Business On Board

The 2024 Business on Board season is closed.

Business on Board trains professionals in nonprofit board service and matches them with arts and culture nonprofits seeking board candidates. Professionals seeking to serve on a board and those already serving on a board are equipped with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to maximize their effectiveness and understanding of board leadership.

Board members can play an extraordinary role in shaping the direction of the arts and culture field. With an economy reopening, organizations are reexamining their purpose, practices, and sustainability for a new future. Nonprofits strengthen their innovation and resiliency when their boards are diverse in sector representation, skillsets, and backgrounds.

Topics

Board-Executive Partnership	Evaluation (Board, Executive, Programs)	Onboarding
Board Engagement	Financial Management	Power, Privilege, and Bias
Board Role Descriptions	Fundraising	Recruitment
Communication	Governance	Strategic Planning
Community Engagement	Legal and Fiduciary	Succession Planning
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access	Nonprofit Structure	Vision, Values, and Mission

2024 CURRICULUM

WEEK 1

SET THE STAGE

Meet your cohort before aligning your values with a nonprofit’s mission and vision strategy. Review key components of the nonprofit structure based on organizational life cycles and size and how they relate to board governance. Round out the week by homing in on board legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

WEEK 2

REFINING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Exercise big-picture and growth mindsets in relation to nonprofit strategic plans. Learn how to effectively navigate board committees, the board-executive partnership, board-staff roles, and evaluate organizational activities.

Tuesday, January 16 | 8:00AM – 10:00AM | Virtual Participatory Session*
Thursday, January 18 | 3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar

WEEK 3

INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND ACCOUNTABILTY

Think critically about diversity as it relates to board leadership. Know the signs of whether an organization is actively working towards inclusive growth. Carry a ‘belonging lens’ to frame meaningful board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement practices. Finish the week with a deep-dive into important policies and procedures for an organization’s financial health.

WEEK 4

LEVERAGE YOUR PRESENCE AND NETWORK

Broaden the possibilities of how board members can grow and bring resources to an organization. Embrace fundraising through new frameworks while also leaning into the ‘traditional’ monetary ask. Practice being an organizational representative and build a toolkit for how to enter new work cultures and dynamics.

Tuesday, January 30 | 8:00AM – 10:00AM | Virtual Participatory Session*
Thursday, February 1 | 3:30PM – 5:00PM | Virtual Recorded Webinar

WEEK 5

INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE IMPACT

Align your individual vision, values, and mission towards impactful community engagement. Feel confident in the ways your unique skillset and background can contribute to an organization and learn how to engage thoughtfully with the communities your (next) organization serves.

Thursday, February 8

11:30AM | Lunch Served
12:00PM – 5:00PM | In-Person Participatory Session*
5:00PM – 7:00PM | In-Person Alumni Reception

ACTIVE OBSERVERSHIP GROUP CHECK-INS

Observership check-ins are scheduled every other month for those in current observerships. While check-ins are optional, they are highly recommended to gain the most out of the board observership experience.

Wednesday, May 29 | 9:30AM– 10:30AM | Virtual Participatory Session*

Testimonials

Siah McCabe
Consultant, Crowe

“While we were preparing for board service, what I took away from the program applies to my leadership style in all capacities. What I found most interesting was learning about board dynamics and people management. To ensure progress with the organization’s interest in mind, it is important that boards are clear on how best to utilize their strengths, talents, and connections through formal and informal support. I enjoyed the opportunity to grow my network and learn from those in the cohort who served on boards or had board experience.”

Joseph Mukurazita
Director, Investment Strategy & Advice, Private Wealth Management, SEI

“Business on Board provided a very engaging and meaningful way to learn about nonprofit board governance, build relationships with professionals in Philadelphia, and get plugged into the nonprofit community. I appreciated the hands-on support to find a board that was a good match for my strengths, skills and interest, as well as the opportunity to observe my board before officially joining them. Finally, I found the curriculum to be highly engaging and full of valuable information – I felt very prepared entering my board service. ”

Kelly Fromuth
Executive Director, PA Automotive Association Foundation

“All the sessions and presenters were insightful and I picked up tips and tricks from each one. One that stood out was how to manage digital presence by being more mindful and present. I now feel empowered and qualified to put my skills to use as a board member in a more meaningful capacity. Not only does ABC set you up for success by preparing you to serve, but they also assess your skills and experience to match you with organizations who will benefit most from your involvement as a board member.”

