By Sherri L. Oken, CAE
Appeared in the “Wednesday Report” of massnonprofit.org

Nonprofits, regardless of size or sector, understand that a well-articulated strategy will help them
achieve their mission, but may not always fully appreciate that creating a strategic board is critical
to success. The following primer will provide guidance in creating a strategic board.

Strategic Board Characteristics

It is a body that takes the long rather than the short view. It creates a vision for an organization
and the means to fulfill that vision in concert with its mission and purpose. It insures that the
necessary resources are available to implement the strategies essential to achieving organizational
goals. It monitors progress and assesses success. It is focused on achievement and creating the
conditions for success. 

By Bob Harris, CAE

Some associations are sitting on considerable reserves, a combination of savings and property. Ask why they have amassed the assets one might hear, “It is our rainy dayfund.”

The purpose of the savings is described with varied perspective: “The leaders before us saved the money and it is our job to protect it.” “We shouldn’t spend it in case we have a crisis.” Or, “We don’t give it much thought, it’s just there.”

An organization’s reserves are part of its strength. Leaving excessive funds untouched may not be the wisest decision. Strong reserves do build confidence and support sustainability.

NE/SAE held its 2018 Annual Meeting at the beautiful Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick, ME on May 31 and June 1. Over 115 attendees and over 55 representatives from exhibiting industry partners participated in two days of educational sessions and networking.

Click here to view photos from the conference.

Click here to view handouts from the conference.

Thank you to Sherri Oken, CAE who led this year's live auction, and to our exhibitors for their generous donations, and attendees for your generous bids. We raised over $4,000 to benefit the John V. Rausseo Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn more about NE/SAE scholarships.

Thank you to our sponsors!

NE/SAE is excited to welcome the following new members who recently joined:

Regular Members

Jocelyn Gregory  
Program Coordinator
Printing Industries of New England 

Margaret Winikates
Director of Engagement
New England Museum Association

 Industry Partner Members

Linda Orr
Senior Sales Manager
Westin Portland Harborview

NE/SAE was pleased to present this year's Rising Star award to Christine Cummings, Executive Director of the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association.  

Christine was presented with her award at NE/SAE's 2018 Annual Meeting at Cliff House Maine on Friday, June 1. 

The Rising Star Award was created to give annual recognition to an up and coming staff member of one of our member organizations. 

NE/SAE was excited to present this year's Super Star Award to Pamela McKenna, CAE. 

Pam was presented with her award at NE/SAE's 2018 Annual Meeting at Cliff House Maine on Friday, June 1.

The Super Star Award was created to give annual recognition to a NE/SAE member who has gone above and beyond in their service to NE/SAE.