Four local organizations have joined to create “Get On Board,” a leadership development program designed to prepare people for service on nonprofit and civic organization boards.
The program, created by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Young Professionals, Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute and Voices Inspiring Bold Engagement (VIBE), is a four-part educational series featuring mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
Julia Kimbrell Brooks, the chamber’s director of talent programs, said, “Strong communities are built when people are equipped and encouraged to lead. ‘Get On Board’ will help emerging leaders understand the responsibilities of board service, develop valuable leadership skills and build relationships with organizations that align with their passions. By investing in the next generation of community leaders, we are strengthening the future of our nonprofit and civic organizations.”
Each session will last 90 minutes and cover topics such as the importance of board service, board governance, financial and legal responsibilities, and board dynamics.
Participants will be paired with mentors who serve on the boards of local nonprofit or civic organizations that align with their interests.
Brooks said that, in addition to classroom learning, participants will gain practical experience by interviewing a nonprofit or civic organization board member, attending a board meeting with their mentor and volunteering at or supporting a nonprofit event.
Abigail Kellum of VIBE said, “When we listen intentionally and stay grounded in our purpose, we create movement that reflects the community we serve. As we proceed down this path, we are excited about the collaboration with our community partners: Chamber of Commerce, Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, Chamber Young Professionals. Through mentorship, we hope to inspire and empower future changemakers.”
Participants are Amanda Devine of Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union; Amber Etherton of Puzzle Pieces; Austin Brown of Independence Bank; Brittany Wells of Puzzle Pieces; Brittney Crisp of Regional Land Title Company; Jenna Whitsell of Green River Area Development District; Jeremy Stallings of Audubon Area Community Care Clinic; Kaitlyn Orange of Brescia University; Lucas Henry of ATA Advisory LLC; McKenzie Early of Hospice of Western Kentucky; Nee Kpaw of Fern Terra; Tatum Quick, a freelancer and business owner; and Zach Gilles of German American Bank.
By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer