Governance & Leadership Sessions

Listed below are all the Governance and Leadership sessions at this year's Management Conference. Click on a session's title to read its description. All the Governance and Leadership sessions are associated with a yellow-colored box on the conference schedule page.

Note: All regular sessions are 3 CPE credits; all mini sessions are 1 CPE credit. Regular sessions are 3 hours in length, and mini sessions are 1.5 hours in length.

Future Impact
Performance Management: Understanding Core Elements
Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Introduction to Risk Management
Managing Technology - For Non-Technical People
From Boomers to GenNet
Financial Analysis
Conducting an Organizational Assessment
Head Start Governance
Succession Management
Preparing for the Audit
Increasing Employee Engagement to Build Capacity
 Understanding Audited Financial Statements for Executives
A-133 Compliance Supplement
Creating a Strategy That Works
How to Hire a Auditor
Strategic Planning Q & A
Managing a Nonprofit Like a Business
Communicating to Keep Hearts and Win Minds in the 21st Century
Performance Management: Solving People Problems
Risk Management Capstone Session
Compensation: Understanding the Philosophy, Legal Requirements,
and Key Compensation
General Board Governance
IRS Form 990: An Executive Perspective

Future Impact

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Steve Lipton

The technology landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years. Our information is everywhere; we tweet, poke, blog, Facebook, and link; we don't ask, we Google; we expect a response to our question 24x7; and the list goes on. Our working environment as it relates to technology is rapidly evolving from our traditional control and manage approach to one of accountability and manage. How do nonprofit leaders approach this new world?

This new session will take a look at how an organization should plan for and manage our use of technology in this new world, from an executive perspective. In short, traditional training methods don't quite apply anymore. We need to take a new look that focuses on usability, interaction, availability, and accountability. This session will cover:

  • New applications that will change the way your work
  • How you can integrate those applications into your environment
  • How to build a transition plan that will take your organization into the new world
  • Risks you need to be aware of and how you can manage them
Return to Top

Performance Management: Understanding the Core Elements

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Personnel/HR
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Deb Pagel

As leaders in your organization, when you are asked where you spend the majority of your time, what is the answer? Of course, it's on employee issues. In this session we will focus on the core elements of performance management.

Learn the facts about management goal setting and why it's so important in employee interaction. Find out why employees do not do what they are supposed to do and how to change that.

We will discuss performance management as a process including:

  • Fundamentals of coaching
  • Understanding the coaching analysis
  • Conducting the coaching discussion (plus exploring employee defense strategies)
  • Importance of performance appraisal
  • Preparing for the performance appraisal
  • Writing the performance appraisal
  • Conducting the performance appraisal
  • Providing effective feedback
  • Setting performance goals
  • Ensuring ongoing communication

Leave this session understanding how effective performance management can be a simple and achievable formula.

Return to Top

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Session Type: Regular
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Recommend having a management/leadership role
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Jeff Wulf, Janet Johnson, and Seth Finestack

One of the challenges facing all organizations is to continuously improve. In other words, becoming more efficient and effective with the resources they have. In this new session we will discuss the concept of continuous improvement and how to ingrain it into your organization's culture.

Specific topics to be addressed include:

  • Introduction to the concept of office Lean
  • How to organize around customer value streams
  • Discuss the concept of value-added and non value-added activities
  • How to identify and diagnose process waste
  • Conducting process walks and the essential roles project team members play
  • The importance of individual and team behavioral dynamics
  • Leadership and management's role in establishing a culture of continuous improvement

This interactive session is designed to provide you with an actionable improvement approach to bring back to your organization.

Return to Top

Introduction to Risk Management

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: Basic understanding of management functions in a NPO or Government Agency
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Gerry Zack and Eric Waldron

This session introduces participants to a practical, organized model for identifying, classifying, prioritizing, and managing risks that organizations face. The model presented is easily customized for your organization, but it is thorough in its approach to managing risks. In addition to explaining how the risk management process works, attendees will also learn who should participate in the process and how to integrate the risk management function into the day-to-day operations of your organization. After attending this session, attendees will be able to apply a successful risk management model to their own organization. This session is also designed as the first in a series of risk management sessions at this year's conference.

