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:
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...
