In the past, boards brought on new members with little experience, little training and assumed they would pick up what they needed to know. Today it is important that organizations are governed by people who understand their role as a board member in leading their organization. People want to be effective board members but don't always have all the knowledge or experience they need.

The purpose of this program is to help develop leaders serving on nonprofit boards. The core topics covered will build a bridge between board members and management and will enable the board and their organization to reach their full potential. A few of the topics discussed include:

  • Understanding the Unique Roles of the Board and Executive Director
  • Setting the Mission (Purpose), Vision and Strategic Direction
  • Recruiting, Orienting, Retaining, and Developing Board Members
  • Evaluating the Executive Director
  • Running Effective Board Meetings
  • Creating Successful Strategic and Annual Board Retreats
  • Board Self Assessments

    Online: This training will be offered all online and will consist of 1.5 hours of self-paced prep work and 3 hours of live sessions. Peter Johnson, the instructor of the training (and Director of the Westgate Center) has added a lot of other components not done in the all-in-person format. 


What our students say about the course

“Peter’s experience and knowledge was a perfect blend of practical and academic tools for board members. I feel like I now have the skills and motivation to be a great board member and change my board for the better.”

— Zoey Merrill, San Joaquin County Bar Association

“WOW! This course should be a requirement for every board.”

— Myles Harris Jr., YMCA of San Joaquin County

“Having served on various boards in San Joaquin County for the past 40 years I have certainly attended my share of trainings. This is by far the very BEST ever.”

—  Bobbie Wallinger, Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County

For More Information

Contact Peter Johnson 

Phone: 209.946.3912
Email: pjohnson@pacific.edu