Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/scouting-the-boardroom Scouting the Boardroom is your guide to navigating the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership, with a focus on Scouting America's mission. Join us for expert insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories as we explore governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to empower board members in creating meaningful impact. © 2026 Michael Sears 2450c0a3-29a6-5256-9eaa-7b15d4a9bf37 no en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:00:08 -0700 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:02:34 -0700 https://img.transistorcdn.com/Zv1VSv3JwNBgEx2eLQ8nong0kzcDJ5r_l18FdkHKK1g/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wNmY1/ZDUxMGM4MWJjNmZh/ZGM3MDE0NjAzOGM4/MDczNi5wbmc.jpg episodic Michael Sears Scouting the Boardroom is your guide to navigating the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership, with a focus on Scouting America's mission. Join us for expert insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories as we explore governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to empower board members in creating meaningful impact. Scouting the Boardroom is your guide to navigating the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership, with a focus on Scouting America's mission. Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director Michael Sears No No 18 18 The Sophomore Year: Growing into Your Role as a Board Member - Max Siegel full 603f6d3b-a28e-45c7-afc2-e10639bb6d94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c47cfaf3 What should board members focus on in their second year? This episode of Scouting the Boardroom dives into the evolution from newcomer to confident contributor. We explore how relationships deepen, leadership roles emerge, and financial understanding grows. Hear reflections from an experienced director on timing, impact, and moving from passive listener to proactive leader—perfect guidance for those ready to make year two a standout chapter in their board service journey.

]]> What should board members focus on in their second year? This episode of Scouting the Boardroom dives into the evolution from newcomer to confident contributor. We explore how relationships deepen, leadership roles emerge, and financial understanding grows. Hear reflections from an experienced director on timing, impact, and moving from passive listener to proactive leader—perfect guidance for those ready to make year two a standout chapter in their board service journey.

]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 664 What should board members focus on in their second year? This episode of Scouting the Boardroom dives into the evolution from newcomer to confident contributor. We explore how relationships deepen, leadership roles emerge, and financial understanding grows. Hear reflections from an experienced director on timing, impact, and moving from passive listener to proactive leader—perfect guidance for those ready to make year two a standout chapter in their board service journey.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 17 17 Setting Up and Holding a Board Meeting - Cicely Nelson full a09e5ec8-26ef-4e44-8c1e-e8736c68c1f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/efd082f1 What makes a board meeting productive, engaging, and efficient? In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how strong agendas, smart technology, and thoughtful facilitation turn routine meetings into strategic milestones. Whether online or in person, learn how to prepare, lead, and follow up with clarity and purpose. Ideal for board members and chairs seeking to elevate their meeting game and foster meaningful governance conversations.

]]> What makes a board meeting productive, engaging, and efficient? In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how strong agendas, smart technology, and thoughtful facilitation turn routine meetings into strategic milestones. Whether online or in person, learn how to prepare, lead, and follow up with clarity and purpose. Ideal for board members and chairs seeking to elevate their meeting game and foster meaningful governance conversations.

]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 721 What makes a board meeting productive, engaging, and efficient? In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how strong agendas, smart technology, and thoughtful facilitation turn routine meetings into strategic milestones. Whether online or in person, learn how to prepare, lead, and follow up with clarity and purpose. Ideal for board members and chairs seeking to elevate their meeting game and foster meaningful governance conversations.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 16 16 Operations vs Governance - Jim Rogers full 4b7db8a3-62af-476a-b2ce-9adc53dc451d https://share.transistor.fm/s/71978046 In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how board members can leverage their expertise without crossing into operations. From honoring Scouting values to navigating emotional decisions, our guest shares insights on maintaining strategic focus, contributing effectively through committees, and using professional networks to amplify Scouting America’s mission. If you've ever wondered how to serve wisely, lead boldly, and govern with purpose—this conversation is for you.

]]> In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how board members can leverage their expertise without crossing into operations. From honoring Scouting values to navigating emotional decisions, our guest shares insights on maintaining strategic focus, contributing effectively through committees, and using professional networks to amplify Scouting America’s mission. If you've ever wondered how to serve wisely, lead boldly, and govern with purpose—this conversation is for you.

]]> Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:33:09 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 758 In this episode of Scouting the Boardroom, we explore how board members can leverage their expertise without crossing into operations. From honoring Scouting values to navigating emotional decisions, our guest shares insights on maintaining strategic focus, contributing effectively through committees, and using professional networks to amplify Scouting America’s mission. If you've ever wondered how to serve wisely, lead boldly, and govern with purpose—this conversation is for you.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 15 15 Board Service in the Digital Age - Jeanette Prenger full 84ee82fd-b972-4265-a073-9ecc13ae86e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/30dbbea3 Get ready for an energizing conversation with Jeanette Prenger, CEO of ECCO Select and one of the nation’s top voices in tech talent and organizational transformation. In this episode she shares how nonprofit boards can recruit for the digital era, balance experience with tech fluency, move beyond the “one tech seat,” tap external expertise, and build cultures of curiosity and continuous learning. A must-listen for forward-thinking leaders.

]]> Get ready for an energizing conversation with Jeanette Prenger, CEO of ECCO Select and one of the nation’s top voices in tech talent and organizational transformation. In this episode she shares how nonprofit boards can recruit for the digital era, balance experience with tech fluency, move beyond the “one tech seat,” tap external expertise, and build cultures of curiosity and continuous learning. A must-listen for forward-thinking leaders.

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 811 Get ready for an energizing conversation with Jeanette Prenger, CEO of ECCO Select and one of the nation’s top voices in tech talent and organizational transformation. In this episode she shares how nonprofit boards can recruit for the digital era, balance experience with tech fluency, move beyond the “one tech seat,” tap external expertise, and build cultures of curiosity and continuous learning. A must-listen for forward-thinking leaders.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 14 14 Committee Responsibilities - Brad Tilden full e4ba69a7-a31b-4501-a9a5-21700860ac81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/201f7009 Strap in for a powerful episode as we sit down with Brad Tilden — retired chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group, experienced commercial pilot, and current Chair of the Scouting America National Executive Board. Brad brings altitude and insight to a deep dive on nonprofit governance, revealing how committees truly work, what makes them effective, and how board members can lead with clarity, unity, and purpose. A compelling, high-energy conversation every board leader should hear.

]]> Strap in for a powerful episode as we sit down with Brad Tilden — retired chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group, experienced commercial pilot, and current Chair of the Scouting America National Executive Board. Brad brings altitude and insight to a deep dive on nonprofit governance, revealing how committees truly work, what makes them effective, and how board members can lead with clarity, unity, and purpose. A compelling, high-energy conversation every board leader should hear.

]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 864 Strap in for a powerful episode as we sit down with Brad Tilden — retired chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group, experienced commercial pilot, and current Chair of the Scouting America National Executive Board. Brad brings altitude and insight to a deep dive on nonprofit governance, revealing how committees truly work, what makes them effective, and how board members can lead with clarity, unity, and purpose. A compelling, high-energy conversation every board leader should hear.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 13 13 Board Development Committee - Vince La Padula full 020465b3-aa3a-4ab7-9de3-8042d6c45eb4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4c93a5d4 Get ready for a high-impact conversation with Vince LaPadula, CEO of Workplace Solutions and veteran J.P. Morgan leader, as he breaks down what every nonprofit board member needs to know about fundraising. Vince uncovers why development is mission-critical, how board members can powerfully engage donors, why personal giving matters, and how to balance fundraising with broader governance duties. Inspiring, practical, and energizing—this episode will transform how you think about board leadership and resource generation.

]]> Get ready for a high-impact conversation with Vince LaPadula, CEO of Workplace Solutions and veteran J.P. Morgan leader, as he breaks down what every nonprofit board member needs to know about fundraising. Vince uncovers why development is mission-critical, how board members can powerfully engage donors, why personal giving matters, and how to balance fundraising with broader governance duties. Inspiring, practical, and energizing—this episode will transform how you think about board leadership and resource generation.

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 736 Get ready for a high-impact conversation with Vince LaPadula, CEO of Workplace Solutions and veteran J.P. Morgan leader, as he breaks down what every nonprofit board member needs to know about fundraising. Vince uncovers why development is mission-critical, how board members can powerfully engage donors, why personal giving matters, and how to balance fundraising with broader governance duties. Inspiring, practical, and energizing—this episode will transform how you think about board leadership and resource generation.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 12 12 Role of the National Commissioner - Devang Desai full 451d7d27-ff94-4eb7-a4e6-76517b3a9cef https://share.transistor.fm/s/b860ade9 On “The Commissioner’s Seat at the Board Table,” guest Devang Desai joins us to unpack how Commissioners complement board governance—linking policy to the field, elevating safety and program quality, and strengthening feedback loops. Hear practical advice for directors engaging Commissioners across levels, and a candid look at aligning strategy with unit-level realities that drive outcomes.

]]> On “The Commissioner’s Seat at the Board Table,” guest Devang Desai joins us to unpack how Commissioners complement board governance—linking policy to the field, elevating safety and program quality, and strengthening feedback loops. Hear practical advice for directors engaging Commissioners across levels, and a candid look at aligning strategy with unit-level realities that drive outcomes.

]]> Sat, 08 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 665 On “The Commissioner’s Seat at the Board Table,” guest Devang Desai joins us to unpack how Commissioners complement board governance—linking policy to the field, elevating safety and program quality, and strengthening feedback loops. Hear practical advice for directors engaging Commissioners across levels, and a candid look at aligning strategy with unit-level realities that drive outcomes.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 11 11 Finance Committee Responsibilities - Larry Simkins full 8da7c8eb-8672-48bb-ab0d-e177945b93ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/f91947d8 With Larry Simkins, we turn finance committee work into a clear story—how balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows reveal a nonprofit’s real life. We examine whether revenue is mission-true and durable, and how liquidity, reserves, and efficiency signal health. We stress transparent reporting and strategy-anchored budgets. Finally, we equip non-financial directors with practical questions to prevent surprises and confidently steward long-term impact.

]]> With Larry Simkins, we turn finance committee work into a clear story—how balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows reveal a nonprofit’s real life. We examine whether revenue is mission-true and durable, and how liquidity, reserves, and efficiency signal health. We stress transparent reporting and strategy-anchored budgets. Finally, we equip non-financial directors with practical questions to prevent surprises and confidently steward long-term impact.

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 487 With Larry Simkins, we turn finance committee work into a clear story—how balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows reveal a nonprofit’s real life. We examine whether revenue is mission-true and durable, and how liquidity, reserves, and efficiency signal health. We stress transparent reporting and strategy-anchored budgets. Finally, we equip non-financial directors with practical questions to prevent surprises and confidently steward long-term impact.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 10 10 Taking Ownership - Wes Smith full 8cc2fce7-28cc-4528-a377-494b5403f09d https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a4b7857 Wesley Smith, a longtime Scouting America leader and former senior corporate executive, joins us to discuss the vital theme of “Taking Ownership.” Wes shares how committed board members can clarify responsibilities, balance fiduciary duties, and champion organizational missions. His insights reveal how accountability and proactive engagement elevate nonprofit boards, inspiring listeners to embrace leadership with purpose.

]]> Wesley Smith, a longtime Scouting America leader and former senior corporate executive, joins us to discuss the vital theme of “Taking Ownership.” Wes shares how committed board members can clarify responsibilities, balance fiduciary duties, and champion organizational missions. His insights reveal how accountability and proactive engagement elevate nonprofit boards, inspiring listeners to embrace leadership with purpose.

]]> Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 661 Wesley Smith, a longtime Scouting America leader and former senior corporate executive, joins us to discuss the vital theme of “Taking Ownership.” Wes shares how committed board members can clarify responsibilities, balance fiduciary duties, and champion organizational missions. His insights reveal how accountability and proactive engagement elevate nonprofit boards, inspiring listeners to embrace leadership with purpose.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 9 9 Fundraising and Development - Wayne Perry full 9940d543-b208-4456-b56c-44facd4b1875 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc0b4917 Wayne Perry supports the Fundraising and Development of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. He has deep expertise in the mechanics of asking for financial support. He says that 'it's a learned skill'. Join us to hear from an expert on Board responsibilities in fundraising on non-profit boards.

]]> Wayne Perry supports the Fundraising and Development of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. He has deep expertise in the mechanics of asking for financial support. He says that 'it's a learned skill'. Join us to hear from an expert on Board responsibilities in fundraising on non-profit boards.

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 541 Wayne Perry supports the Fundraising and Development of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. He has deep expertise in the mechanics of asking for financial support. He says that 'it's a learned skill'. Join us to hear from an expert on Board responsibilities in fundraising on non-profit boards.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 8 8 Safeguarding Youth - Frank Tsuru full 3e0374f1-e9c3-475e-bf4e-d6e2b4b95e25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e662a70 The Safeguarding Youth Committee ensures safety and safeguarding in Scouting America by promoting governance, compliance, and risk mitigation. Our guest balances oversight with operational autonomy, emphasizing prevention and advocacy. Key efforts include governance-driven safety culture, data-backed risk mitigation, and ongoing collaboration with staff to ensure continuous improvement in youth protection.

]]> The Safeguarding Youth Committee ensures safety and safeguarding in Scouting America by promoting governance, compliance, and risk mitigation. Our guest balances oversight with operational autonomy, emphasizing prevention and advocacy. Key efforts include governance-driven safety culture, data-backed risk mitigation, and ongoing collaboration with staff to ensure continuous improvement in youth protection.

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 678 The Safeguarding Youth Committee ensures safety and safeguarding in Scouting America by promoting governance, compliance, and risk mitigation. Our guest balances oversight with operational autonomy, emphasizing prevention and advocacy. Key efforts include governance-driven safety culture, data-backed risk mitigation, and ongoing collaboration with staff to ensure continuous improvement in youth protection.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 6 6 Local Council Board and National Council Cooperation - Ricky Mason full 5874c7bd-079d-4255-871c-7c485d608e2a https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7d42caf We explore how local council experience shapes leadership on Scouting America’s National Executive Board. Our guest shares key lessons, challenges, and strategies for strengthening local-national collaboration. He also offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing grassroots service as essential preparation for driving meaningful impact at the national level. 

]]> We explore how local council experience shapes leadership on Scouting America’s National Executive Board. Our guest shares key lessons, challenges, and strategies for strengthening local-national collaboration. He also offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing grassroots service as essential preparation for driving meaningful impact at the national level. 

]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0700 Michael Sears Michael Sears 691 We explore how local council experience shapes leadership on Scouting America’s National Executive Board. Our guest shares key lessons, challenges, and strategies for strengthening local-national collaboration. He also offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing grassroots service as essential preparation for driving meaningful impact at the national level. 

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 5 5 The HR Committee - People and Culture: Devang Desai full 760b354e-9a31-4d3a-aaa8-7ca323a6d5ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/47304da9 Discover the vital role of the HR committee in nonprofit board governance. This episode explores its strategic oversight in executive leadership, diversity policies, succession planning, and compensation decisions—distinguishing it from operational HR. Gain insights into best practices that ensure leadership stability, ethical practices, and mission alignment for long-term organizational success.

]]> Discover the vital role of the HR committee in nonprofit board governance. This episode explores its strategic oversight in executive leadership, diversity policies, succession planning, and compensation decisions—distinguishing it from operational HR. Gain insights into best practices that ensure leadership stability, ethical practices, and mission alignment for long-term organizational success.

