMetrics?

(18:50) What do you tell nonprofit board members?

(22:30) Learn more about UpMetrics and Stephen

(24:00) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, Joe McKenna, President and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra and self proclaimed “Governance Junkie,” delivers a masterclass on nonprofit governance, leadership, and board engagement. Joe shares how thoughtful governance structures empower creativity, how to build trust between board and staff, and why eliminating an executive committee created a more engaged and accountable board. He also opens up about personal routines that keep him grounded and shares his two essential book recommendations for nonprofit leaders. Whether you're a new executive director or a seasoned CEO, this episode is packed with wisdom on sustaining mission-driven leadership in a complex world.

Joe’s Book Recommendations:

Governance as Leadership

Conquering Crisis

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Joseph McKenna, President and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra

(02:00) Joe’s leadership philosophy

(03:30) Joe is a “Governance Junkie”

(06:45) Define Governance

(12:00) Who is responsible for governance?

(14:50) Why do you not have an Executive Committee?

(18:30) Committee Structure

(24:30) Creation of the Music Hall

(27:45) Keeping staff working towards the larger goal but still completing daily tasks

(29:30) How Joe manages his schedule

(32:45) Advice for Executive Directors

(34:30) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Apple Podcasts

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Bill Villafranco, trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and executive director of MyFace.org, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, philanthropy, and legacy. Bill shares his unique journey into nonprofit work, shaped by personal loss and mentorship, and offers a rare dual perspective on what it takes to lead as both a board member and an executive director. From navigating donor intent and intergenerational giving to managing board relationships and launching innovative community programs, this episode is packed with real-world insights for nonprofit leaders, board members, and anyone passionate about making an impact. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Bill Villafranco, Board of Trustee of Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and Executive Director of MyFace

(04:26) Responsibility of a lifetime appointment

(05:56) How are you making sure the Virginia B. Toulmin name exists into perpetuity?

(08:36) Multi-generational philanthropic strategy

(11:31) Becoming the Executive Director of MyFace

(21:26) How will you be a better board member due to your work as an Executive Director?

(23:46) What should board members know about being an Executive Director?

(25:16) What advice would you give to businesspeople who are thinking about being on a board?

(26:06) Final advice?

(27:16) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast