Critical Issues for Governing Boards

Course Description: 
This workshop will deal with the critical issues facing governing boards in today's economy.  Based on principles from BoardSource along with 25 years of personal experience assisting governing boards to be more effective, efficient, productive and relevant, we will discuss such topics as:

• What does the organization need from you?
• Where do you fit on the team?
• How can the organization attract the right leaders?
• What do you need to know?
• How can you work productively?
• How do you evaluate your performance?

About the Presenter:
Frank Pisch is a senior fundraising executive and nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of successful experience. His strengths include strategic planning, board and staff development, the effective utilization of volunteers and all aspects of fundraising, including creating effective fundraising teams. 

A principal of the firm, Mr. Pisch has consulted to a wide spectrum of nonprofit organizations - private and four-year colleges, public universities, community colleges, university foundation boards, hospitals and medical centers, human service and environmental agencies, youth groups, arts organizations, and trade associations - in relation to capital campaigns and strategic planning.

He has raised over $3 billion for his clients and as a major gifts specialist, he has been involved in the successful solicitation of more than 150 gifts of $1 million or more.

Mr. Pisch has also been Vice President for Advancement for Berry College in Rome, Georgia; Vice President for Resources and Public Affairs for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges in Washington, D.C.; Director of Development for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a senior executive of two other national fundraising consulting firms.

A Connecticut native, he holds a BA from the University of Connecticut School of Education. After 10 years as a teacher, he created, funded, and directed the Adventure Challenge School, Inc. in Manchester, Connecticut.  This experiential learning center was founded on the principles of personal growth through adventure activities, hands-on learning experiences that were directly related to school curricula, and participation in community service.

An Antioch fellow, Mr. Pisch earned a Masters degree in organization and management, specializing in nonprofit institutions, from Antioch University.

Mr. Pisch presents frequently at national conferences sponsored by CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education), AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), AGB (Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges), and many others.  He has been a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) since 1987.

Mr. Pisch has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Outdoor Leadership School, in Lander, Wyoming, Co-Chaired their capital campaign and recently served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Youth for Tomorrow in Bristow, Virginia.