Starting the Year Strong as a Leadership Team
The beginning of a new year is often when nonprofit leaders look ahead and ask big questions.
What needs attention?
Where do we need clarity?
How do we make sure we are leading well together?
For many organizations, those questions start with the relationship between the Executive Director and the Board President. Together, they serve as the key leaders of the organization and set the tone for how work happens across other aspects of the organization. When roles are clear and communication is intentional, it creates stability and shared direction. When they are not, confusion tends to show up later.
The Executive Director and Board President Board Summit 2026, is designed to create space for that clarity at the start of the year. This annual learning session brings Executive Directors and Board Presidents together to strengthen their working relationship, better understand roles and responsibilities, and map out the year ahead.
“This is important work to help maximize the impact organizations will have in 2026 with the people they seek to serve. Whether those organizations assist with food security, housing needs, youth development, healthcare needs, or cultural experience, all contribute to the vibrancy of our community.” -Jena Ashby, Relationship & Resource Director, Nonprofit Support Network
Rather than assuming alignment, the summit encourages nonprofit leaders to slow down and talk through the core functions that require shared leadership. It is a structured opportunity to intentionally discuss responsibilities that often overlap or go undefined, especially as organizations grow or face change.
During the summit, participants will work through key areas of nonprofit leadership, including:
Staff personnel
Supervision and the annual review of the Executive Director or CEO
Program development responsibilities
Finance and budget conversations
Board meeting roles and expectations
Board building responsibilities
The Executive Director and Board President relationship
Accountability and communication planning for the full board
These conversations are facilitated by leadership professionals who regularly work alongside nonprofit boards and executive leaders. The goal is not to provide one-size-fits-all answers, but to guide Executive Directors and Board Presidents through thoughtful discussion and planning that fits their organization.
“This summit reflects the power of collaboration between Shafer Leadership Academy and the Nonprofit Support Network. Together, we’re creating a meaningful opportunity for Executive Directors and Board Presidents to strengthen their partnership and set their organizations up for a strong, intentional year.”
-Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director, Shafer Leadership Academy
Participants will leave the summit with a clear plan for shared leadership across core functions, along with a strategy for communicating that plan to the rest of the board. This shared understanding can help reduce misalignment during the year and support more effective decision-making. Organizations will leave with a calendar mapping out when essential tasks will happen at board meetings in 2026 like budget adoption, Executive Director evaluation, and electing officers.
The Executive Director and Board President Board Summit is intended for leadership pairs who want to begin the year with intention, clarity, and a shared sense of direction. The cost to attend is $50.
Executive Director / Board President Board Summit 2026
Thursday, January 22, 2026
8:30 AM 1:30 PM
Shafer Leadership Academy
Register here
Starting the year aligned does not prevent every challenge, but it does provide a stronger foundation for navigating them together.