Board Diversity

The Niles Partners believe board diversity is the primary consideration when assessing a prospective board member. The ability to give or get money is extremely important, however it is not the only qualification for board membership. If getting money is the only criterion by which new board members are brought on, the board may well reflect only one mindset – upper middle to upper class, college educated older people.

The needs of the agency come first. What does the board need in terms of diversity and balance to best serve the agency? Does the board have a financial professional among its members? Does the board have an attorney, a professional with training and experience in the field your agency deals with (a physician on the board of a health care provider). Is there a former recipient of the services offered by your agency?

The Niles Partners firmly believes your board be a representative sample of the community you serve, the stakeholders that make these services possible, and a diverse enough group to bring this to fruition while protecting the agency.