My guest for this episode is Mark Buzan. Mark has close to 2 decades of experience as a Director of Communications, Government Relations, Marketing, and Business Development as well as a consultant to nonprofits and associations. Ultimately these roles lead to his becoming an Executive Director and President and CEO of three national associations.  In addition to running Our Executive Director Association Management Services, Mark is also a board director for the Virtues Project International Association (VPIA). Directing strategic plan initiatives, strategy and business operation plans, governance policies, and annual budgets, Mark has surpassed organizational goals and optimized organizational effectiveness for nonprofits and associations everywhere. He has earned a solid reputation for the building, management, and promotion of member programs to increase the bottom-line and improving member services and benefits. A passionate student for understanding why people step up to the role of a board of a nonprofit and what makes for a truly effective board experience, Mark has interviewed hundreds of volunteer leaders who have taken up the challenge of board service. The insights gained lead him to the founding of the Society of Nonprofit Board Directors, an online professional association for board directors from around the world. Here’s what to expect during the episode: How can you make a board more effective? What ideal traits should executive directors hold to have an effective working board? What are the essential questions to ask a prospective board member? Why is it's important to help board members know "What's in it for me?" How can you determine if a candidate is a good fit for your organization? Connect with Mark Buzan! Website: https://nonprofitboarddirectors.org/info Get your copy of the Trust Building Action Plan by going to https://hilandconsulting.org/trustbuilding. Mary's book is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors’ Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them. Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!     Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook.   Connect with Mary! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Facebook Group: https://tinyurl.com/inspirednonprofitleadership Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org