The Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies welcomed nonprofit leaders from across Texas and the Gulf Coast March 26 for its annual Best Boards conference, a sold-out gathering focused on strengthening governance and leadership in a rapidly-shifting landscape.
The program featured a keynote address from Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., the President’s Distinguished Fellow and trustee emerita at Rice and adviser to the president of Harvard University on historically Black colleges and universities initiatives. Drawing on her experience in higher education, government and corporate governance, Simmons emphasized the essential role boards play in maintaining institutional integrity during times of disruption.
More than 270 participants representing over 115 nonprofit organizations attended the one-day event, which brought together board members and professional staff serving missions spanning education, the arts, health care, human services, the environment and faith-based initiatives. Attendees traveled from across the greater Houston area as well as Brenham, Bryan, New Orleans and Galveston.
Among this year’s participants were more than 40 Galveston-area nonprofit leaders and board members whose tuition was sponsored by the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, which supports organizations that are integral to the community, address historic disparities, increase access to opportunities and contribute to the cultural fabric of Galveston.
Centered on the theme Staying the Course While Shaping the Future: Reclaiming What Matters in Shifting Landscapes, the conference explored how nonprofit boards can remain grounded in mission while adapting to uncertainty.
“A board member in the role of oversight holds that organization accountable for accomplishing its mission on behalf of those it was created to serve,” Simmons said.
She urged board members to remain vigilant in the face of ambiguity, noting they must be “in a state of readiness to address uncertainties and unanticipated risks.”
Throughout her remarks, Simmons stressed that effective governance depends on a clear focus on mission, accountability and transparency, cautioning that institutions risk losing public trust when boards stray from their fiduciary responsibilities. She also highlighted the importance of strong governance structures and thoughtful CEO evaluation.
“I think the task of every board is to be attentive to the ways in which the organization can be faithful to the purpose while adapting, innovating and addressing new opportunities and challenges,” she said.
Simmons concluded by connecting modern governance to the nation’s founding principles in recognition of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, encouraging attendees to view their service as part of a broader commitment to the public good.
Following the keynote, Simmons participated in a moderated discussion with Leslie Chandler, associate director for the center.
The conference also featured 10 breakout and plenary sessions covering key topics such as stewardship, nonprofit finance, succession planning, fundraising, governance, artificial intelligence and strategic planning, offering attendees practical tools and insights to strengthen their organizations.
“Best Boards allows Rice and the center the opportunity to support leaders in the nonprofit sector by giving them a place to share thoughts and ideas as they lead with empathy and strength in their respective missions,” said Kristen Schlatre, assistant dean of professional and corporate programs at the Glasscock School. “In the current political climate, including shifts in sustainable funding sources, our communities face complex social challenges that require us to adapt, innovate and lead with perseverance and focus. The consistency and constancy that boards provide in navigating these challenges is, perhaps, needed now more than ever.”
The conference was made possible through partnerships with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter and United Way Greater Houston, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening nonprofit leadership across the region.