2025 GOVERN for IMPACT Conference: Full Schedule

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7:45am EDT

Conference Reception Desk Open

Friday June 20, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

Stop by the reception desk to check-in, receive your conference pacakge and name tag, as well as make inquiries about the conference.

If you require assistance when the registration desk is not open,please feel free to contact either of the following GOVERN for IMPACT team members:

Elaine Vandale, Conference Volunteer Coordinator at efvandale@gmail.com or
Carol Milton, Admin Coordinator at admin@governforimpact.org or 1-226-268-8800

Friday June 20, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

Conference Reception Desk Hours

7:45am EDT

Breakfast – Kick Off Together Followed by Plenary Session - Don't Miss This Starting Breakfast

Friday June 20, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

BREAKFAST PROVIDED

Speakers

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates

Tom Keyse, JD, GSP, joined Charney Associates as a governance Consulting Associate in 2018. Tom brings extensive experience with successful nonprofit, faith-based, arts, and trade and membership organizations, primarily as a board of directors member and chairperson with a significant... Read More →

Karen Fryday-Field

Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting

Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting is a group of seasoned professionals whose goal is to support small to medium sized businesses and organizations by offering timely professional solutions, leading to actionable results at a reasonable cost. With Meridian Edge... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

Networking

8:45am EDT

Keynote #2 - How Service Leadership and Systems Thinking Can Solve Governance and Leadership Challenges

Friday June 20, 2025 8:45am - 9:55am EDT

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

The challenges faced by today’s organizations (and by extension, their boards of trustees) are seldom simple in nature. Many of the approaches the past have followed an overly simplistic approach of “see a problem, fix the problem”. Far too often this leads us back into a new set of challenges. By adopting a philosophy of servant leadership (ensuring that those served “grow”), and adding some tools from “systems thinking,” trustees and organizational leaders can take a more sophisticated and elegant approach to emerging issues.

Speakers

Jeff Miller

Consultant, Professor, and Leadership Network Builder in Indianapolis, Indiana, Innovative Leadership Solutions, Inc.

I am a farm boy from central Ohio who is now living in the Indianapolis area. Between those places I've lived: in north Georgia, New Zealand, central Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, western Indiana, and North Dakota. Some would say I can't keep a job.... I'll leave that judgment... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 8:45am - 9:55am EDT

Keynote Address

10:05am EDT

Leading to Create Courageous Ends

Friday June 20, 2025 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

In this thought-provoking session, participants will explore the critical leadership role of Boards in creating courageous Ends. Board leadership is essential to ensure organizational focus and impact. Dive into the concept of Ends as critical outcomes, which focus on those served and specify the value of these outcomes. Explore how Boards can inform their Ends leadership and the importance of generative and high-level strategic thinking in shaping organizational direction. Participants will gain insights into the essential qualities of Board courage and perseverance, especially when making challenging Ends (Critical Outcomes) decisions that require clarity, focus, and future-oriented leadership.

This session will emphasize the need for Boards to embrace a generative and strategic mindset, recognizing that no organization can achieve all the good that needs to be done. Through thoughtful Ends Policies, Boards can lead with purpose and ensure their organizations focus on what matters most. Attendees will leave with practical tools and inspiration to lead their organizations through Ends direction with confidence, clarity, and courage.

Those who attend this session will:

Develop a sophisticated understanding of Ends (Critical Outcomes)

Understand the Board's authoritative and leadership role in developing and measuring progress towards those Ends.
Explore the role of generative and high-level strategic thinking and direction in developing Ends
Know the difference between strategic direction and a strategic planning
Appreciate the role of Board leader character in:
- developing and setting Ends
- pressing the CEO and the organization toward achieving those Ends
Discuss the responsibility of governing through obstacles

Speakers

Karen Fryday-Field

Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors

Paul is the award-winning author and founder of Future Directors. He's been described as a ‘board futurist’ and a leading thinker on where next for corporate governance.He speaks regularly around the world on the themes of board performance, inclusive decision-making, governance... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

Stream 1 -Policy Governance Inspired Sessions Concepts and Real-World Applications

10:05am EDT

Governance of Risk: Building Resilient Organizations in a Dynamic and Challenging World

Friday June 20, 2025 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

In an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape, effective risk governance has never been more critical. This session explores the frameworks, strategies, and best practices for managing risk through effective governance. The lens through which this session will be presented will be “What happens when you DON’T manage risk?”

Case studies highlighting success and failure will highlight lessons learned, which will support attendees to integrate risk governance into decision-making processes.

Join us for an engaging discussion offering actionable tools to enhance your organization’s ability to anticipate, adapt to, and thrive amid uncertainty.

Those who attend this session will:

Gain insights into aligning risk management with corporate and organizational governance to build resilience and drive sustainable growth.
Identify and assess emerging governance risks in real-time.
Balance governance requirements with the need for organizational innovation.

