Executive Director Evaluations: From Planning to Practice

Much of a nonprofit’s success and sustainability rests on the skills of its leader or co-leaders. Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director to ensure their success and the nonprofit’s health are primary responsibilities of the Board of Directors. One strategy to support and retain the Executive Director is an annual, thorough, well-planned, and transparent performance evaluation. A strong evaluation process builds trust between the Board and the Executive Director, creating consensus on priority activities, relevant evaluation data and indicators, leadership competencies, and areas for growth. This interactive workshop will focus on the executive director evaluation process — explaining timeframes, Board roles, and a framework for gathering performance data and communicating the results.  

In this workshop, participants will: 

• learn the importance of conducting an Executive Director evaluation as a means to strengthen the Board/Executive Director relationship and the functioning of an organization; 

• describe the planning process for Executive Director evaluations; 

• identify evaluation components; 

• create a motivational and impactful action plan based on the findings; and 

• identify best practices in communicating the evaluation results. 

This workshop is interactive and designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, and other nonprofit stakeholders involved in the development and/or implementation of Executive Director evaluations. Executive Directors and Board Members are encouraged to attend the workshop together. While the workshop is free, registration is required. The session will be held in-person at the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy (919 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Lunch and free parking will be provided. Click here to register.  

Meet Your Facilitator: 

Nancy Fournier, PhD 

www.relishyourrole.com 

Nancy Fournier, PhD has over thirty years of experience in juvenile justice, youth development, the arts, and social entrepreneurship in nonprofit, public sector, academic, and think tank settings. She has been a consultant to governmental and nonprofit organizations since 2004, focusing on executive coaching, strategic planning, performance management, staff task analysis, senior level recruitment, and board development and training.