Institute on Philanthropy Schedules Forum on Responsibilities of CEOs, Board Members of Nonprofits
August 21, 2002
A prominent board member of several charitable organizations, a local CEO and an attorney specializing in tax-exempt organizations will lead a panel discussion on "Responsibilities of Board Members in Today's Climate" Sept. 18 from 8-10 a.m. at the University of Richmond.
The breakfast forum -- the first of three planned by the Institute on Philanthropy for this autumn -- will give nonprofit CEOs and board members an opportunity to discuss ethical and legal expectations of their organizations and the public. Cost is $39 a person and includes a buffet breakfast. Seating is limited.
Moderator Lewis T. Booker, Esq., senior counsel with Richmond law firm Hunton & Williams, will open with a brief overview of current public skepticism regarding the duties and responsibilities of American CEOs and board members, then specifically focus on charitable organizations.
Panelist John F. Schultz, president and CEO of Richmond-based Christian Children's Fund, will speak on chief executives' expectations of board members and the importance of a strong, focused relationship between the two. A second panelist, J. William Gray Jr., partner with Hunton & Williams, will address legal pitfalls faced by nonprofit board members such as conflict of interest and attorney presence at meetings. After the three brief presentations, the panelists will field questions from the audience.
Booker is a trustee emeritus of the University and an active or past trustee and board member of many local nonprofits, including The Robins Foundation, Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital, Richmond Symphony Foundation, Westminster-Canterbury Foundation, Richmond Medical Commons and World Affairs Council of Richmond. Schultz' organization is an international non-profit child development association. Gray's practice focuses on charitable groups.
The Institute, founded in 1998, offers practical courses for development professionals in the mid-Atlantic region. Additional breakfast forums are planned for Oct. 16 on "The State of Philanthropy" and Nov. 13 on "Planned Giving." Institute programs are designed for fundraising and development professionals, but all programs are open to the public.
Beginning in early 2003, the Institute will be offering a certificate program consisting of six courses to address current issues facing CEOs and board members of charitable organizations.
For additional information, contact Laura Carter, Program Coordinator, Office of Community and Professional Education, School of Continuing Studies, at (804) 287-6331 or lcarter@richmond.edu.