Description

This interactive workshop brings together CEOs/Executive Directors and Board Chairs to examine how strong governance and clear leadership roles unlock greater mission results. This session focuses on strengthening that leadership ecosystem. Participants will gain a shared understanding of how the board, board chair, and CEO can operate with shared purpose, mutual accountability, and clarity about who does what—and why it matters.

This workshop is exclusively for Board Chair and CEO/Executive Director teams and includes a working lunch. Maximum of two participants per organization.  It is highly recommended that participants have attended Board Essentials to maximize their application of key learnings.

Learning Objectives: 

• Clarify the distinct roles and shared responsibilities of the board, board chair, CEO, and staff
• Understand how effective governance enables strategic focus, adaptability, and mission alignment
• Examine how board and organizational culture influence decision‑making, partnership, and performance
• Articulate what success looks like—for both community impact and board effectiveness
• Enhance communication, trust, and collaboration within the Board Chair–CEO partnership

Cost: $300 per duo (Members), $600 per duo (Non-Members)

Instructors: Ann Hughes

Ann Hughes has more than 25 years of experience leading transformational change across higher education, philanthropy, healthcare, membership associations, and community-based organizations.

Throughout her career, Ann has built a reputation for revitalizing organizations, driving financial sustainability, and creating innovative programs that expand impact. Her accomplishments include leading major organizational turnarounds, significant membership and engagement growth, multimillion-dollar revenue management, and the development of nationally relevant nonprofit leadership curricula. A Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional with advanced training in fundraising, Ann is widely respected for her expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, governance, strategic planning, and leadership development.

Ann has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, and a Master of Science degree in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional. Outside of work, Ann enjoys road trips, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.