Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications Ep 244: The Board Chair–CEO Blueprint: What Every Nonprofit Can Learn from Girl Scouts USA
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Jan 3, 2026 Bonnie Barczykowski, the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Noorain Khan, Board President and former Ford Foundation leader, discuss the powerful partnership between a board chair and CEO. They share how intentional meetings and a strong onboarding process laid the foundation for their collaboration. Their weekly check-ins boost team energy and foster rapid problem-solving. The duo emphasizes psychological safety, candid conversations, and clear governance roles to enhance effectiveness, ensuring a lasting impact on their organization.
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Kick Off The Chair–CEO Partnership
- Schedule an intentional kickoff between incoming board chair and CEO to set shared expectations and working style.
- Exchange preferences (best times to connect, communication style) and document agreed norms early.
Use A Weekly Action-Focused Check-In
- Hold a standing weekly 45-minute check-in between the CEO and board chair with a shared, pre-sent agenda.
- End each meeting with explicit next steps and assign who owns them.
The Check-In Is An Energy Booster
- Regular chair–CEO meetings become an energy booster and a problem-solving space for both leaders.
- Shared work tempo and rapid alignment prevent week-to-week drift and reduce isolation for the CEO.