a.. The work of boards is governance; the work of staff is administration. But board members also wear a volunteer hat.

b.. Boards are not the top run of the management ladder; but a separate ladder

c.. No nonprofit becomes excellent without a strong board

d.. No board becomes strong without a board-oriented CEO

e.. The board chair manages the board; the CEO manages staff

f.. Board Governance includes:

1.. Defining moral owners and linking with them

2.. Defining ends: Which benefits? For whom? At what cost/priority?

3.. Putting parameters on executive actions (means)

4.. Clarifying board policies related to the work of the CEO/staff

5.. Defining how the board operates and improves itself

g.. Committees speak to the board, not for the board.

h.. Committees do board work, not oversee staff work.

i.. Board and staff can all formulate policy; board decides; staff implement; board monitors.

j.. Senior staff "staff" the board and committees for effective governance; they might also recruit board members as volunteers. ~~

Dr Robert C. Andringa, President of the Coalition of Christian Colleges & Universities in Washington D.C.