Speakers

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates

Friday June 20, 2025 10:05am - 11:15am EDT

Stream 2 - Governance Innovations and the 'Human/Leadership Side' of Governance

11:15am EDT

Brief Stretch Break and Move to Next Session

Friday June 20, 2025 11:15am - 11:25am EDT

Break

11:25am EDT

Sustaining Governance Excellence – Leading Through Governance Lifecycles READY, SET, GO! ….SUSTAIN?

Friday June 20, 2025 11:25am - 12:35pm EDT

You are convinced of the value of Policy Governance®. You know the work starts with good, solid, initial training in Policy Governance for you and your fellow Board Members. You have been well trained. The calendar has been prioritized in line with your Board commitments. Your Board gets that done… check! – now what?

Then real life happens.

Your Board at times falls back into some non-Policy Governance and ineffective governance ways of behaving. Life on the Board becomes a series of hills and valleys. How do you keep the journey going toward excellence? What kind of “Board GPS” do you need to navigate the Board’s sometimes uneven travel? What it comes down to is this: How will a Board sustain its focus, creativity, and effectiveness after that first burst of enthusiasm and discipline.

This session explores needed, effective, and feasible ways to “keep the fires burning” and "stay on track” so that governance excellence is always “top of mind.” We will examine tools, resources, and activities a Board can use as it moves along its cycle and encounters those hills and valleys.
Those who attend this session will:

Articulate their understanding of the value-added contributions of Policy Governance in creating a coherent and effective system of governance.
Identify foundational steps in preparing a board to adopt and use Policy Governance.
Explore obstacles that can weaken a board’s embrace of Policy Governance after its initial commitment to it.
Develop resources and tactics for addressing and correcting situations in which a Policy Governance board falls back into previous ways of acting so that excellence and effectiveness in governance may endure.

Speakers

Robert J. Wickman

Consultant, De La Salle Christian Brothers School Governing Boards

Brother Robert is a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a worldwide religious community serving in the field of education. This teaching order sponsors 1100 schools and other educational agencies in 80 countries serving over one million students across elementary, middle... Read More →

Tom Skiba

CEO, Community Associations Institute

Friday June 20, 2025 11:25am - 12:35pm EDT

Stream 1 -Policy Governance Inspired Sessions Concepts and Real-World Applications

11:25am EDT

Are Boards Leading with AI, or is AI Leading the Board

Friday June 20, 2025 11:25am - 12:35pm EDT

Effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance practices is supported by the intersection of technology and human governance behaviours. In this session, participants will explore the practical applications of AI to governance with a view to integrating AI into Board decision making.

Those who attend this session will:

Understand the ability of AI to assist Boards in fulfilling their mandate / strategy / Ends.
Explore the intersection of technology and human governance behaviours.
Learn key takeaways that will be applicable and relevant to their own practice of governance.

Speakers

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors

Ted Humphrey

Board Chair, Nuvision Credit Union

Ted Humphrey has been a board volunteer for 15 years and has been on a Policy Governance Board for 10 years. Last year he completed the Policy Governance Proficiency Program, and he is currently the Governance Chair of Nuvision Federal Credit Union. He is an Adjunct Professor of... Read More →

Roger Ballard

CEO, Nuvision Credit Union

Friday June 20, 2025 11:25am - 12:35pm EDT

Stream 2 - Governance Innovations and the 'Human/Leadership Side' of Governance

12:45pm EDT

Lunch - Enjoy a Connecting Time Together

Friday June 20, 2025 12:45pm - 2:05pm EDT

LUNCH PROVIDED

Participate in GOVERN awards and in the launch of the Governing Into the Future - The Dr. John Carver Memorial Fund for Policy Governance - Fund Launch with Miriam Carver.

You will not want to miss this opportunity to connect.

Speakers

Tom Keyse, Conference Program Chair

Senior Consultant, Charney Associates

Karen Fryday-Field

Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting

Friday June 20, 2025 12:45pm - 2:05pm EDT

Networking

2:10pm EDT

Clear Values and Risk Boundaries Create Empowerment

Friday June 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm EDT

Governing bodies like Boards of Directors play a key role by providing strategic direction and oversight and creating a framework for leadership. In this dynamic workshop, explore in how setting clear boundaries you empower the CEO and strengthen your organization. It is these boundaries that help the CEO confidently lead by aligning their decisions with organizational prudence, ethics, equity, and values standards.

