An interactive session from The Learning Center Jan. 29, is designed to refresh seasoned board members, upskill new ones and support individuals exploring board service.
As part of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, The Learning Center provides training and resources that help nonprofits in Elkhart County grow their capacity and deepen their impact. The Board Fundamentals, Reframed: Purpose-Driven Leadership for Today’s Challenges workshop aims to offer practical tools and guidance for board members at every stage of service.
Through guided instruction, collaborative discussions and reflective exercises, participants will strengthen board collaboration, embed effective governance practices and align organizational values with internal culture and community impact.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of core board functions and legal duties, including fiduciary, compliance and oversight responsibilities.
- Apply knowledge of board governance structures, recognizing how variations influence board dynamics and strategic decision-making.
- Identify and strategize common board challenges, such as role clarity and conflict resolution.
- Understand governance standards and how they shape board expectations and practices.
Mandy Sharp Eizinger and Jennifer Lawson will serve as presenters.
Eizinger is program manager at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, where she facilitates sector-wide learning and professional development initiatives. Prior to joining the Johnson Center, she worked with UNICEF USA’s community engagement programs on education, advocacy and fundraising. Eizinger is a graduate of Michigan State University and DePaul University. She is a cross-cultural partner at Treetops Collective and an adjunct faculty member at Grand Valley State University.
Lawson is project director at the Johnson Center, where she designs and leads initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and values. She also teaches as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University. With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofits, and higher education, Lawson brings expertise in grantmaking, program design and foundation compliance. She previously managed programs at the DTE Energy Foundation and worked in fundraising and event coordination. Lawson earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Wayne State University and serves on the board of SPEC Associates.
The Board Fundamentals, Reframed: Purpose-Driven Leadership for Today’s Challenges workshop will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 29, at Elkhart Health and Aquatics. Learn more here.
