The three major not-for-profit health plan foundations in the state of Massachusetts are led by dynamic women. In addition to being mission-driven executives, the three—Nora Moreno Cargie, Karen Voci, and Audrey Shelto—are friends who champion each other’s careers. They are servant leaders who listen, learn, and truly engage with constituents—they see leadership as a privilege. To achieve their goals as leaders of their foundations, they engage with stakeholders across the spectrum—in the community and within community-based organizations, in the political and legislative realms, and in the corporate and philanthropic spheres.

Nonprofits from civic organizations to member associations to philanthropic foundations share a common opportunity and challenge—recruiting and retaining strong and effective boards. There is intense competition for effective and committed nonprofit board members, and organizations must be both strategic and targeted in the way in which they approach prospective candidates. While some of the best members serve on multiple not-for-profit boards, the majority of top candidates only have time and resources for one or two substantive commitments.

When recruiting chief executives for not-for-profit organizations, I pose one key question to each candidate: Are you truly passionate and committed to the organization’s mission and its work? This is fundamental. As a not-for-profit CEO, you will be eating and breathing this work, 24/7. There are a lot of great organizations out there and you should believe in your heart of hearts that this is the most important one for you, so that others believe it as well.

As a candidate, if the answer for you is yes—you are deeply passionate about the mission—the next step is to evaluate the organization. Is it ready for you and the right place for you?