We’ll explore how boards establish trust and guide transparency through executive boundaries, balancing accountability with innovation, and how this impacts the entire organization.
Those who attend this session will explore and understand how clear boundaries align the Board, CEO, and the ownership/careholdership, fostering purpose-driven leadership, governance of risk, and organizational success.
By attending this session, participants will:

Understand the Role of Executive Boundaries - Gain clarity on how clearly defined executive boundaries enhance CEO decision making and organization success through trust and transparency.
Recognize the Board's Role - Learn how governing bodies establish and uphold executive boundaries to ensure accountability, alignment, and focus.
Connect Boundaries to Leadership - Explore how boundaries allow CEOs to lead with confidence, take calculated actions, and drive innovation.
Evaluate Organization Impact - Understand how well defined boundaries positively affect board dynamics, executive leadership, and overall organization performance.

Speakers

Rose Mercier

Partner, The Governance Coach

Rose has more than twenty‐five years’ experience in organizational transition and leadership development, and twenty‐plus years in management and leadership positions. In the past fifteen years, Rose has focused on supporting boards with the effective implementation of Policy... Read More →

Richard Stringham

Partner, The Governance Coach

Friday June 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm EDT

Stream 1 -Policy Governance Inspired Sessions Concepts and Real-World Applications

2:10pm EDT

Unlocking Excellence: Comprehensive Evaluation of Board Effectiveness

Friday June 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm EDT

A high-performing Board is the cornerstone of organizational success, yet evaluating its effectiveness requires more than a standard checklist. This session delves into a comprehensive approach to assessing Board performance, equipping participants with tools to measure governance effectiveness, governance critical process/practice, strategic leadership, and Board leadership dynamics/culture.

Join us to explore best practices for:

Designing the clear purpose and impact of Board effectiveness evaluation
Developing robust Board evaluation frameworks.
Leveraging feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative insights.
Aligning Board performance with organizational purpose and stakeholder expectations.

This session will include case studies, proven methodologies, and actionable strategies to drive meaningful improvements in Board effectiveness.

Those who attend this session will:

Understand the critical dimensions of Board evaluation.
Learn practical approaches for implementing a comprehensive assessment process.
Gain resources to foster accountability, transparency, and sustained Board excellence and impact.

Speakers

Karen Fryday-Field

Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting

Paul Smith

FDI Founder, Future Directors

Susan Radwan

Owner, Leading Edge Mentoring

Susan Radwan, MEd, SMP, CAE, GSP has a rich history of experience in the fields of insurance, education, strategy development, non-profit associations. She has been consulting in governance since 1996. Radwan attended the Policy Governance Academy in 1999. She brings passion, clarity... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:20pm EDT

Stream 2 - Governance Innovations and the 'Human/Leadership Side' of Governance

3:20pm EDT

Break and Visit with Conference Sponsors in Sponsorship Hall

Friday June 20, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm EDT

Break

3:45pm EDT

Keynote #3 - Governance Leadership and the Struggle for Inclusion and Voice

Friday June 20, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

What is the new balance within an inclusive, diverse, engaged citizen world?
Listening to youth, involving youth activism, and consequences of governing bodies NOT listening to youth.
Advocacy and activism led by youth. Flint Water Crisis

Speakers

Mari Copeny

Philanthropist | Activist

Mari is a 16 year old from Flint, Michigan known globally as Little Miss Flint. Born on July 6th, 2007. She first entered the public spotlight when her letter to President Obama about the water crisis prompted him to visit the city and survey the water crisis for himself. That visit... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

Keynote Address

4:30pm EDT

Conference Reception Desk Open

Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Elaine Vandale, Conference Volunteer Coordinator at efvandale@gmail.com or
Carol Milton, Admin Coordinator at admin@governforimpact.org or 1-226-268-8800

Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Conference Reception Desk Hours

5:00pm EDT

Fast Round-up Session - Day 2

Friday June 20, 2025 5:00pm - 5:15pm EDT

Information

6:00pm EDT

Enjoy the 15 minute walk from The Alt Hotel along the scenic Lachine Canal, to the Montreal Art Centre and Museum.

Friday June 20, 2025 6:00pm - 6:15pm EDT

Montreal Arts Centre & Museum

Friday June 20, 2025 6:00pm - 6:15pm EDT
Montreal Arts Centre & Museum

Networking

6:15pm EDT

Come together for a night of "Community"

Friday June 20, 2025 6:15pm - 9:00pm EDT

Montreal Arts Centre & Museum

The Montreal Arts Centre, located in the historical Caledonian Iron Works Co building originally built in 1879, supports and promotes locally based visual and performing artists.

Enjoy a complimentary beverage with friends and colleagues while wandering the art studios and galleries.

Then move next door to the Lord William Pub for a "Traditional Pub" meal.

Following dinner, return to the Centre's Piano Bar and enjoy live music with Canadian Gemini Award winning actress and singer, Christine Ghawi, who will showcase French and Quebecois culture and the distinctly musical character of Montreal.

Following the program, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the Piano Bar or Lord William Pub and continue to experience Montreal on the day of summer solstice!

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Friday June 20, 2025 6:15pm - 9:00pm EDT
Montreal Arts Centre & Museum

Networking