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

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we interview Kendra Simpkins Walsh, founder and CEO of Operation Warrior Resolution, a nonprofit providing holistic and innovative mental health care for military veterans. A U.S. Army veteran and licensed clinical social worker, Kendra shares how her own transition from military service to civilian life inspired her to create better healing options for veterans facing trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges. She discusses the realities of founding a nonprofit, learning to fundraise by focusing on impact, moving from founder to CEO, working with a board, and leading through the devastating floods that destroyed their facility but strengthened their mission. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Kendra Simpkins Walsh, Founder and CEO, Operation Warrior Resolution (02:15) Founding Operation Warrior Resolution - Brain Based Healing (04:00) Biggest challenges starting a nonprofit (06:00) What did you learn about fundraising? (07:25) Choosing between being board chair and CEO (11:30) What are your priorities right now? (15:00) Leading through hurricane adversity (19:00) Advancing the mission through disaster (21:15) George W. Bush Veterans Leadership Institute (24:15) Takeaways from the leadership training (26:00) Advice for those wanting to start a nonprofit (28:00) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

We are joined by leadership coach, speaker, and pastor Mitch Lomazov for a practical conversation on leadership development, communication, conflict resolution, and sustainable performance. Mitch explains why public speaking is no longer optional for leaders, especially when their ideas need to inspire action and create change. He shares simple ways to communicate with more confidence, show up with stronger presence on Zoom, and prepare presentations by starting with the end in mind. The conversation also explores how workplace conflict often begins as small tension or friction, why avoidance makes it worse, and how leaders can use the SBI framework, Situation, Behavior, Impact, to address issues early and build healthier teams. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Mitch Lomazov, Keynote Speaker, Team Trainer, Certified Coach, and renaissance man (02:40) Why is it important for a leader to speak appropriately? (04:10) How to get better at public speaking (05:50) Simple public speaking tips (07:30) Zoom presentation tips (10:45) Conflict is really just tension and friction (12:45) SBI framework for workplace conflict (15:20) Are all conflict able to be resolved? (17:20) Mitch’s executive coaching (20:10) Get connected with Mitch (21:20) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode, David Jones shares a thoughtful and wide-ranging perspective on leadership, governance, and impact shaped by decades of experience across business, venture capital, and philanthropy. As board chair of the Humana Foundation, he explores what makes boards effective, why clarity and alignment matter more than good intentions, and how strong governance depends on balancing oversight with trust in leadership. David also challenges how nonprofits measure success, questions the pace and structure of philanthropic giving, and reflects on the importance of pairing passion with real capability. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing David Jones, Jr., Board Chair, Humana Foundation & Founder, Chrysalis Ventures (04:00) David’s background (07:40) Compare/contrast for-profit vs nonprofit vs government leadership (10:30) Unity of passion and competence (12:00) Benefits of having shareholders (13:30) Negatives of not having shareholders (15:30) Highest sustainable return (17:15) Similarities in governance in for-profit vs nonprofit (24:10) Differences in governance in for-profit vs nonprofit vs government (32:00) Governing the different boards (36:20) Obligation of the nonprofit organization (43:30) Potential structural changes to philanthropy (48:00) Leadership philosophy (54:15) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley talks with Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, about her path from practicing law to leading in corporate philanthropy. Tiffany explains how corporate foundations work, how they differ from private foundations, and how she approaches working with both her board and the communities they serve. She also shares her leadership philosophy of listening first, along with practical perspectives on trust, governance, and decision-making that come from her experience on both sides of the boardroom. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Tiffany Benjamin, CEO, Humana Foundation (02:15) What is a corporate foundation? (03:45) Special rules for corporate foundations (04:45) Funding and focus areas (06:30) Why pick these focus areas? (08:15) Navigating the board relationship (09:40) How does the board get formed? (11:05) Getting the work done through the board (12:15) How has being a CEO informed your role as a board chair? (14:15) As a board chair, how do you work with the board? (15:55) Leadership philosophy: Listen first (17:25) Advice to attorneys who may be contemplating joining philanthropy 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Why does board engagement feel harder than ever for nonprofits? In this episode of I 501(c) You, Michael sits down with governance consultant Katie Spencer, founder of Zipline Consulting, to explore what is really driving disengaged boards. Drawing on insights from hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Katie explains why executives feel like they are chasing board members and why board members often feel unclear about their role. She outlines four foundational pillars that strengthen board governance, improve accountability, and increase participation. The conversation also covers practical ways to run more strategic board meetings and simplify the board’s role in fundraising. Executive directors, board chairs, and nonprofit leaders will walk away with clear, actionable ideas they can apply immediately. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kimple-spencer-68480111b/ Website: https://www.ziplineconsulting.com/ Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting (04:30) Improving Board Engagement (09:30) 4 Pillars of Board Engagement (16:10) Quick hitting tips - Better board meetings (22:20) Board’s role in fundraising (26:20) Executive & Board Chair partnership (28:55) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Fraud does not just happen in big corporations. It happens in nonprofits too, often quietly and over time. In this episode, CPA and nonprofit practice leader Brian Carter joins the show to explain how fraud and abuse actually occur inside nonprofit organizations. Using real examples from a major health foundation and a local Little League, Brian breaks down why audits do not always catch fraud, how weak internal controls create opportunity, and what board members should realistically be doing to protect the mission and the money. If you serve on a nonprofit board or work closely with one, this conversation offers practical guidance on governance, fiduciary responsibility, and how to spot problems before they spiral. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Brian Carter, CPA, Nonprofit Practice Leader & Partner, Mauldin & Jenkins (02:00) How can a board mitigate fraud? Jackson Health Foundation Fraud case (03:00) What financial controls should be in place? (06:35) Controls with electronic signatures (11:05) Should this have been caught? (13:15) Why would an audit not find this? (16:00) Sarasota Little League scenario (22:00) How do you ensure continuity of controls for a high turnover organization? (25:40) Final advice (26:55) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

