Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH) has taken speed dating to a new level with its Leaders on Board program. Earlier this summer, the program made its 100th match – one year ahead of schedule. LGH has used Express Match events, more popularly known as “speed dating,” as a match-making tool to help nonprofit agencies and prospective Board members meet one another. The fast-paced, round robin process helps a large number of people meet and determine possible compatibility in a short period of time.
Following an Express Match, Program Director Andre Santiago takes the results and alerts all parties as to who is interested in having a second conversation. He explains, “The courtship can go on for several months or it can be love at first sight. Still, the results speak for themselves. In two years, instead of three as originally projected, we’ve made 100 matches.”
Conceived in 2008, in partnership with the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Leaders on Board was designed to fill the region’s need for qualified volunteers to serve on the boards of nonprofit organizations.
Since January 2009, over 40 nonprofit organizations have received new Board members through this program and over 20 other organizations are in the process of being matched with volunteers. Local nonprofits that have benefited from this program are located in Bloomfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, West Hartford, and Wethersfield.
Carol Steinke was the first participant to be matched with a board in early 2009. Steinke, the City of Hartford’s Public Health Nursing Supervisor, has been a member of Immaculate Conception Shelter and Housing Corporation’s board of directors since February 2009. A Senior Fellow of LGH’s American Leadership Forum, Steinke said “I wanted to do more with a board in Hartford and also learn about different board expectations and duties.”
More recently, the Women’s League Child Development Center recruited the 100th Leaders on Board volunteer, Gustavo Villota. A long-time employee of ING, Villota offers the Women’s League his background in finance and administration. When paired with training received from the Leaders on Board program, a potent and effective combination is formed. “The process has been enjoyable and effective,” said Women’s League Executive Director Iris Rich. “It is rare that those two things go hand-in-hand. The program produced win-win results offering nonprofit organizations individuals who have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and duties of board members. They bring fresh perspective, something that is truly invaluable.”
Before attending an Express Match, candidates are encouraged to attend a Board Member Orientation Workshop during which they learn about the roles and responsibilities of board governance. “Our role is as matchmaker and a marriage counselor for both parties involved,” says LGH Vice President Doe Hentschel. As part of its follow-up activities, Hentschel adds, “LGH can also work with Boards to ensure that all members can become part of an effective team and learn what it takes to govern effectively.”
Leadership Greater Harford anticipates that Leaders on Board will continue to grow and expand. “We’d like to have more employers in the region see Leaders on Board as a cost-effective way of engaging their employees,” said Ted Carroll, LGH President. “Leaders on Board offers a viable way to help employees and individuals give back to their community and see results.”
Leadership Greater Hartford is one of the largest nonprofit community-based leadership organizations in the country. Its programs are designed to help people realize their leadership potential and inspire them to build strong, vibrant workplaces and communities throughout Greater Hartford. Leadership Greater Hartford has served the community for more than 33 years.
