Mutual respect and trust between leaders at a Community Action Agency (CAA) is essential to the stability of the organization. Without a strong relationship between a CAA board chair and executive director, difficulties can arise that have legal implications, such as not meeting fiduciary duties or making decisions without proper authority. Executive directors are responsible for day-to-day management of the CAA while the board of directors oversees the CAA’s governance and strategic objectives. A secure, collaborative relationship between the board chair and executive director ensures a CAA stays focused on its mission, maintains legal compliance, and completes its goals.

EPISODE 1: In this episode of CAPLAWCast, Dynamic Duos: A Culture of Respect, Executive Director Lori Schwartz and Board Chair Paul Krabbenhoft of Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP) in Minnesota, discuss key aspects of the executive director, board chair relationship, including the importance of clear and consistent communication, their shared philosophy for encouraging board engagement, and how they work together while sticking to their designated roles.

All CAPLAWCast episodes can be accessed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Related Resources:

CAPLAW CSBG Training Module

CAPLAW CSBG Training Module

This Introduction to CSBG training module is an interactive tool for Community Action Agencies to learn about the federal Community Services Block Grant Act. All Community Action Agencies receive Community Services Block Grant (or CSBG) funds…

Mastering the A-B-CSBGs: Monitoring and Termination

Mastering the A-B-CSBGs: Monitoring and Termination

CAA leaders should understand the life cycle of a CSBG grant so they can make smart decisions about spending, reporting, and accounting for their funding. This session explored the performance management process, including monitoring by state CSBG offices and the Office of...

Mastering the A-B-CSBGs: Monitoring and Termination

Mastering the A-B-CSBGs: Tripartite Board Selection and Composition

Maintaining a tripartite board is challenging enough without questions about who can serve and how to elect them. In this session, we reviewed the rules and guidance applicable to the public, private, and consumer sectors. This session is part of CAPLAW's Mastering the...