Cathy’s mission is to help volunteers who serve nonprofit organizations as board members to understand their unique role, embrace their responsibilities, and organize their work for maximum effectiveness and minimum headache. Cathy owned a nonprofit organizational development firm for almost 15 years before launching The Board Doctor, LLC in 2016. She holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Financial Management and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Prior to consulting with nonprofits, Cathy had a long career in state and local government, environmental advocacy, and candidate and issue campaigns.
Help volunteers who serve nonprofit organizations as board members understand their unique role, embrace their responsibilities, and organize their work for maximum effectiveness and minimum headache
Launched The Board Doctor, LLC in 2016
Previously owned Creative Option C, LLC, a nonprofit organizational development firm for almost 15 years
Had a long career in state and local government, environmental advocacy, and candidate and issue campaigns
Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource
Certificate in Nonprofit Financial Management from the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay
Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Center for Nonprofit Resources (Toledo)
Graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in history and political science
Nonprofit board consultant Cathy Allen will help you document the intentions and values of your board with policies. You will learn how to avoid bureaucracy and retain spontaneity when documenting expectations.
Nonprofit board consultant Cathy Allen will provide step-by-step guidance to develop a Governance Committee in your organization. You will learn how to use this tool to create an engaged board.
What You'll Learn
How do Nominations and Governance mindsets differ?
How can your board make the transition?
What language about governance should your bylaws and policies include?
What are the annual responsibilities of a Governance Committee?
Who should lead the Governance Committee?
How can a strong Governance Committee help the executive director and staff?
Nonprofit board consultant Cathy Allen will share the specific steps your board can follow to conduct a self-assessment. You will learn how to use the results to improve your board’s effectiveness and your entire organization.
What You'll Learn
How does board self-assessment benefit the organization?
What should you consider in choosing a self-assessment tool?
What self-assessment process options do you have?
How should the board use the self-assessment results?
Nonprofit leadership expert Cathy Allen will explore how to establish your priorities, develop materials, and prepare your case for effective meetings on Capitol Hill, in your state capitol, or in the town council chambers.
What You'll Learn
What is the role of board members in advocacy?
What materials should you prepare in advance?
How should you practice your presentation?
How can you set meetings with local, state, and national elected officials?
What should you wear? What should you bring?
How can you follow up after a meeting to drive action?