In this episode of I 501(c) You, Lance Pierce, multiple-time CEO and a seasoned leader in global development, climate policy, and corporate social responsibility, shares hard-earned wisdom from decades across sectors. From Peace Corps volunteer to leading tech-collaborative nonprofits, Lance offers deep insight into what makes effective nonprofit boards, how CEOs can cultivate powerful board relationships, and why the sector must embrace reinvention to thrive in a changing world.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Lance Pierce, Nonprofit Leader, multiple-time CEO

(09:00) The Lance Pierce leadership philosophy

(11:00) What makes for an effective nonprofit leader?

(15:15) What makes for an effective nonprofit board member?

(18:25) How should a CEO work with a board?

(22:30) Structuring the CEO-Board relationship

(24:50) How do you prepare for a board meeting?

(29:55) The Board Chair-CEO relationship

(36:20) Advice to a new CEO

(47:55) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Stephen Minix, Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, brings his high‑energy approach to collaboration, impact measurement, and storytelling in the nonprofit world on this episode of I 501(c) You. A former basketball coach and educator turned community leader, Stephen shares how nonprofits and funders can use data and trust‑based relationships to work better together and create lasting change. From why “collaboration moves at the speed of trust” to how measuring outcomes can unlock new opportunities, this conversation is packed with insights for nonprofit board members, executive directors, and funders who want to maximize their impact.

Visit UpMetrics website at: Upmetrics.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Stephen Minix, Vice President of Community at UpMetrics

(02:55) What is UpMetrics?

(06:00) Why is collaboration so important in the nonprofit sector?

(07:50) Why are people reluctant to collaborate?

(10:00) How do you work through collaboration resistance?

(12:40) The “what” and “how” of UpMetrics

(17:15) Who usually engages UpMetrics?

(18:50) What do you tell nonprofit board members?

(22:30) Learn more about UpMetrics and Stephen

(24:00) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, Joe McKenna, President and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra and self proclaimed “Governance Junkie,” delivers a masterclass on nonprofit governance, leadership, and board engagement. Joe shares how thoughtful governance structures empower creativity, how to build trust between board and staff, and why eliminating an executive committee created a more engaged and accountable board. He also opens up about personal routines that keep him grounded and shares his two essential book recommendations for nonprofit leaders. Whether you're a new executive director or a seasoned CEO, this episode is packed with wisdom on sustaining mission-driven leadership in a complex world.

Joe’s Book Recommendations:

Governance as Leadership

Conquering Crisis

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Joseph McKenna, President and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra

(02:00) Joe’s leadership philosophy

(03:30) Joe is a “Governance Junkie”

(06:45) Define Governance

(12:00) Who is responsible for governance?

(14:50) Why do you not have an Executive Committee?

(18:30) Committee Structure

(24:30) Creation of the Music Hall

(27:45) Keeping staff working towards the larger goal but still completing daily tasks

(29:30) How Joe manages his schedule

(32:45) Advice for Executive Directors

(34:30) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Bill Villafranco, trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and executive director of MyFace.org, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, philanthropy, and legacy. Bill shares his unique journey into nonprofit work, shaped by personal loss and mentorship, and offers a rare dual perspective on what it takes to lead as both a board member and an executive director. From navigating donor intent and intergenerational giving to managing board relationships and launching innovative community programs, this episode is packed with real-world insights for nonprofit leaders, board members, and anyone passionate about making an impact.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Bill Villafranco, Board of Trustee of Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and Executive Director of MyFace

(04:26) Responsibility of a lifetime appointment

(05:56) How are you making sure the Virginia B. Toulmin name exists into perpetuity?

(08:36) Multi-generational philanthropic strategy

(11:31) Becoming the Executive Director of MyFace

(21:26) How will you be a better board member due to your work as an Executive Director?

(23:46) What should board members know about being an Executive Director?

(25:16) What advice would you give to businesspeople who are thinking about being on a board?

(26:06) Final advice?

(27:16) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley sits down with Marc Huffman, CEO of OnBoard, to explore how board management software is transforming nonprofit governance. With decades of experience in the tech industry and a deep understanding of mission-driven organizations, Marc shares insights on why nonprofits should move beyond spreadsheets and email chains, how AI is streamlining board operations, and why secure, easy-to-use platforms are the future of effective board meetings. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, board chair, or passionate volunteer, this episode reveals how the right tools can make governance simpler, smarter, and more strategic.

