Research from BoardSource and others shows there is a significant gap in next board chairs being adequately prepared.
To address this missing leadership preparation, I reached out to my network of nonprofit, association, and chamber of commerce professionals with a request to share a brief tip for preparing your next board chair for success.
Here are the terrific tips they shared.
Megan Lucas, CCE, CEcD, IOM
“Every November I sit down with my incoming board chair and present them with the board box. In that board box is a book, The Perfect Board by Calvin Clemons. In the box our core values, and a one pager on how to run a board it’s a document that I get from Bob Harris, CAE. I give them this board box in November or December before their January start date and I review the roles of the board chair with them.”
Joseph Henning, IOM, CAE, CCE
“Build mutual trust by beginning the relationship early and reaffirm you are there to support them throughout their tenure.”
Michele White, CAE
“I provide every chair with a “Chair’s Agenda” with notes on requesting motions and reminding them we need a second before discussions and voting.”
Kristin Weiss, CCE, IOM
“Meet with your incoming board chair over coffee or lunch to understand their vision and goals for the next year, and then work together to integrate these into the Chamber’s strategic plan and mission, fostering a collaborative environment that sets them up for success.”
Dr. Rob Harter
“Lead through learning: As the new board chair, learn as much as you can about the culture and organization.”
Christie Ransom, IOM Christie Ransom, IOM
“Lay the groundwork for your next board chair’s success by holding intentional one-on-one conversations early—sharing context, clarifying expectations, and equipping them with the insight and confidence to lead with purpose.
I also feel that selecting board members and executive board intentionally, with their strengths and abilities in mind helps to build a profoundly successful and effective board. Then I find myself spending far less time training anyone in any role. They know how they fit and what talents they share to drive our mission and vision forward.”
Sheree Anne Kelly
“Setting up an incoming board chair for success takes intentionality with efforts like starting the onboarding process early (ideally well before they assume the role), making sure they have a network of past chairs at their disposal, there’s an open door policy between the CEO and the chair, and ensuring you provide transparency around priorities, leading challenges and opportunities for the organization and the industry you serve.”
Teri Smiley
“Start with a review of key bylaw highlights, then hold regular touchpoints during their chair-elect year to build connection and alignment.”
Carol Hamilton
“Be sure to set aside a portion of each board meeting to discuss strategy. Pose a strategic question to the group. Be clear that you probably won’t be coming to any specific conclusion or decision during this piece of the agenda but rather to have the group think bigger picture and more proactively about issues coming down the pike.”
Zachary Sullivan
“Incoming board chairs need to be up to speed with current Chamber business. Keep the incoming board chair in the loop and communicate clearly with them. Let them know the WHY of what you do as a Chamber professional. This will build trust and make their transition to Board chair easier for both them and for yourself.”
Jaime Nolan, CAE
“Equip your next board chair with unfiltered context, political foresight, and a mandate to challenge you—not just support you.”
Oyango A. Snell, Esq., CAE, IOM
“A significant tip in preparing my next board leader for success is to engage in a ‘meeting of the minds’ discussion where we share each other’s vision and strategic goals for the upcoming term of service.”
Tiffany Fulmer Ott
“Be sure to have that person go through a Board training session with the chamber President/CEO/Executive Director at some point before they take office in your chamber.”
Jim Johnson, CCE, IOM
“We host a monthly meeting between chair and chair-elect and president. This brings them into agenda conversations ahead of them starting”
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this collection of terrific insight for preparing next nonprofit, association, or chamber of commerce board chairs for success.
What does your next board chair need to be adequately prepared to lead?
Are you providing opportunities for needed training, experience, and leadership skills improvement?
