Nonprofit Governance in Uncertain Times (EP.87)

In this episode, host Tim Cynova is joined by E. Andrew Taylor—professor, researcher, consultant, board chair, and longtime colleague—to explore the messy, meaningful, and often misunderstood world of nonprofit boards. Together, they take a fresh look at what boards are really for, why bylaws matter more than most people realize, and how values-based governance can meet the challenges of an unpredictable world.

Dispelling common myths, Andrew reframes the governing board as a servant leader to the public it represents. The conversation spans recent high-profile governance stories at institutions like OpenAI and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the importance of stress-testing bylaws, and the unique hurdles boards face in today’s rapidly shifting environment.

Spoiler Alert: Instead of seeing risk as threat, this episode invites us to (re)imagine governance as a space for resilience, creativity, and collective leadership.

Whether you’re curious about joining your first nonprofit board, navigating one as an executive, or rethinking governance structures in your own organization, this conversation will spark fresh thinking about how boards can evolve to meet the moment.

Highlights:

• 01:11 Current Issues in Nonprofit Governance
• 06:01 The Role and Challenges of Nonprofit Boards
• 07:36 Understanding Nonprofit Organizations
• 17:22 The Importance of Bylaws
• 21:13 Revising Bylaws for Modern Governance
• 21:35 The Concept of Minimum Viable Everything
• 22:32 Using AI for Policy Development
• 24:57 The Role of the Board in Nonprofits
• 25:37 Bridging the Gap Between Board and Staff
• 29:32 Navigating Risk and Collaboration
• 35:45 The Importance of Collective Action

Related Resources

• ArtsManaged Field Guide, E. Andrew Taylor’s online "textbook"
• ArtsManaged Field Notes, E. Andrew Taylor’s weekly newsletter, which includes a page dedicated to governance-relevant posts
• “Trump has purged the Kennedy Center’s board, which in turn made him its chair – why does that matter?” by E. Andrew Taylor published in The Conversation
• “OpenAI and Nonprofit-Money Collaborations” by Gene Takagi via NEO Law Group
• “Facing Trump threat, Corporation for Public Broadcasting amends bylaws to protect directors from removal” by Austin Fuller

Bios

ABOUT E. ANDREW TAYLOR

Andrew Taylor thinks (a bit too much) about organizational structure, strategy, and management practice in the nonprofit arts. An Associate Professor and Director of Arts Management at American University, he also consults for cultural, educational, and support organizations throughout North America. Andrew is past president of the Association of Arts Administration Educators, board chair for Fractured Atlas, consulting editor...