Financial Risk Management: Show Me the Money

Presented by: Melanie Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Workshop Description: Most nonprofit leaders recognize that managing finance–related risks is an important responsibility. And many are aware of the big risks they face, including loss of a major funding source, penalties for non–compliance with regulatory requirements and the like. What’s lacking in many nonprofit board rooms and executive offices is confidence about whether the organization has its bases “covered.” This workshop outlines an approach to identifying key finance–related risks and practical steps to fill the gaps. Most importantly, this program offers strategies for inspiring confidence among the nonprofit’s top leaders that the organization’s “house” is indeed in order. Each registrant will receive a complimentary license to My Financial Management Plan, an online tool developed by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. 

Target Audience: This workshop is suitable for nonprofit leaders with finance responsibility as well as those with overall management responsibility in a nonprofit.

Bio:  In a world that is fraught with danger, it is comforting to know that Melanie Lockwood Herman is holding on tight to the handlebars of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. The Center provides training, technical assistance and informational resources to help nonprofits take a practical approach to managing risk so that they can fulfill their missions and stay out of trouble.

 A prolific author of more than a dozen comprehensive (and comprehensible!) guides on various risk management topics, Melanie has delivered countless workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations for organizations simply unwilling to leave success to chance. Melanie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Affairs from American University (Washington, DC) and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University (Arlington, VA). She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association.

In August 2011, Melanie was named to the 14th annual NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, a list of “the 50 most influential executives in the sector for the previous 12 months … selected for the impact they have now and for the innovative plans they are putting in place to evolve the charitable sector.” This is Melanie’s third appearance on the NPT Power & Influence Top 50: she was first recognized in 2007 and then again in 2008.

In May 2010, Melanie was appointed to serve on the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (www.fasb.org). Information about the Committee and FASB can be found by clicking here.

A calculated risk taker, Melanie loves raw fish, scalding coffee and riding her 2009 Buell Blast, 1964 Norton Electra or 1970 BSA Bantam motorcycles (she always wears her helmet). She also embraces risk by serving on three nonprofit boards. To be on the safe side, she serves as Chair of the Administrative Council, and is a lay speaker and organist of her church.