What does it really take to move from trusted insider to CEO while keeping your board focused on strategy instead of “sausage-making”? In this episode of the I 501(c)You podcast for nonprofit board members, Michael sits down with Charlie Imbergamo, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Center, to unpack his journey from faith-based education leader to head of a regional hub for nonprofit talent development. Charlie shares how he navigated a rigorous internal succession process, leads with a “people first, mission always” mindset, and keeps both his board and small staff aligned around the what of strategy instead of getting lost in the how. You’ll hear practical rhythms for board communication, how pre-reads transformed their meetings, why they only meet when decisions are needed, and how tools like Asana and virtual training help them serve 700+ nonprofits a year. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Charlie Imbergamo, CEO of Nonprofit Leadership Center (05:45) Living what we teach (08:40) Approaching transitioning from staff to CEO (12:15) Charlie’s approach to strategy (15:15) Keeping your organization focused on the ‘what’ (18:50) Creating an engaged board (23:00) Approach to board meetings (26:30) Communicating with staff (30:00) What is the Nonprofit Leadership Center? 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

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 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley sits down with Marc Huffman, CEO of OnBoard, to explore how board management software is transforming nonprofit governance. With decades of experience in the tech industry and a deep understanding of mission-driven organizations, Marc shares insights on why nonprofits should move beyond spreadsheets and email chains, how AI is streamlining board operations, and why secure, easy-to-use platforms are the future of effective board meetings. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, board chair, or passionate volunteer, this episode reveals how the right tools can make governance simpler, smarter, and more strategic. Visit OnBoard's Website: www.onboardmeetings.com Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Marc Huffman, CEO of OnBoard and eScribe (02:40) Why is this important for nonprofit organizations? (04:00) Why should boards have a board management software? (06:20) Security of board information (07:25) What is the main resistance that nonprofits have with this software? (08:50) What kinds of organizations use this and who from the organization usually reaches out? (10:05) How does a software like this improve governance? (11:50) Role of AI with this product (15:15) Compare and contrast the software in nonprofit and for-profit organizations (18:00) 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: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast