Carlee Wolfe - How to Find and Serve on a Nonprofit Board

Carlee Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at Hyatt, joins the podcast for a special 250th episode! Carlee discusses the value, strategy, and importance of serving on nonprofit boards. She shares insights on how to find the right board that matches your passions and skills, why nonprofits need skilled volunteers, and how to be an effective contributing board member once you join.








[0:00] Introduction




• Welcome, Carlee Wolfe!


• Today’s Topic: The Value and Strategy of Joining a Nonprofit Board




[9:28] What is the strategic value of joining a nonprofit board?




• Carlee’s story of learning how to get involved and discovering you can "just ask" 


• Why nonprofits need skilled and passionate board members to serve




[17:29] How do you find the right board to join?




• Starting by identifying your passions, skills, and available time commitment


• Using resources like national board matching services (e.g., Board Source) or local city programs




[26:00] How to be an effective board member




• The importance of passion and commitment to making tough decisions


• Knowing your scope and capacity; avoid overcommitting to too many boards




[28:07] Closing




• Thanks for listening!









Quick Quote



“I think the big thing about being on a board . . . is you are helping set the support and steward the strategic direction of the organization, right? You're that body that supports the ultimate mission of where the organization is heading.”