Visit OnBoard's Website: www.onboardmeetings.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Marc Huffman, CEO of OnBoard and eScribe

(02:40) Why is this important for nonprofit organizations?

(04:00) Why should boards have a board management software?

(06:20) Security of board information

(07:25) What is the main resistance that nonprofits have with this software?

(08:50) What kinds of organizations use this and who from the organization usually reaches out?

(10:05) How does a software like this improve governance?

(11:50) Role of AI with this product

(15:15) Compare and contrast the software in nonprofit and for-profit organizations

(18:00) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with estate planning attorney and seasoned nonprofit board chair Mark Martella to explore what makes board service meaningful—and effective. Mark shares powerful lessons from decades of leadership across organizations like the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Charlotte County Chamber, and Senior Friendship Centers. From navigating financial crises to developing earned income strategies and building trust with executive leadership, Mark offers practical insights for current and aspiring board members. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or considering joining a board, this episode is packed with real-world advice on governance, fundraising, and finding the right mission fit. Tune in for a candid, inspiring conversation that highlights why nonprofit board service is one of the best ways to grow as a leader.

Mark's Website: https://www.martellalaw.com/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Mark Martella, Esq. of Martella Law Firm

(04:30) Why do you serve on nonprofit boards?

(06:25) I501(c)3 vs 501(c)6

(08:45) What made you say “yes” to board service?

(10:15) Board chair philosophy

(11:30) Engaging all the board members

(12:40) What makes a good board member?

(14:10) How has being a board member helped you in business?

(16:30) Advice for young people to join a board

(18:00) Encouragement to join a nonprofit board

(19:50) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Graeme Watt, Principal and Lead Strategist at Anthem Creative, to explore why digital storytelling is the future of nonprofit fundraising. Graeme shares his powerful journey from launching a grassroots youth nonprofit to leading digital strategy at World Vision, and now running a global creative agency serving hundreds of nonprofits. He breaks down how storytelling drives donor engagement, why your board must prioritize a digital strategy, and how emerging technologies like AI are already transforming philanthropy. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, board member, or fundraiser, this episode will shift your mindset and equip you with actionable insights to thrive in today’s digital-first world.

Anthem Creative's Website

To learn more about S.A.N.:

​S.A.N.'s X Account​

​S.A.N.'s Website​

​S.A.N.'s Impact​

​Interview with S.A.N. and its creators​

​Rainforest Foundation US

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Graeme Watt, Principle at Anthem Creative

(06:00) What do you mean by “digital?”

(07:15) How do you help nonprofits develop a digital storytelling strategy?

(10:10) Getting more funding digitally

(13:15) The importance of storytelling

(15:40) The future/present of AI fundraising and AI agents

(20:30) What is the responsibility of the board in the future?

(21:50) The future of AI for nonprofits and fundraising

(25:00) What is Anthem Creative?

(29:00) Advice to organizations

(32:14) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

In this episode of I501(c)You – The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, marketing leader and seasoned board chair Patricia Courtois shares powerful insights on what makes a truly effective board member and how to bring out the best in others around the table. With real stories from her decades of board service and leadership in the nonprofit and business sectors, Patricia covers everything from how to respectfully partner with a CEO, to navigating board dynamics with retired executives, to the importance of empathy, active listening, and full commitment. Whether you're a first-time board member or a veteran looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers practical wisdom you can put into action today. Tune in to learn how board service can not only shape your leadership—but also strengthen your organization and your community.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Patricia Courtois, Board Chair of All Faiths Food Bank

(04:06) Differences between for-profit and nonprofit experience

(05:35) Why is branding important for nonprofits?

(08:15) What is the board’s role in rebranding?

(09:30) Why is it important for nonprofits to understand PR?

(11:20) Your board members are your biggest ambassadors

(14:10) Changes in philanthropy over the years

(19:00) What makes a good nonprofit board member?

(21:00) How do you engage board members as the board chair?

(24:30) What about serving on nonprofit boards made you a better business leader?

(26:30) What would you say to a younger version of yourself?

(29:30) Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast