Strong governance does not stay in the boardroom. It shows up in communities.
Across the NeighborWorks network, board leaders are using what they learn through the NeighborWorks America Excellence in Governance Academy to strengthen their organizations and deliver more effective, community focused outcomes.
For Elena Lininger and Catherine Kim, the connection between governance and impact is clear.
Building stronger boards to build stronger communities
For Lininger, the academy created space to reflect on how her board operates and where it can grow.
“It provides an opportunity to step back and look at our board from a higher perspective and imagine what a strong and effective board could really look like," she said.
That vision translates directly into action. Her board has become more intentional about recruitment and how new members are brought into leadership.
Strong boards, she noted, are essential in a complex housing environment. 
“When there is a strong board that can lead well, it creates trust and long term impact on the community,” Lininger said.
Turning learning into action
For Kim, the value of the academy is both immediate and long term.
She began with tactical changes, refining how new board members are onboarded and ensuring stronger communication across meetings. At the same time, she is working with leadership to define board norms and culture more clearly.
“There are smaller changes we can make right away,” Kim said. “But also longer term work around how we define and practice our board’s values and culture.”
That balance between quick wins and long-term strategy is a core outcome of the academy.
As NeighborWorks' Jennifer Christian explains, the goal is not just knowledge, but application.
“We design this experience so participants can bring what they learn back to their boards in real time,” she said. “That’s how governance translates into impact.”
A shared experience across the network
Participants consistently point to the value of learning alongside peers who are facing similar challenges.
“It’s been illuminating to see how much we have in common across different communities,” Kim said. “And it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in those challenges.”
Wallace emphasized that this shared learning environment accelerates progress.
“When leaders are learning together, they are able to test ideas, share solutions and move faster,” she said. The result is governance that is not only stronger, but more responsive to the needs of the communities organizations serve.
Call to action
The Excellence in Governance Academy equips board leaders with the tools, relationships and perspective needed to strengthen governance and deliver meaningful community impact. The next cohort is now accepting applications.
Apply by June 5. Learn more and apply through the Excellence in Governance Academy.
