Somehow a string has led to the United Way, which certainly needs our help
in recovering from that scandal of momentous proportions.

What, pray, does the election of boards of directors have to do with
scandal?  I know some non-profit executive directors have great latitude
but have their feet held to the fire if something gets botched.  Perhaps
the real question here ought to be, how much latitude should a board give
the paid professional to do the job?  I am in favor of broad
latitude....within a framework that provides accountability and oversight,
and leadership if needed.

Too many museums etc. have this practice of requiring board member<s> to
sign checks, approve each bill, or some other micro-managing strategy.
With all that busy work to do, no wonder they don't make long range plans
and lead in fundraising.
One distinguished museum executive, a past president of AAM, quit his first
job when the museum suddenly got a new roof put on it without his
knowledge, it was put on by the company owned by a board officer, and then
came the bill for the work without benefit of competitive bidding, anyone's
evaluation of whether this was the best place to spend precious money, etc.


Let's redirect this string in the right direction......board/staff
relations.

Ross Weeks
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----------
> From: Andy Finch <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Ethics question on election of Board of Directors
> Date: Monday, March 31, 1997 2:29 PM
>
> > <<Alternatively, your local United Way may
> > have resources you'd find useful<<
> > Right-We all know what a great job the United Way has done with their
> > executive directors over the last couple of years. Like asking Custer
to
> > teach indian fighting.
> >
> I feel compelled to point out that local United Ways are independent of
> the national United Way which is a trade association.  As far as I know,
> the problem was with one, not several executive directors, at the
> national group.  I expect that local United Ways have many useful
> resources -- especially now, when you can be sure that they are
> especially sensitized to ethics issues.
>
> Andy Finch
> [log in to unmask]
> AAM Government Affairs