Return to Top

Managing Technology - For Non-Technical People

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Deron Kling

It can be challenging to be responsible for coordinating technology in your organization when you do not have a technology background. You may be working to answer questions such as; Do we need an email server, or is there someone who can host our email environment? How can we securely store information off-site? With our servers and computers getting older, what is the best strategy for replacing them? How do I know if my IT investment is working the way it should?

These and other questions will be answered in this new session for the person who has responsibility for managing technology, but may not have a technical background. Participants will be introduced to approaches for:

  • Performing a self-assessment of current IT systems
  • Managing a technology environment, including vendors
  • Cloud computing, virtual networks, hosted services, and fully managed computing environments – how are these being used in today's nonprofits?
  • Network transition and upgrade planning – how to plan and prepare for this change

We will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to meet your organization's technology needs.

Return to Top

From Boomers to GenNet

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Steve Lipton

Remember when...

  • Sending a facsimile was high tech?
  • Cell phones were unusual?
  • Conversations happened at the coffee machine?
  • A good password was password?
  • E-mail was great?
  • Work ended when you left the office?

If so, you should know that there's a whole group of people in the workforce who have no memory of the above. The newest generation to enter the workforce, “Gen-Net”, grew up knowing and expecting:

  • There is barely a line between work life and personal life
  • Friends are only a click away
  • Sharing is everything
  • Everybody is always in touch, now
  • Twitter is a tool

Technology has changed the approach to work and is creating a greater diversity of skill sets, understanding and relatability in the office. Neither generation is right or wrong in their approach, but must start by understanding the needs of the other to be successful. This session will focus on discussing how technology and its use is impacting the work place and will explain how many of the new tools and methods available can improve productivity. Upon completing this session, you won't be an expert on how to use Twitter; but you will have a better understanding of how new technologies can be used in your organization.

Return to Top

Financial Analysis

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Nonprofit Fiscal Background
Field of Study: Accounting
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Denes Tobie

This updated session will discuss various ways to analyze the data that you currently have, but may not be using effectively. We will discuss ways to assist you when trying to relate financial information to non-financially savvy individuals.

We will cover:

  • Providing effective financial analysis throughout the year
  • Creating and using trend analysis
  • 2 CFR Part 215 (OMB Circular A-110) required financial management analysis
  • Budget preparation and use
  • Board reports
  • Analytical procedures and how they can help you
  • What your financial statements and 990 can tell you
  • A variety of financial analyses will be addressed to assist you in using the information you currently have to enhance your organization's financial reporting.
Return to Top

Conducting an Organizational Assessment

Session Type: Regular
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Management & Planning Experience
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Jeff Wulf and Seth Finestack

All organizations deal with constant change, some of it significant. Being able to assess your organization's effectiveness is a proactive strategy to help you manage the impact of change and transition. In this updated session, participants will be introduced to a number of diagnostic and assessment tools and techniques. Understanding your organizational strengths and dealing with your vulnerabilities will allow you to better serve your community.

Specific topics to be addressed include:

  • Introduction to organization truisms.
  • How to assess your organization's readiness for change.
  • Introduction to the Wipfli organizational assessment approach.
  • Understanding and managing organizational transition.
  • Introduction to a number of assessment tools, such as core capability assessment and scenario planning.

This interactive session is designed to provide assessment tools to help you understand where your organization is today - a vital step as you plan for the organization of tomorrow.

Return to Top

Head Start Governance

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Howard Gesbeck

Organizations that operate Head Start programs have a very unique governance structure that shares decision-making between the Governing Board and Policy Council. The success of every Head Start program depends on these two groups properly working together. This is why we will share with you the current (since 1998) Head Start Governance and the many important new provisions in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (signed by the President on December 12, 2007) relating to Head Start Governance.

Head Start staff must communicate with, provide training to, and assist both the Governing Board and Policy Council. This unique structure has been a part of Head Start since 1970, and the current requirements have been in place since January 1, 1998. There are provisions in the Head Start Reauthorization that will make numerous changes to the current governance structure and to the responsibilities of both the Governing Board and Head Start Policy Council.

