Become a Highly Effective Nonprofit Board Chair in Seven Steps

Step 3: The CEO
To build a strong organization, you must work together with the chief executive officer. To develop an effective partnership with the CEO, your relationship must be based on mutual trust, respect and support, and regular and open communication.

As chairman of the board, you might criticize the CEO in private while serving as his or her personal advisor with regard to organizational matters. In public, however, you must serve as the CEO’s lead supporter.