Program Structure

The Business on Board curriculum will be a hybrid format over 5 weeks from January through February 2024. The format includes a blend of mandatory participatory sessions and recorded webinars that can be viewed anytime. Participants should plan to be fully present for the entire program, including attending/viewing all sessions in full, completing prework assignments and actively engaging with facilitators and the cohort throughout the program.

Immediately following curriculum completion, those individuals participating in an observership will select, and be introduced to, an organization. The organization and participant will engage with each other for a period of time determined at their discretion. ABC will hold a May observership check-in to provide additional support.

2024 Facilitators

JENNIFER BLASY

CPA, Associate at Your Part-Time Controller

BIO

Jennifer Blasy, CPA, is a client Manager in the Philadelphia market. She is a nonprofit accounting professional with a broad range of experience in audit, forensic accounting, consulting, and nonprofit accounting leadership. In her roles as a nonprofit Controller, she has managed annual operating budgets with a focus on budgeting and financial statement analysis as well as cash, investment, banking, and risk management. As a former auditor and certified fraud examiner, she performed a variety of forensic accounting and litigation support services.

RUBY LOPEZ HARPER

Executive Director, Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)

BIO

Mexican, Mother, Wife, Dancer, Photographer, Poet and Social Justice Warrior. Ruby Lopez Harper is Chair of the Robert E. Gard Foundation, on the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County board, the Aha Creative board in Ft. Wayne, IN, the National Coalition on Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response steering committee and serves on the WETA Community Advisory Council. Ruby’s work has focused on equitable access, grantmaking, community development and public art. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, communications, and business administration. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, communications, and business administration.

CANDACE KENYATTA

Founder and CEO, Grovider Learning & Evaluation (GLE)

BIO

Candace Kenyatta is an esteemed practitioner with two decades of experience as an educator, learning and development professional, change management leader, executive coach, researcher, and knowledge management consultant. Candace is the Founder and CEO at Grovider Learning & Evaluation, a knowledge management consulting firm committed to optimizing organizational performance and enhancing human lives. Candace uses her practitioner experience and her training in quantitative and qualitative research methodology to design research and data-informed solutions for leaders across industries.

PETER MOSTACHETTI

Global People & Culture Leader, TC&IS, IBM

BIO

A 24-year IBM veteran, Peter Mostachetti started out as a storage specialist, and eventually followed his passion to Leadership Development, and Talent Transformation. With experience engaging audiences in the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Peter specializes in engagement, feedback, managing dilemmas, fostering collaboration, transformational leadership, and using Agile techniques to drive cultural transformation. Peter is an accomplished actor having performed in and around the Hudson Valley and Off-Broadway. He is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences, and a four-time speaker at the United Nations. As a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker, he has always been committed to mentoring, coaching, leading teams; helping people to find their hidden strengths and values with a mind toward moving forward. In his spare time, he’s an executive coach, and works with local area schools through the Gay, Lesbian, Education Network (GLSEN) to develop students and educators, making schools safer for all.

JENN RICHARDS

Founder/Principal, High Gear Consulting Group

BIO

Jenn Richards is a nonprofit consultant with over fifteen years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project management, and program design. She has worked with nonprofit organizations including Teach for America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts. In 2018, Jenn founded High Gear Consulting Group to provide leadership and integrated strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards during times of change or growth. She frequently serves as Interim Executive Director for organizations undergoing leadership transitions.

CHAYA SCOTT

Vice President of Consulting, Nonprofit Finance Fund

BIO

Chaya Scott inspires organizations to achieve their goals by creating governance structures, assessing community needs, and implementing systematic change in community-based organizations. With more than 22 years of experience as an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, including establishing and growing two nonprofit organizations, Chaya utilizes best practices, evidence-based strategies, and data-informed approaches to help clients build their capacity. Through strategic thinking, organizational development, capacity building, and leadership training, Chaya ensures organizational leadership has the tools to effectively and efficiently advance their missions.

LAURA N. SOLOMON, ESQ.

Founder, Laura Solomon & Associates

BIO

Laura N. Solomon, Esq. is the founder of Laura Solomon & Associates. LS&A is a law firm devoted to the representation of nonprofit, charitable, and other tax-exempt organizations and philanthropic individuals. Ms. Solomon and her associates serve as outside, general counsel to hundreds of organizations, providing a full range of corporate and tax legal services that include representation for mergers, joint ventures, affiliations, and complex financings. LS&A clients include public charities and private foundations, community foundations, museums, hospitals, schools, religious groups, business, environmental, animal welfare, amateur sports organizations, social clubs, and political action committees. These organizations range in size from small start-up organizations to large social service providers and multi-national charities that conduct international grant-making.