Join us to discuss the current Head Start governance, and the new provisions including the:

  • Composition of a Governing Board and Policy Council
  • Powers, functions, and roles for the Governing Board, Policy Council, and staff
  • New requirements for reporting to the Governing Board and Policy Council
  • Actions that Head Start grantees and delegate agencies should take to transition each agency to the requirements of the new law.
Return to Top

Succession Management

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Understanding of Organizational Structure and Design
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Julia Johnson

Succession management is the systematic and defined process to ensure continuity for all key positions by identifying and developing employees within the organization. It is important to understand that succession isn't reserved exclusively for the top management positions, but should incorporate other critical roles and responsibilities needed now and in the future. Succession management is very future focused and is most effective with aligned with the strategic plan. In this session, you will learn the importance of succession management and approaches to take in developing, enhancing, and/or sustaining succession plans.

Return to Top

Preparing for the Audit

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: NPO Fiscal Background
Field of Study: Auditing
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Peter Olsen and Kenny Retzl

What is an audit? Why do I have to have one? If I prepare all the workpapers, what does my auditor do? Come learn the secrets of a real auditor and the things we can't tell you while doing your audit.

Return to Top

Increasing Employee Engagement to Build Capacity

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Personnel/HR
Time: Thursday, July 15; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Seth Finestack and Jeff Wulf

Employee engagement can be defined as your staff's willingness to go above and beyond their assigned duties. Do your employees come to the job every day energized and motivated to achieve your mission? How do you know who does, who doesn't, and who waivers in their commitment? What would you do about it if you did know? Attend this updated session to go beyond measurement, and discover the best practices and effective tactics for making missionaries of your office and field staff. We'll discuss three levels of engaging your entire workforce, and ten areas where a renewed focus might help you capture that creative excitement that was there when your agency first organized.

Return to Top

Understanding Audited Financial Statements for Executives

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Attendees should be Board Members, Executive Directors or Fiscal Officers
Field of Study: Accounting
Time: Thursday, July 15; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: John Hemming

If improving your Board and management team's understanding of your audited financial statements is a goal, then don't miss this updated session! Board members, Executive Directors and Fiscal Officers should participate in this session for an in-depth look at audited financial statements completed in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 reporting requirements. A complete set of audited financial statements will be analyzed from beginning to end. Learn what is required to be included and what you should be looking for in your statements.

In addition, beyond every aspect of the audited financial statements being discussed and analyzed, this session will include an interactive session where the financial results of an agency over a five year period are analyzed. At the completion of this session you will:

  • Have a complete understanding of an audited financial statement and all of its components
  • Be able to apply key financial indicators to your own financial statements
  • Be able to Identify potential red-flag issues within your own financial statements
Return to Top

A-133 Compliance Supplement

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Auditing
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Denes Tobie

The OMB Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement is the driver to all audits for grant funded programs. It provides the auditor with specific steps to follow while auditing the compliance section. This session will explain the supplement, audit approach and touch on many of the programs provided by grant-funded agencies. This is a must attend for fiscal officers and program managers alike.

Return to Top

Creating a Strategy That Works

Session Type: Mini
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-3:05 pm
Trainers: Seth Finestack and Steve Lipton

Strategic planning takes leadership, focus, objectivity, commitment, collaboration, and a heavy dose of creativity. All qualities you and your agency possess! The ability to harness these ingredients, and capture your most critical needs and goals for the entire organization to rally around, is something most agencies don't execute well. Join this new mini-session to learn about effective and efficient methods for jump-starting your strategic planning efforts. We will also share knowledge on tips and tactics for making strategic plans carry through to action and results.

Return to Top

How to Hire a Auditor

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Accounting
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-3:05 pm
Trainer: Peter Olsen

Come find out how to investigate your auditor as closely as they investigate you. Attend this session to learn how to research CPA firms, how to procure audit services, how often you should do a procurement, and just how qualified your current auditor is.

Return to Top

Strategic Planning Q & A

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Thursday, July 15; 3:25-5:00 pm
Trainers: Steve Lipton and Seth Finestack

Strategic Planning. Two words that, for most of us, encompass something we know we should do, but often get stuck executing effectively. What we really need is a better process for our organizations that will result in a plan for getting our organizations from point A to point B. In short, we need a process that fosters successful Strategic Change.

