This education session, facilitated by Lili Leonard, Ed.D., CFRE – Founder of Black Dog Philanthropic, delves into the key elements that contribute to building and maintaining a successful board. With deep expertise in nonprofit leadership and fundraising strategy, Lili will lead an engaging conversation about what makes an effective board—and how to build one with purpose and intention.

The session will explore the ideal makeup of a board, emphasizing the importance of a strong mix of skills, experiences, and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. Attendees will learn how to make thoughtful, strategic decisions when recruiting board members, ensuring the right fit for leadership and governance. Lili will also highlight the board’s critical role in fundraising, as well as the value of clear, actionable job descriptions that help define responsibilities and set expectations.

Additional topics will include strategies for keeping engaged members connected after their term ends, involving emeritus members, and maintaining long-term engagement. Best practices for identifying and supporting a capable board chair will be discussed, along with how to manage underperforming members and navigate transitions with professionalism and care.

To ground the discussion in real-world experience, Lili will moderate a panel of respected board leaders, including Nadine Chien, Ph.D., Esq., Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Anne Arundel Community College; Christopher B. Nelson, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Anne Arundel County Public Library; Scott McRoy, Chairperson of the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation Board; and Deborah Mayer, most recent Past Board President of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. These panelists will share practical insights, lessons learned, and personal experiences in board recruitment, development, and engagement.

Moderator and Panelists:

Lili Leonard, Ed.D., CFRE Founder Black Dog Philanthropic

Nadine Chien, Ph.D., Esq. Chairperson Board of Trustees Anne Arundel Community College

Christopher B. Nelson Chairperson Board of Trustees Anne Arundel Public Library

Scott McRoy Chairperson Luminus Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation Board

Deborah Mayer most recent Past Board President Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

Lunch is included in the $25 cost. 

REGISTER HERE