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The Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association is unique in that it serves a state-wide constituency from one office in Lincoln. During a time of rapid growth, the chapter’s leaders recognized the need for a strong, committed, working board of directors; however, the existing board lacked cohesiveness and some members were unable to keep pace with the increasing responsibilities. In an effort to improve the board’s effectiveness, the organization called upon Smith Beers Yunker & Company to conduct an assessment of the chapter’s leadership and provide recommendations.
All board members were invited to complete formal self-assessments (produced by the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) to help them determine how they were meeting their responsibilities. Jim Yunker spoke confidentially with all members and the executive director prior to facilitating two special board meetings which focused on the role, responsibilities and challenges of today’s nonprofit leaders. “Jim drew conclusions that impressed me,” says Executive Director Karen Noel. “His facilitating and interviewing skills are very good and he is able to find out exactly what he needs to know. He was very thorough, taking time to interview each board member extensively and prepare a report that not only defined the problem accurately, but also offered suggestions on how to correct it.”
In discussing the poignant observations and straight-forward recommendations offered by Smith Beers Yunker, Board President Bob LeZotte explains, “Prior to working with Smith Beers, we had tried to solve our problem through a board retreat, but without success. I think if we had not brought in Smith Beers, we would have continued to flounder. Through their recommendations, we now have a streamlined process by which we are able to accomplish our goals. Their recommended solution was not what we expected, but we are all convinced that their assessment hit the nail right on the head and showed us exactly where our problems lay.”
“Jim did an outstanding job for us,” continues Karen Noel. “We appreciated his honesty and professionalism, and knew from the outset that we could trust him to work with our best interest in mind. But, even better is the fact that he’s still there for us as we work through the changes we are making as a result of his observations. He’s just a phone call away and always helpful.”
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