Getting on Board
What does it take to serve on a corporate or nonprofit board? How do you get there, and what does it mean to succeed?
ALUMNI WEIGH IN WITH TIPS AND EXPERIENCE
“I was asked to make myself available after having served on a committee and was noticed for taking the opportunity seriously.” — Bernard Fellner ’68
“My financial background has proved helpful: A number of my board memberships came about from providing financial strategy consulting, resulting in an invitation to sit on the board." — Ed Pendergast ’65, MST ’77
“Network, respect and proof of value-add.” — Taylor Grant ’12
“How to get on a board? Volunteer with organizations of interest. Attend events and network. Show your passion and dedication. Ask how you can help.” — Melissa (Osterling) Spratt ’09
“I was always active in youth sports in Watertown. Eventually I met the executive director of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club and was asked to join the board in 2001. Having grown up in town and been a member of the club, it only made sense to give back to today’s youth.” — Mark Tardiff, MBA ’99
As it turns out, getting involved in professional organizations is truly the best way to get to know people more closely and build your network.
Tom Palange '05
“I was involved in my daughters’ elementary school Parent Teacher Association, and on the Finance Board of our local high school. How did I get there? Referrals and active participation as a volunteer.” — Rafael Schuck ’84
“My advice is: Do not search to be on a board for a title. Instead, spend time with organizations that you truly care about. With time, you will meet the right person — and meeting the right person is how you get on a board.” — Joey Carregal ’09, MBA ’10
“My local coffee shop, The Monkey & The Elephant (a nonprofit), sent out a call for new board members on Instagram. Because the organization had a great need for finance and accounting support, they accepted my application.” — Ashley Wertman ’11
“I have been a trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden — one of the most significant urban gardens in the world for beauty, tranquility and children’s educational programs — since 2007. I was nominated by an outgoing trustee and friend, who thought I would be a great fit since I represented the neighborhood and was a frequent visitor.” — Don Reed ’89
I’ve worked my way up by showing interest and involvement. I’m the youngest person on the board, which brings fresh perspective.
Tracy Taback '02
“If you have been involved and have a valuable perspective, board invitations will follow. Benefits include strengthening existing relationships and gaining insights from other leaders that can be reapplied in life or in business.” — Mark Semanie ’85
When I was overwhelmed by the complex needs of three disabled family members, boards allowed me to share what I’ve learned and contribute to the multifaceted disability community, develop content for outreach and education, and even plan programming. The position is far more than advisory! –– (Deborah) Leigh Horte ’81
Serving on the Greater Hartford YMCA was a great experience for me. One of the proudest moments was helping to establish a FREE learn to swim program in Plainville, Conn. –– Dave Cesaro ’83, P ’11
My board is strictly volunteer and meets only around half a dozen times/year, but we’ve done some great work so far! –– Dereck Mendoza ’09
On my board, I sit next to the director of human resources for Johnson & Johnson and the manager of TPC Sawgrass! The greatest benefit has been making lifelong friends, traveling to national conferences, and being “forced/encouraged” to speak in front of hundreds of people on something I am passionate about: a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes! –– Donna Washburn, P ’19