What happens when nonprofit leaders and board members gather to talk honestly about governance? Real conversations. Practical tools. And a renewed commitment to stronger organizations.
At the first Ignite session of the year hosted by the Cobb Community Foundation and sponsored by Mauldin & Jenkins, more than 50 nonprofit leaders and board members came together for “Engaged, Accountable, Activated: The Board Every Nonprofit Needs.”
The session, led by board leadership advisor Christal M. Cherry, Principal and CEO of The Board Pro, challenged participants to rethink how boards move from supportive to truly strategic partners.
If you serve on a board, lead a nonprofit, fund community work, or support local causes—this conversation matters to you.
What Kind of Board Do You Have?
One of the session’s most memorable frameworks compared boards to different types of vehicles:
- Rubber Stamp Boards – smooth rides but little oversight or strategic input
- Social Club Boards – strong relationships but limited accountability
- Survival Boards – focused on getting through the next challenge
- Strategic Impact Boards – clear expectations, shared ownership, and long-term focus
The takeaway: most boards aren’t broken—they’re under-designed.
When expectations, accountability systems, and revenue responsibilities aren’t clearly defined, even passionate volunteers struggle to contribute at their full potential.
From Supportive to Strategic
Strong nonprofit boards don’t just approve decisions—they help drive the mission forward.
Participants explored practical ways to strengthen board leadership, including:
- Aligning board recruitment with organizational strategy, not familiarity
- Creating clear expectations for governance and fundraising
- Engaging board members in storytelling, relationship-building, and donor cultivation
- Building cultures where shared ownership replaces passive approval
As Cherry emphasized during the session: fundraising isn’t just a staff function—it’s leadership.
And it’s not just about making the ask. When board members give, open doors, and help tell the organization’s story, they help fuel the impact your community depends on.
A Community of Missions
The room reflected the incredible breadth of nonprofit work happening across Cobb and surrounding communities.
Organizations represented causes including:
- Health and behavioral health services
- Food access and poverty relief
- Arts and cultural programs
- Education and youth development
- Disability services and inclusive recreation
- Faith-based outreach and community support
- Animal welfare and environmental programs
- Public safety and community wellbeing
Together, these organizations are strengthening the social fabric of the region—and the leaders in the room left with new ideas for how their boards can help accelerate that work.
What’s One Bold Step You Can Take?
At the end of the session, participants were asked a powerful question:
What is one bold thing you can do in the next 30 days to move your board toward greater engagement and accountability?
Whether you’re a board member, nonprofit leader, funder, or community advocate, the answer to that question can unlock new momentum for your mission.
Keep the Learning Going
If you’re looking to strengthen your nonprofit leadership skills, there are several upcoming opportunities to learn and connect.
The Cobb Collaborative is hosting a series of Lunch & Learn sessions sponsored by Cobb Community Foundation:
- March 27: Grant Writing (registration link)
- June 5: Google Workspace (save the date)
- July 24: Fundraising (save the date)
- October 2: Storytelling (save the date)
These events offer practical tools to help you grow your organization’s capacity and impact.
Thank You to Our Community
A special thank you to our speaker, event sponsors, Corporate Community Champions, and the nonprofit leaders and board members who joined us for this Ignite session. Your commitment to learning, collaboration, and community leadership is what helps activate good across Cobb.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and bringing you more engaging topics this fall.
Event Sponsor
Corporate Champions Who Support Us Throughout the Year
Keisha Myco-Tant, Shari Martin, and Christal Cherry
Lisa-Ruth Karnes, Director of Programs, Cobb Community Foundation
Kimberly Haynes and Aleisa Howell from Mauldin & Jenkins
About the Ignite Nonprofit Learning Series
The Ignite Series, hosted by Cobb Community Foundation, brings together approximately 50-100 nonprofit CEOs, Executive Directors, and Board Members throughout the year to:
- Explore key issues facing the sector
- Learn from expert speakers
- Build relationships across the nonprofit community
Join us to enhance your leadership and amplify your organization’s impact.
