Northspan is guided by a board of directors with members typically working and living in one or more of the following regions:
- The seven counties of northeast Minnesota (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and Saint Louis)
- The six sovereign American Indian nations of northeast Minnesota (Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and Red Lake)
- The three counties of northwest Wisconsin (Douglas, Bayfield and Ashland), and/or
- The five counties in east central Minnesota (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine)
Board Responsibilities
- Fiduciary – Approve annual budget, investment strategy, large grants/contracts, and audits. Make sure funding and programs are in alignment with mission. Review financial statements and monitor fiscal controls.
- Strategic – Approve and monitor mission and strategic plan. Refresh from time to time. Hire, support, and assess performance of the President & CEO. Establish policies and goals to ensure accountability to the law and our values. Identify, recruit and elect board members
- Generative – Bring personal and professional expertise to support mission. Engage in deeper inquiry, exploring root causes, values, options, and new ideas for the organization.
The board meets four times a year (in January, April, July, and October) and is led by an executive committee.
Executive Committee Charges
Assist the board and President & CEO by:
- Acting on issues and opportunities, as delegated according to the bylaws, between regular meetings of the board of directors
- Review monthly financial performance
- Ensure board logistics are managed including developing the schedule, agendas, and action items for all board meetings
Northspan also has a Human Resources Committee and a Governance Committee, both of which meet quarterly or as needed.
Human Resources Committee Charges
Assist the board and President & CEO with:
- Personnel policy development and revisions
- Professional development processes
- Compensation and benefits philosophies
- Conducting the President & CEO’s annual performance and professional development review
Governance Committee Charges
Assist the board and President & CEO with:
- Conducting new board member recruitment, application, nomination, and onboarding processes
- Evaluating and recommending the board leadership slate and committee members at the annual meeting
- Evaluating and recommending governance, structural, or organizational changes
- Monitoring and making recommendations for change regarding the bylaws and other general policy
Each year, Northspan selects board members through an open application process that attracts many qualified applicants. If you have interest in potentially serving on the Northspan board of directors, or know someone who might be interested, contact us. You can also read more about board member and committee positions.