Governance Academy 2026

New and established Board Members and/or nonprofit leadership - enhance your nonprofit governance knowledge with the Governance Academy!

Governance Academy will offer participants with the opportunity to learn about foundational best practices in nonprofit governance. The training will provide participants with an understanding of the sector, the basic tenets of governance, and their individual roles and responsibilities as nonprofit leaders. Governance Academy is a powerful resource for those wishing to enhance their understanding of their duty to their organization, the sector, and the community.

Governance Academy is a learn-at-your-own pace online course. Through our online Learning Management System (LMS), participants can delve into a rich repository of resources at their convenience. With over four hours of custom video content, comprehensive readings, supplemental materials, downloads, and quizzes, you're set to add a significant milestone to your professional journey.

Those looking to increase the impact of the training can opt to add an In-Person Applied Learning Workshop to their registration.

In-person sessions will be offered at The Nonprofit Partnership (609 Walnut St., Erie, PA 16502) from 9 AM to 1 PM on

• February 6
• June 30
• October 16

Registration includes light breakfast, beverages, and lunch.

BONUS! Confirmed attendees will have access to office hours with NPP's Adam Bratton, certified Nonprofit Board Consultant through BoardSource.

Governance Academy online modules include:

1. Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
2. Basics of Governance
3. Individual Board Member Roles & Responsibilities
4. Setting Strategic Direction
5. Ensuring Necessary Resources
6. Providing Oversight
7. The Board-CEO Partnership
8. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion + the Board
9. Elements of a High-Functioning Board

Educational content is brought to you by:

• Adam C. Bratton, Executive Director with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Susan Loucks, Principal with Susan Loucks Consulting
• Jenny Weigold Geertson, Director of Community Outreach with Erie Insurance and Board Member with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Debra Thompson, Founder and President with Strategy Solutions, Inc.
• Tom Tupitza, President with Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. and Board Member with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Diane Edelstein, CPA, Senior Partnership with Maher Duessel
• Matthew Zinna, CPA, Partner with McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP
• Thomas P. Richter, Jr., (T.J.), Principal, Vice-President and Treasurer with Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency
• Emma Kieran, Principal with Pilot Peak Consulting
• Brandon Wiley, MS, LPC, Founder and Executive Director, OpenedEyes | Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention, Erie VA Medical Center
• Tim Hunter, President & CEO with McInnes Rolled Rings
• Robert T. Lipps, Attorney & CPA, Co-Founder and Principal Advisor with The Global Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Pricing:

• ONLINE COURSE [Members with The Nonprofit Partnership]: $90
• ONLINE COURSE ONLY [Non-Members with The Nonprofit Partnership]: $125
• IN-PERSON WRAP UP ADD ON: $35
• Associate Members: contact Emmy

Group pricing is available (individual access for each within the group). Contact us to discuss options!

After you register, you’ll receive an email from Easy LMS and a follow-up message from an NPP staff member confirming your course enrollment.