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:30:21 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 573 Discover the vital role of the HR committee in nonprofit board governance. This episode explores its strategic oversight in executive leadership, diversity policies, succession planning, and compensation decisions—distinguishing it from operational HR. Gain insights into best practices that ensure leadership stability, ethical practices, and mission alignment for long-term organizational success.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 4 4 The Importance of Mission first: Alison Schuler full a2628d05-4dbe-4413-a0cd-ad2097e6c977 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b85695d8 Alison practiced law in New Mexico as a named partner in a law firm she founded. She has also been an Assistant US Attorney representing the Federal Government. She is currently a member of the National Executive Committee, and the Chair of the Mission Reputation and Strategy committee of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. We discuss why is it essential for nonprofit board members to keep the organization’s mission at the forefront of their decision-making.

]]> Alison practiced law in New Mexico as a named partner in a law firm she founded. She has also been an Assistant US Attorney representing the Federal Government. She is currently a member of the National Executive Committee, and the Chair of the Mission Reputation and Strategy committee of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. We discuss why is it essential for nonprofit board members to keep the organization’s mission at the forefront of their decision-making.

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 762 Alison practiced law in New Mexico as a named partner in a law firm she founded. She has also been an Assistant US Attorney representing the Federal Government. She is currently a member of the National Executive Committee, and the Chair of the Mission Reputation and Strategy committee of the National Executive Board of Scouting America. We discuss why is it essential for nonprofit board members to keep the organization’s mission at the forefront of their decision-making.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 3 3 Role of the CEO & Chief Scout Executive: Roger Krone full e6c719d2-9da4-44d2-81f6-abef2a9f9ead https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a60c6a9 Roger Krone is the president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. He was previously CEO of Leidos Holdings, Inc. A pilot and aerospace engineer, Krone worked for 45 years in the aerospace industry. He attended Harvard Business School where he earned a Master of Business Administration.  Roger discusses how he views his role as the CEO of Scouting America when working with the board, and what unique perspectives the CEO brings to governance. 

]]> Roger Krone is the president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. He was previously CEO of Leidos Holdings, Inc. A pilot and aerospace engineer, Krone worked for 45 years in the aerospace industry. He attended Harvard Business School where he earned a Master of Business Administration.  Roger discusses how he views his role as the CEO of Scouting America when working with the board, and what unique perspectives the CEO brings to governance. 

]]> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 864 Roger Krone is the president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. He was previously CEO of Leidos Holdings, Inc. A pilot and aerospace engineer, Krone worked for 45 years in the aerospace industry. He attended Harvard Business School where he earned a Master of Business Administration.  Roger discusses how he views his role as the CEO of Scouting America when working with the board, and what unique perspectives the CEO brings to governance. 

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 2 2 Role of the National Chair: Brad Tilden full 81b519d4-0217-4f31-bf63-f27526c5154d https://share.transistor.fm/s/afb23e2b Brad discusses the role of the National Board Chair, and how s/he leads the NEB, sets the vision with the board, and interacts with the CEO and the National commissioner. Brad also answers the question "nose in and fingers out". Brad is the retired chairman of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. 

]]> Brad discusses the role of the National Board Chair, and how s/he leads the NEB, sets the vision with the board, and interacts with the CEO and the National commissioner. Brad also answers the question "nose in and fingers out". Brad is the retired chairman of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. 

]]> Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:32:35 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 662 Brad discusses the role of the National Board Chair, and how s/he leads the NEB, sets the vision with the board, and interacts with the CEO and the National commissioner. Brad also answers the question "nose in and fingers out". Brad is the retired chairman of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. 

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No 1 1 Welcome to Scouting the Boardroom full 726917a3-f03e-4440-994f-a54cbd39b4ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/e64400bd Hello, and welcome to Scouting the Boardroom, where we dive into the essential roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership. I’m your host, Michael Sears, and I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together.

]]> Hello, and welcome to Scouting the Boardroom, where we dive into the essential roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership. I’m your host, Michael Sears, and I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together.

]]> Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:11:17 -0800 Michael Sears Michael Sears 235 Hello, and welcome to Scouting the Boardroom, where we dive into the essential roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board leadership. I’m your host, Michael Sears, and I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together.

]]> Scouting, Scouts, Board of Director No