Red Cross official gives talk

Grand Rapids, Mich.--Harold Decker, general counsel and corporate secretary of the American Red Cross, will give the keynote address at an upcoming conference at Grand Valley State University geared toward helping nonprofit boards function more effectively.

The conference, 'Governing Nonprofits For Success,' takes place 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on September 20 at the Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St. Registration is open to interested individuals (details at end).

'Harold Decker is unique in his ability to speak to the challenges which nonprofits face today in governing their organization,' says Donna VanIwaarden, director of the Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, a co-sponsor of the conference.

Decker will speak on the topic, 'The New Era of Board Accountability.' His remarks will address how the aftermath of Enron and other corporate board scandals has resulted in renewed focus on the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits, their boards, and CEOs.

A graduate of Kalamazoo College, Decker is a member of the state bars of Michigan, the District of Columbia, and California. Prior to his position at the American Red Cross, Decker was associate general counsel and vice president at the Fortune 500 company Pharmacia Corporation.

Targeted especially for nonprofit CEOs and board members, the half-day conference will offer professionally facilitated discussions concerning new approaches to board effectiveness and executive relationships, discussion of the latest governance challenges, and the sharing of stories by nonprofit leaders.

Conference participants may choose from four powerful breakout sessions on board self-assessment, board accountability, the latest trends in CEO compensation, and successful board meeting planning. The luncheon program will be devoted to sharing best practices in governance.

Win Irwin, president and CEO of Irwin Seating Co., will also provide a keynote address. Irwin has been an active board member with many nonprofits including Wordforce Development and the Public Museum of Grand Rapids. He will speak on the topic of building an effective partnership between nonprofit CEOs and their boards.

The luncheon program will feature Martha Golensky, D.S.W., associate professor in Grand Valley's School of Social Work, presenting her survey research on best practices in board governance. Golensky will also lead a panel of nonprofit leaders who will share their stories.

The conference is sponsored by Grand Valley's Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and the School of Social Work. Registration is available by calling the Johnson Center at (616) 336-7585 or visiting www.gvsu.edu/philanthrophy. Cost is $40 ($75 for two from the same organization). Students may attend at half-price.