Why Corporate and Nonprofit Boards Should Include a Media Professional
Corporate and nonprofit organizations tend to fill their boards with members who are influential or have helpful areas of expertise. It’s not unusual to see CEO’s, CFO’s, and other corporate leaders on another company or nonprofit’s board. We’re also seeing a growing number of women populating boards as well as representatives from minority communities. However, one area of expertise that should also be represented on a board of directors is an experienced media professional.
Today, we live in a digital age, and nearly every aspect of corporate and nonprofit life touches on some aspect of media. From advertising and marketing, social media, news coverage, public relations, to crisis management and more, a deep knowledge of media issues is essential for a successful board.
Many boards have private conversations behind closed doors, where bringing in expertise from the outside might not be appropriate. Therefore, having that expertise inside the board itself is invaluable. Plus, when privacy issues come up it’s good to have the right advice from the start before the board goes public.
So the next time your corporate or nonprofit board of directors is looking to add a member, consider a voice with a media background.
It could save you enormous heartache in the future.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
