At Project Partners, I have the privilege of serving an exceptional nonprofit board of directors—the HEB ISD Education Foundation—as their consultant and project manager. While I have collaborated with numerous nonprofit boards across the nation, this group of leaders truly stands out as one of the best in the country! Every day, I am inspired by the dedication, leadership, and passion that these volunteer leaders bring to the table. Their unwavering commitment to the mission, along with their readiness to contribute time, treasure, and talent, profoundly impacts the success of this organization, which supports HEB ISD’s commitment to excellence in education. Working alongside them has been an incredible learning experience, and today, I want to share some insights on what it means to be an effective board member.
An Honest Self-Assessment: What Makes a Good Board Member?
Serving on a board is a commitment that requires more than just attending meetings; it demands active involvement and a genuine connection to the mission. Before stepping into such a role, it is crucial to have an honest conversation with yourself. Ask: Why am I doing this? What is my "why"?
Understanding Your "Why"
The motivation behind joining a board should be rooted in a sincere passion for the cause, not just the pursuit of titles or networking (though these can be great benefits of board service). Truly effective board members are deeply committed to the organization’s mission and are ready to contribute their time, energy, and unique skills to make a difference.
At the HEB ISD Education Foundation, this is particularly evident. Almost all the 38-person board (32 Board Members and 6 Directors Emeritus) have had children educated within HEB ISD, and the remaining members hold positions in companies rooted in the community. Their common thread? A genuine interest in the success of the district’s teachers and students.
Take Shalyn Clark, for example. As the owner of Shalyn Clark State Farm Insurance & Financial Services and the current Board Chair, she has been a successful business owner in Hurst since 1983. While supporting many worthy causes, she chooses to serve the HEB ISD Education Foundation because she recognizes that the backbone of the community is its schools. Her skills align perfectly with the Foundation’s mission, allowing her to make the most significant impact. Shalyn has served the board in various capacities for over 20 years and is just as enthusiastic today as she was when she started!
Time, Treasure, Talent: More Than Just a Slogan
You often hear the phrase "time, treasure, and talent" in board discussions, but what does it really mean? For any effective board, it means living those words. Board members are not just placeholders—they are doers who actively participate and bring their full selves to the table.
The HEB ISD Education Foundation board members exemplify this commitment. They prioritize monthly board and committee meetings, despite their busy schedules. Dr. Jan Clayton, the Interim President of the TCC Northeast Campus, is a perfect example. With her many responsibilities, she has not missed a meeting or event since joining the board over six months ago.
Are You Ready to Be a Doer?
It is easy to overextend yourself, especially if you are already serving on multiple boards. One key question you need to ask is: Are you a member of more than one or two boards? If so, how realistic is it for you to be an active participant in each? The Foundation’s board members are thoughtful about their commitments, ensuring they have the capacity to fulfill the Foundation’s mission. While family always remains their top priority, the Foundation often comes a close second.
Advocate for Yourself: How to Get More Involved
If you are currently on a board but feel like you are not as involved as you would like to be, don’t wait for someone to ask you to step up. Take the initiative. Reach out to the Chair, Director, or another board leader and ask for a meeting. Be proactive in advocating for yourself—express your desire to contribute more and share your interests.
At the HEB ISD Education Foundation, we prioritize meetings with every board member to understand their interests and ensure they are placed where they can make a real impact. This, along with a strong nominating and onboarding process led by an incredible governance committee, helps each member find their best fit. Michelle Dill, one of the Foundation’s newest members, took the initiative to connect with various board members and learn where her skills could be best utilized. In her first committee meeting, she offered valuable insights that strengthened the Foundation’s financial controls.
Know the Culture: Does it Align with You?
Understanding a board's culture is crucial because, while individual skills and dedication are vital, the board's environment can greatly influence overall effectiveness. The culture of a board shapes how its members collaborate, communicate, and make decisions, affecting the collective ability to fulfill the organization’s mission.
The HEB ISD Education Foundation stands out as a prime example of a board with an exceptional culture—its "secret sauce," so to speak. Alicia McGlinchey, Chair of the Governance Committee and former Board President, encapsulates this when she says, "We like to have fun." This isn't a phrase typically associated with board governance, but it’s a key ingredient in their success. Alicia further recognizes that one of the “keys to our culture is that we are intentionally working to keep our personal agendas and partisanship out of the discussion. We recognize that board members may hold varying political perspectives, but we lean into our shared love of the district and put those interests first.”
They have captured the essence of a healthy and vibrant board culture, where maintaining focus on shared values while respecting individual differences is key. The HEB ISD Education Foundation’s approach—combining fun with dedication—creates a powerful dynamic. It’s clear that leadership, through both tradition and proactive governance, keeps the group united and effective in its mission. This balance is a great example for any board aiming to foster engagement and impact while navigating diverse perspectives.
Bringing It All Together
Being a good board member is about more than just filling a seat—it is about being fully present, proactive, and passionate. It requires an honest self-assessment of your motivations and a genuine commitment to the organization’s mission. While serving the HEB ISD Education Foundation, we witness the profound impact that a dedicated board can make. We encourage every board member to advocate for themselves, contribute their time, treasure, and talent, and strive to be a true ‘doer.’ In fact, I could brag on every member of this board, as they each bring their unique talents, dedicate their valuable time, and contribute financially at a level that is meaningful to them. In doing so, they make an incredible impact!
In recent years, and with our help, they have transformed their business model from an event-based fundraising one on a tight operating budget into a mission-minded fundraising approach resulting in a balanced budget, a growing endowment, a healthy operating reserve, and increased community investment in support of the district’s staff and students. They are, without a doubt, the best version of a board I have seen in my 25+ year career in the nonprofit sector, and I count myself lucky every day to work with them.
The impact of a dedicated and engaged board is truly transformative for our community’s causes. Thanks for all you do!