How EDs Lead Through a Governance Crisis in Nonprofit

Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

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When a nonprofit faces a full board turnover, staff departures, and community outrage all at once, most Executive Directors want to run away. Nina Horvath stayed.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, producers of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Years ago, Nina joined Coastal as their ED just two weeks before a contentious AGM that resulted in a complete board shake-up. What followed was months of turmoil, community mistrust, and staff uncertainty. Through transparency, communication, and stubborn resilience, Nina helped guide the organization back to stability. Her leadership built psychological safety, trust with the community, and provided much-needed calm through the storm.

Governance Crisis in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

1. Transparency is your anchor in chaos
   Closed doors fuel suspicion. Nina used weekly all-staff meetings and open communication so people knew what was happening and why.
2. Community needs a seat at the table
   Quarterly town halls gave members and musicians space to ask questions, share feedback, and hold leadership accountable.
3. A transition board can stabilize governance
   A small, mixed transition board of former members and community reps helped build the path forward in a collaborative way.
4. Funders will stick with you if you are honest
   One-on-one check-ins with major funders, plus a clear plan forward, kept support intact.
5. Leadership in crisis is about trust, not perfection
   Nina second-guessed herself early. Her advise to her past self would be to ground decisions in values and move at the speed of trust.

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Governance Crisis in Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips

1. Set steady communication rhythms:
   Hold weekly all-staff check-ins and regular board updates. Silence invites rumors.
2. Create public accountability moments:
   Run quarterly community updates or town halls. Share progress and the messy middle. Visibility builds credibility.
3. Ask for help sooner:
   Bring in mentors, peers, or advisors. Outside perspective keeps you from carrying it alone.

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