JACKI YORK

Associate Controller at Your Part-Time Controller

BIO

Jacki York is an enthusiastic accounting professional with over ten years of experience in auditing and small business consulting. She works hard to ensure that her clients are prepared for day-to-day success and can take advantage of new opportunities. Her expertise includes month-end closing procedures, financial statement preparation, audit support, risk assessments, internal controls evaluation, creating policy and procedure, and fraud investigations and remediation. Jacki volunteers with both professional and community organizations.

Observing an Organization

The observership component serves two purposes: 1) The goal is to create a pathway to an official elected board position; and 2) It supplements the Business on Board curriculum by applying learnings in the field with an arts and culture board. ABC conducts a thorough evaluation based on the skills and interests of both parties to identify compatible matches between organizations and participants. Once participants are introduced to an organization, they receive individual support as they learn about and engage with the organization and consider becoming a board member. Participants receive further support as they become part of Business on Board’s network of over 900 alumni. Observerships may last a few months to over a year depending on the circumstance.

ABC is grateful to have a long-standing reputation and following in the area with arts and
culture organizations. Over 70 organizations participated as host organizations each year. Their range of disciplines varies widely; arts education, music, theatre, the performing arts, and visual
arts are among the top represented.

For Professionals Interested in Business On Board

When considering the program, individuals may choose whether to participate in the curriculum only or to participate in the curriculum and be matched with an organization through the observership component. The Arts + Business Council recommends the following rates depending on the size of the business or organization. A 15% discount may be arranged when multiple individuals participate from the same institution. Payment is due prior to the first session.

Category	With Observership	Curriculum Only
Businesses Sponsoring Employees
Large (>50 employees)	$3,000	$1,500
Small (<50 employees)	$2,000	$1,000
Business Professionals Paying Out of Pocket or Self Employed	$1,000	$750
Nonprofits Sponsoring Current Board Members
Mid-Size and Large ($5M->$10M Budget)	$1,000	$750
Grassroots and Small (<$1M-$5M Budget)	$800	$600
Nonprofit Professionals Paying Out of Pocket	$700	$500

Companies and employers benefit from Business on Board in a few key ways: 1) Increased visibility for the company. Employees are appointed to public leadership positions and engage with new audiences as a nonprofit board member and with ABC’s network. 2) Increased community engagement. Companies demonstrate their support of volunteerism and giving back to the local community. 3) Increased leadership skills and confidence for employees through professional development training.

Inclusive Onboarding Workshop

ABC welcomes nonprofit organizations and professionals who currently serve on boards
to a special workshop on inclusive onboarding practices.

This workshop is separate from the main Business on Board curriculum.

In-Person Participatory Session | Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 11:30AM Lunch Served, Program from 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Learn tools to assess board makeups to identify underrepresented skills and backgrounds. Extend beyond personal networks to effectively and thoughtfully diversify boards to reflect the communities the organization serves. Plan beyond recruitment to ensure new and diverse board members feel included and welcomed for the long haul.


Active Host Organizations – 1 Representative	$0
Active Host Organizations – Additional Representatives	$150
Nonprofit Organizations	$200

Q+A

What does an observership entail?

Organizations are expected to provide participants with information in advance to attend any board-related activities, including board meetings, over the course of the observership. Organizations are encouraged to share activities and materials that further highlight and provide insight into their organization, such as upcoming events, promotional material, internal documents, and introductions to other board members, board alumni and organizational staff. Organizations are under the impression that participants are observing all activities as a guest.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. The Arts + Business Council encourages early application submission to ensure a spot.

I am not a business professional, is Business on Board for me?

Yes! While the majority of Business on Board’s participants have a business background with limited experience in the arts + culture nonprofit sector, ABC welcomes participants from all sectors who are interested in learning the fundamentals of board leadership.

I am already a board member at an organization, is Business on Board for me?

Yes! Professionals already serving on a board are welcome to participate in the curriculum only and not in the observership component. Please see the “Curriculum Only” column in the Rates section for more details.

What is the time commitment for participants?

During the five-week curriculum portion, participants can expect to dedicate approximately 45-60 minutes per week on pre- and post-work, in addition to attending or viewing all the sessions. Observership weekly time commitments and overall length will fluctuate based on the organization a participant is matched with.

I do not currently reside or work in the Greater Philadelphia area, can I still apply for the program?

Anyone is welcome to participate that can travel to Philadelphia for the in-person sessions.

Can I see a list of participating organizations?

Matching organizations and participants internally through an objective assessment is a key component to the success of the match. For this reason, ABC does not typically share a list or accommodate placement requests. We encourage participants to trust the process with the understanding that the Arts + Business Council is committed to finding the right match.