As spring unfolds, now is the perfect time for nonprofit and public sector board members to refresh key aspects of their roles and contributions. KEES, a premier executive search and leadership consulting firm, shares its “Spring Cleaning for Board Members” guide to help board members refocus and reenergize for the seasons ahead. A seasonal reset not only reinvigorates individual board members, but also strengthens overall board effectiveness, ensuring the organization stays aligned with its mission and prepared for future challenges.

From refreshing your professional network to evaluating upcoming leadership retirement or succession planning, here are the top five easy tips for a rejuvenated and impactful board presence:

1. Revitalize Your Professional Network: Spring is the perfect time for board members to reconnect with colleagues, fellow board members, and industry peers. KEES emphasizes the value of building strong relationships, encouraging collaboration, and creating pathways to new opportunities. If time is limited, a quick and effective way to expand your network could be through connecting with new people on LinkedIn.
2. Assess Leadership Retirement or Succession Planning: Take a proactive approach by assessing the upcoming retirement or succession planning within your organization’s leadership. KEES understands the critical role of leadership transitions in nonprofits and encourages board members to work collaboratively on a plan that ensures continuity and effectiveness. Identify potential successors, address skill gaps, and establish a smooth transition process for sustained impact. June and the summer months are often filled with higher turnover. Are you prepared?
3. Invest in Professional Development: Spring cleaning is not just about physical spaces. This time is also an ideal chance for board members to invest in their personal and professional development. We find that many leaders are serving on a board for the first time….and there is a lot to learn! Attend training sessions, workshops, or seminars tailored to nonprofit governance and leadership. KEES recommends staying informed about the latest trends and best practices to enhance your contributions to the organization.
4. Update Your Board Profile: A refreshed professional image can make a powerful statement. Is your biography current? Are you listed as a Board Member on organizational websites where you serve? Is your information correct and up-to-date? Now is a great time to update your board profile with a new headshot and a revised bio that reflects your expertise and passion for the mission. KEES emphasizes the value of a strong and visible board presence, both internally and externally. Also, a “spring refresh” is a great time to make sure your LinkedIn profile includes your current board roles and links to the organizations you support. This not only enhances your professional credibility but also helps increase visibility and reach for the organizations you represent.
5. Reassess Your Fundraising Contributions: Review your fundraising commitments and the board’s overall strategy. Consider increasing your impact through donations, connections, volunteering, or fundraising initiatives. KEES recommends setting clear, measurable goals for both personal and board-wide fundraising efforts. Explore innovative approaches to engage donors and remember that effective fundraising often depends on 100% board participation, demonstrating a unified commitment to your mission.

From refreshing your network and managing leadership transitions to investing in personal development, updating your board profile, and fostering diversity and inclusion, these steps will help create a more dynamic and impactful board experience. To learn more or connect with KEES for additional guidance, reach out to Heather Eddy for further information.