Welcome to Next Generation Board

I founded this company because I deeply believe in the power of nonprofits and their vital role in our communities. Organizations like credit unions, federally qualified health centers, and other large nonprofits are not just service providers—they are the heartbeat of the community. These organizations deliver essential services and resources, particularly to underserved populations. They should be among the first to lead community change, reinvesting resources and creating critical access points for marginalized and low-income individuals. They offer unique and effective alternatives for financial assistance, healthcare, and countless other resources—or at least, they are meant to.

But what happens when society evolves faster than the leadership within these organizations? Are today’s modern challenges being met with fresh, adaptive thinking? Too often, I fear the answer is no. As the youngest member on every large board I serve, I notice a pattern. When I attend conferences, workshops, or training sessions, other “young” board members I meet are often in their 40s or 50s. This isn't to say that people of all ages shouldn’t serve on boards—far from it. Legacy knowledge is crucial for understanding an organization’s history and impact. Long-standing board members provide invaluable situational context and subject matter expertise. However, if everyone at the table knows exactly how the organization would have solved a problem ten years ago, who will ask, “How should we solve the problem here and now?”

Large organizations need evolving leadership, fresh ideas, and the courage to ask questions that challenge the status quo. They also need the perspective of someone who has perhaps never applied for a loan, thought about their credit score, or who knows the harsh reality of losing parental insurance coverage just last year. These perspectives are critical because they reflect the experiences of the members, clients, patients, and consumers who rely on these services. If a board of directors is setting policy and strategy without a true comprehensive understanding of today’s challenges, how can they be fully equipped to address them?

In short, I don’t believe they can. So why do so many organizations struggle to recruit younger leaders? If bringing fresh perspectives, passionate energy, and innovative ideas is so beneficial—and essential for succession planning—why aren’t more leaders in their 20s and 30s in the room? The answer is complex, but the solution is within reach.

I started Next Generation Board to help organizations embrace this challenge and prepare for a future driven by new ideas and solutions. The next generation of nonprofit leaders needs legacy knowledge from their mentors, they need experience, and they need training. Most importantly, they need a team that believes in them and values what they bring to the table. Together, we can empower organizations to meet the challenges facing their communities and those they serve.