Why does board engagement feel harder than ever for nonprofits? In this episode of I 501(c) You, Michael sits down with governance consultant Katie Spencer, founder of Zipline Consulting, to explore what is really driving disengaged boards. Drawing on insights from hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Katie explains why executives feel like they are chasing board members and why board members often feel unclear about their role. She outlines four foundational pillars that strengthen board governance, improve accountability, and increase participation. The conversation also covers practical ways to run more strategic board meetings and simplify the board’s role in fundraising. Executive directors, board chairs, and nonprofit leaders will walk away with clear, actionable ideas they can apply immediately.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kimple-spencer-68480111b/

Website: https://www.ziplineconsulting.com/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting

(04:30) Improving Board Engagement

(09:30) 4 Pillars of Board Engagement

(16:10) Quick hitting tips - Better board meetings

(22:20) Board’s role in fundraising

(26:20) Executive & Board Chair partnership

(28:55) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Nonprofit fraud is an issue that leaders cannot afford to ignore, even though it is often uncomfortable to discuss. In this episode, Michael speaks with Jeff Limbocker, a longtime healthcare CFO and current COO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, about how fraud actually occurs in nonprofit organizations and what can be done to reduce the risk. Drawing on decades of experience, Jeff explains why fraud often begins small, why expense reporting is a common vulnerability, and why auditors do not typically uncover these issues. This conversation offers practical insights for nonprofit board members, executives, and finance leaders who want to strengthen oversight, protect donor trust, and build more effective internal controls.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Jeff Limbocker, COO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

(02:00) Observations of fraud as a COO

(03:15) How does fraud start and happen?

(08:20) Lack of controls or subverting controls?

(09:30) Why don’t auditors find fraud?

(12:05) How does the board provide oversight of the CEO/Executive Director?

(15:10) Role of the board in smaller organizations

(17:20) Preventing fraud in cash-strong organizations

(19:00) Shouldn’t fraud be caught sooner?

(23:30) Advice for board members

(25:15) Red flags to look out for

(27:44) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Amazon

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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Fraud does not just happen in big corporations. It happens in nonprofits too, often quietly and over time. In this episode, CPA and nonprofit practice leader Brian Carter joins the show to explain how fraud and abuse actually occur inside nonprofit organizations. Using real examples from a major health foundation and a local Little League, Brian breaks down why audits do not always catch fraud, how weak internal controls create opportunity, and what board members should realistically be doing to protect the mission and the money. If you serve on a nonprofit board or work closely with one, this conversation offers practical guidance on governance, fiduciary responsibility, and how to spot problems before they spiral.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Brian Carter, CPA, Nonprofit Practice Leader & Partner, Mauldin & Jenkins

(02:00) How can a board mitigate fraud? Jackson Health Foundation Fraud case

(03:00) What financial controls should be in place?

(06:35) Controls with electronic signatures

(11:05) Should this have been caught?

(13:15) Why would an audit not find this?

(16:00) Sarasota Little League scenario

(22:00) How do you ensure continuity of controls for a high turnover organization?

(25:40) Final advice

(26:55) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Amazon

iHeartRadio

Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast