The Best Friends Podcast Episode 140
Nonprofit boards can come in different shapes and sizes, each often taking its own approach in the ways they support the organization. But let's be real, sometimes support isn't the most accurate word to use for certain boards.
There are many reasons as to why boards become ineffective but the responsibility of a board is a vital one, and board member's contributions can make a lasting impact. This week we're talking more about boards and revisiting this conversation we had with Trish Tolbert from May.
Check out Liz Finch's latest program spotlight, "building a better board of directors" to hear the perspectives of more industry leaders.
Click here to check out all the episodes from the podcast.
Resources from this episode- Best Friends network: Forming and Working with a 501(c)(3) Board Playbook
- Best Friends network: Shelter Leadership Culture & Community Engagement Webinar
- Best Friends network: What’s Next: Reducing Racism in Animal Welfare
- Stanford Social Innovation Review: Building Better Boards
- Stanford Social Innovation Review: The Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership
- Boardsource: Tools, resources, and research data to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact
Guest this week
Trish Tolbert
Patricia (Trish) Tolbert was “that kid who brought home all the stray and injured animals,” so it’s not surprising that her professional and personal life has been focused on furry and feathered friends. Trish has served as the executive director of the Memphis Zoological Society, associate director of The Nature Conservancy’s Philanthropy Learning Center, and coach/consultant/trainer to client organizations as varied as the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, World Wildlife, Catholic Charities, Special Olympics International, the University of Massachusetts and (Australian) Trust for Nature.
While most of her career has been spent raising funds (or helping others learn to fundraise), Trish has also served on the grantmaking side of the desk and led discussion groups, training task forces and mentoring initiatives across state and international borders. During her time at Best Friends she assisted with shelter assessments, training academies, national conferences, and also helped embed partner organizations with fundraising. She's created numerous learning resources for both nonprofits and municipal shelters.
Trish earned her master’s from the University of Manchester in Manchester, UK, and her bachelor’s at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, where she graduated as co-valedictorian. She holds certificates in nonprofit management and documentary arts from Duke University affiliates and lives near Chapel Hill, NC, with her zoo vet tech husband and multiple community cats.
Episode Transcript