This interactive session from The Learning Center is designed to refresh seasoned board members, upskill new ones, and support individuals exploring board service. Through guided instruction, collaborative discussions, and reflective exercises, participants will strengthen board collaboration, embed effective governance practices, and align organizational values with internal culture and community impact.
As part of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, The Learning Center provides training and resources that help nonprofits in Elkhart County grow their capacity and deepen their impact. This workshop builds on that commitment by offering practical tools and guidance for board members at every stage of service.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of core board functions and legal duties, including fiduciary, compliance, and oversight responsibilities.
- Apply knowledge of board governance structures, recognizing how variations influence board dynamics and strategic decision-making.
- Identify and strategize common board challenges, such as role clarity and conflict resolution.
- Understand governance standards and how they shape board expectations and practices.
This session reframes board fundamentals through the lens of purpose-driven leadership, equipping participants to meet today’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
About our speakers
Mandy Sharp Eizinger is a program manager at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, where she facilitates sector-wide learning and professional development initiatives. Driven by a people-centered and strengths-based approach to organizational development, Mandy is committed to creating meaningful, measurable outcomes with boards, youth advisory councils, and social impact leaders. Before joining the Johnson Center, Mandy worked with UNICEF USA’s community engagement programs on education, advocacy, and fundraising. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and DePaul University — and a lifelong learner as a student of improv, a cross-cultural partner at Treetops Collective, and an adjunct faculty member at GVSU.
Jennifer Lawson is a project director at the Johnson Center, where she designs and leads initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and values. She also teaches as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business. With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofits, and higher education, Jennifer brings expertise in grantmaking, program design, and foundation compliance. She previously managed programs at the DTE Energy Foundation and worked in fundraising and event coordination. Jennifer holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Wayne State University and serves on the board of SPEC Associates.