This session will give you an opportunity to ask your questions and discuss what it takes to produce a successful Strategic Plan. Areas we will cover include:

  • Preparing for the planning process. Learn what can you do to encourage better buy-in and ultimately better results.
  • Conducting a plan generation session. Discover how to conduct a simple, straightforward session that results in appropriate Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures.
  • Follow-Up and Execution. Determine methods for making sure the strategies in the plan get acted upon.
Return to Top

Managing a Nonprofit Like a Business

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Karl Eck and John Hemming

The session provides an overview of the tools necessary to successfully operate a grant-funded nonprofit organization like a business. The topics of this session will include: guidelines and ratios for determining financial health, methods of generating unrestricted funds in a grant-funded environment, an overview of how to read financial statements, how to tell if your audit is effective, the role of an audit committee, and corrective action for management letters and audit findings.

Return to Top

Communicating to Keep Hearts and Win Minds in the 21st Century

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Seth Finestack and Jeff Wulf

Communicating in the context of today's changes, challenges and tidal wave of messages and media present a huge opportunity for programs to reconnect with critical stakeholders. But it really does take a village. Attend this session to discover how to get a better grasp of effective communication methods, messaging, and measures - to meet your agency's goals. The format of this session will be interactive. Expect small group activities and a work-product to take home from the conference.

Return to Top

Performance Management: Solving People Problems

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Executive Leadership Experience
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Julia Johnson

Leaders in organizations are often called upon to solve any number of people problems, and often, without the benefit of having all the facts or an effective methodology for doing so. The pace at which leaders are asked to move can sometimes cause “premature solution syndrome” which is taking an action on the basis of partial knowledge and/or becoming the owner of a situation that isn't theirs to own simply because of the pressures to get it done. In this highly interactive session, leaders will learn an empowering methodology to assist them in solving people problems. First, lecture to outline tried and true principles and processes. Second, a roll-up-the-sleeves exercise to experience first hand how to apply and witness the resulting effectiveness of these principles. Leaders will leave with a new set of skills to enable them to make an immediate impact back at the organization.

Return to Top

Risk Management Capstone Session

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Introduction to Risk Management and/or a Fraud Session
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Gerry Zack, Eric Waldron, and Steve Lipton

This final session in the risk management track of this year's conference summarizes and integrates all aspects of risk management. It also closes this year's risk management track by addressing the final critical element of risk management - handling an incident. Despite our best efforts, undesirable events will sometimes occur. This session will focus on post-incident crisis management, using a variety of different events as examples. After attending this session, participants will be prepared to develop an appropriate crisis management plan for their organization.

Return to Top

Compensation: Understanding the Philosophy, Legal Requirements, and Key Compensation

Session Type: Mini
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Compensation Understanding
Field of Study: Personnel/HR
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-9:50 am
Trainers: Deb Pagel

Have you ever noticed that one of the most discussed, yet private, issues in an organization is compensation? So much is linked to an organization's compensation structure, hiring, promotions, and regulatory compliance.

During this session we will discuss various facets of developing wage comparability studies and designing classification systems including:

  • What are the requirements for compensation in grant-funded programs?
  • What is a Wage Comparability Study?
  • How do you do a Wage Comparability Study?
  • How do you use the Study information to design a Wage Classification System?
  • Do you want to develop both internal equity and external competitive parts of a System?
  • How do you effectively administer a Classification System?
Return to Top

General Board Governance

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-9:50 am
Trainers: Denes Tobie

Challenges are many for Board members of nonprofit organizations. There is public scrutiny as well as increased responsibilities due to oversight agencies. Too often, individuals join boards without proper knowledge or training. This session is designed to help educate those charged with governance for all nonprofit organizations.

Return to Top

IRS Form 990: An Executive Perspective

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 10:10-11:45 am
Trainers: Denes Tobie

Not only are there challenges in preparing the new Form 990, but there are equal challenges for Executive Directors and Board members to understand and review the 990. This session is designed for a high level understanding of what information is being conveyed in the new Form 990.

Return to Top