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

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 abou...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Bill Villafranco, trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and executive director of MyFace.org, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, philanthropy, and legacy. Bill shares his unique journey into nonprofit work, shaped by personal loss and mentorship, and offers a rare dual perspective on what it takes to lead as both a board member and an executive director. From na...

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-t...

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with estate planning attorney and seasoned nonprofit board chair Mark Martella to explore what makes board service meaningful—and effective. Mark shares powerful lessons from decades of leadership across organizations like the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Charlotte County Chamber, and Senior Friendship Centers. From navigating financial crises to developing earned income strategies...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Graeme Watt, Principal and Lead Strategist at Anthem Creative, to explore why digital storytelling is the future of nonprofit fundraising. Graeme shares his powerful journey from launching a grassroots youth nonprofit to leading digital strategy at World Vision, and now running a global creative agency serving hundreds of nonprofits. He breaks down how storytelling drives donor enga...

In this episode of I501(c)You – The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, marketing leader and seasoned board chair Patricia Courtois shares powerful insights on what makes a truly effective board member and how to bring out the best in others around the table. With real stories from her decades of board service and leadership in the nonprofit and business sectors, Patricia covers everything from how to respectfully partner with a C...

What makes a nonprofit board truly effective? In this episode, CEO Lisa Intagliata shares valuable lessons for board members on how to stay mission-focused, support fundraising as a team sport, and engage meaningfully in strategic planning. She emphasizes the power of mission moments, the importance of board-staff collaboration, and how boards can help build a strong foundation for long-term growth. If you serve on a nonprofit boar...

Teri Hansen, retiring President and CEO of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, shares candid lessons from decades in philanthropy. She covers what makes a nonprofit board effective, how foundations can truly support communities, and why strong leaders hire strong teams. Whether you're a board member, nonprofit executive, or funder, this episode is packed with real-world insights on leadership, governance, and making last...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Mike Mansfield, CEO of Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, board management, delegation, and more. Drawing on a lifetime of experience, Mike shares how his business background and passion for service led him to the nonprofit sector. He also offers practical insights on working with a board of directors—from recruitment strategies to ...

In this episode of I 501(c) You - The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, Brena Slater, President and CEO of Safe Children’s Coalition, shares powerful insights on leading a complex nonprofit through growth, crisis, and a major capital campaign. From navigating the transition from COO to CEO during COVID-19 to building deep community trust and launching a $9 million shelter project, Brena offers real-world leadership lessons for n...

Discover what it truly means to lead with heart in this inspiring episode featuring Veronica Thames, CEO of the Manatee Community Foundation. From aligning mission and team culture to navigating board relationships and embracing authentic leadership, Veronica shares powerful insights every nonprofit executive, board member, and aspiring changemaker needs to hear. Learn how intentional leadership, continuous listening, and redefinin...

In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Groff, Vice President of Care & Connection at Empath Health, to uncover the true impact of volunteer programs — and how they drive millions in value while strengthening communities. Stacy shares actionable insights on recruiting the right volunteers, integrating them fully into organizational culture, and adapting volunteer strategies for lasting success. Whether you're a nonprofit leader...

Discover why personal branding matters for nonprofit leaders in this insightful conversation with Robyn. From her journey of self-awareness to how CEOs and board members can align leadership perception with organizational success, Robyn shares actionable strategies for building an authentic and effective presence. Learn how board members can assess their CEO’s brand, the impact of leadership energy on teams, and why bold expectatio...

Discover why advocacy is essential for every nonprofit in this insightful conversation with Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. Learn how board members and executive directors can navigate policy, engage with legislators, and shape the future of their organizations—without fear. Sabeen shares practical strategies for setting a policy agenda, building relationships with elected officials, and effec...

Thinking about starting a podcast? This episode is packed with insights to help you launch and grow with confidence! We share the lessons learned from over 100 episodes, including why your first recordings may be your toughest, how consistency builds a loyal audience, and why podcasting is an incredible tool for brand awareness and credibility. You'll also learn how to repurpose content, engage listeners, and set realistic expectat...

Discover how Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President & CEO of The Miami Foundation, strategically engages her board, streamlines governance, and leads a $600 million community-driven financial institution. In this episode, she reveals why fewer board meetings can lead to greater impact, how the organization identifies future board chairs, and the biggest mistake nonprofit leaders make when working with their boards. If you're a nonpr...

How do you evolve a nonprofit board from social gatherings to a forward-thinking strategic powerhouse? In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Doug Staley, Executive Director of the Child Protection Center, to discuss his organization’s remarkable transformation from facing financial uncertainty to becoming a thriving, respected nonprofit. Doug shares practical insights on strategic planning, board development, and the lo...

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah and Kristen from Core Leadership Coaching to explore how their transformational leadership program is equipping leaders with the skills they need to build collaborative teams, think strategically, and lead with confidence. We discuss the importance of positive psychology, navigating big visions with realistic plans, and the power of leadership development in retaining top talent. Whether you...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the world of grant writing with Jordan Curry, founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting. Jordan shares expert insights on what board members and nonprofit leaders need to know about securing funding, from building strong relationships with funders to crafting competitive grant applications. We also explore how AI is changing the grant writing landscape and what nonprofits can do to sta...