Nonprofit Executive Spotlight
Nonprofit Name: BoardStar Inc.
Nonprofit Address: 2212 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Website: http://www.boardstar.org
Leadership: Patricia Wyzbinski, director
Mission of the organization: To increase the involvement in and strengthen the capability of the Boards of nonprofit organizations.
What makes your organization unique?
“We are the only group in Wisconsin, and one of two in the nation, that focuses solely on the board of directors of nonprofit organizations. The programs and services of BoardStar address governance challenges of Boards that are: large or small, start-up or experienced, and loosely-structured or well-established.”
What are the programs and services of BoardStar?
“BoardStar offers workshops, custom training sessions, clinics, consultation, podcasts, and access to technical assistance resources. In addition, BoardStar conducts research on Boards, enhances the skills of Board consultants, and convenes Board Directors to discuss governance issues.”
What does it take to be a leader in the nonprofit sector?
“The engagement of the Board of Directors is critical to the successful implementation of most any capacity-building project, as well as to organizational stability in general. Research has shown that both Board efficiency and individual Director satisfaction can be correlated with solid governance practices resulting in an effective governing body. The strength of a nonprofit’s Board directly impacts the success of the organization as a whole. We believe that if you fix the Board, you can fix the organization.”
How can business people/the community help your organization?
“One of our services connects individuals who wish to be on a Board with nonprofit organizations, and we are always looking for more prospects. Community support of BoardStar through membership, workshop attendance, funding and volunteerism supports not only this nonprofit but countless other organizations and the nonprofit sector itself.”
Why volunteer?
“Individuals who volunteer make a positive impact on their community, as well as finding personal satisfaction in helping others and opportunities for networking.”
Walls wins top regional honor, now vies for national award
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has announced that Tommy Walls, a four-year member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, has been named the 2010-2011 Midwest Region Youth of the Year. He has received a $20,000 college scholarship from founding sponsor Reader’s Digest Foundation and Tupperware Brands, Corporation. Walls will now advance to BGCA’s National Youth of the Year competition in Washington, D.C., in September. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.
“Tommy exemplifies how Club attendance, participation and programming give young people a secure place to grow, be inspired and empowered,” said Jim Clark, president and chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. “In addition to being the 2010- 2011 Midwest Region Youth of the Year, Tommy holds the local titles of 2010 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Youth of the Year for Milwaukee and the 2010 Wisconsin Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We wish him the best of luck on his journey.”
