Board Retreats
Bring Your Board Together Around the Conversations That Matter Most
A great board retreat isn't about filling a day with presentations. It's about creating the space for honest conversations, thoughtful decisions, and stronger leadership.
Whether your board is preparing for strategic planning, strengthening governance, clarifying priorities, or simply reconnecting around your mission, I'll facilitate a retreat that leaves your board more aligned, more engaged, and better equipped to lead.
Board Retreats Should Create Momentum, Not Just Meeting Minutes
oo many board retreats become long days filled with reports, updates, and discussions that never lead to meaningful action.
A retreat should be different.
It should give your board the opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations, think strategically, ask difficult questions, and build consensus around the organization's future. Together, we'll explore questions like:
What challenges should our board be preparing for?
Where should we focus our time and energy?
Are we governing effectively?
What decisions will have the greatest impact on our mission?
How can the board better support the executive director?
What does success look like over the next year—and beyond?
The result is a board that leaves energized, aligned, and ready to lead.
My Philosophy
I've served on boards, worked alongside boards, and reported to boards.
I've also been the executive director sitting at the other end of the table.
I know how challenging board dynamics can be, especially when passionate people bring different experiences, perspectives, and priorities into the room.
That's why I believe a board retreat isn't about getting everyone to agree on everything. It's about creating an environment where people can listen well, challenge ideas respectfully, and make thoughtful decisions together.
My role isn't to tell your board what to think.
My role is to help your board think better together.
What Makes My Retreats Different?
Facilitated, Not Directed
I don't arrive with all the answers. I ask the right questions, guide productive conversations, and help your board reach meaningful conclusions together.
Evidence Before Assumptions
When appropriate, I bring organizational data, stakeholder feedback, research, and best practices into the conversation so decisions are grounded in more than opinions.
Designed Around Your Goals
Every retreat is built specifically for your organization.
Whether you need governance training, strategic conversations, board development, planning, or problem-solving, the agenda is customized to accomplish your goals.
Everyone Has a Voice
The best ideas don't always come from the loudest people. I create a process that encourages participation from every board member while keeping conversations focused and productive.
Action-Oriented
A successful retreat doesn't end when everyone goes home. Your board leaves with clear priorities, documented decisions, and practical next steps.
What's Included
Every board retreat is customized, but most engagements include:
Planning meeting with board leadership and executive director
Customized retreat agenda
Pre-retreat consultation
Facilitation of the retreat
Interactive discussions and decision-making activities
Strategic planning or governance exercises, as appropriate
Documentation of key decisions and action items
Post-retreat summary and recommendations
Optional follow-up coaching or implementation support
Who This Is For
This service is a great fit for organizations that are:
Welcoming new board members
Preparing for strategic planning
Strengthening governance
Clarifying board and staff roles
Working through organizational change
Seeking greater board engagement
Wanting to improve communication and decision-making
Looking to reconnect around mission and purpose
What You'll Walk Away With
A more engaged board
Clearer organizational priorities
Stronger alignment between board members
Better conversations and better decisions
Practical next steps your board can act on immediately
Greater confidence in the board's ability to lead the organization forward
Most importantly, your board will leave with renewed clarity about its role—and the confidence to fulfill it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a typical board retreat?
Most retreats are one full day, though some organizations choose a half-day retreat or a multi-session planning process depending on their goals.
Can you facilitate strategic planning during the retreat?
Absolutely. Many organizations use a board retreat to launch or advance their strategic planning process. Others focus on governance, board development, or organizational priorities. We'll design the agenda around what your organization needs most.
Do you travel?
Yes. I facilitate retreats both virtually and in person throughout the United States.
Can you help us after the retreat?
Yes. Many organizations continue working with me through strategic planning, strategic plan monitoring, executive coaching, or program evaluation to help turn retreat conversations into lasting organizational improvement.