Case Studies
Large Nonprofit Board
A large nonprofit board was in transition following the hiring of its first CEO to manage the organization. The board members were used to doing the work of the organization and needed assistance to adjust to the board’s new role as a governing board, overseeing the work of the CEO and staff. Veaco Group was engaged to develop a governance program for the board consisting of charters for the standing committees, the board and board chair and a delegation of authority from the board to the CEO for clarity of responsibilities. We suggested bylaw amendments, developed annual agendas for each of the committees, evaluated board communications and recommended the use of a board portal for electronic delivery of board materials. The board has embraced the new governance framework and we continue to provide ongoing governance support to the board and senior management.
A large nonprofit board was in transition following the hiring of its first CEO to manage the organization. The board members were used to doing the work of the organization and needed assistance to adjust to the board’s new role as a governing board, overseeing the work of the CEO and staff. Veaco Group was engaged to develop a governance program for the board consisting of charters for the standing committees, the board and board chair and a delegation of authority from the board to the CEO for clarity of responsibilities. We suggested bylaw amendments, developed annual agendas for each of the committees, evaluated board communications and recommended the use of a board portal for electronic delivery of board materials. The board has embraced the new governance framework and we continue to provide ongoing governance support to the board and senior management.
Small Public Company
A small public company board wanted to increase its size and add expertise to its board, but first wanted to explore current corporate governance best practices. We conducted a skills assessment, provided information about current governance practices among boards of similar companies and also conducted a board evaluation of the existing board. We provided specific recommendations to the board and senior management on some improvements to existing governance practices resulting from the evaluation and our own observations and experience. As a result of the governance work, two new members have been added to the board with the identified skills and competencies the board lacked, the recommended governance practices have been implemented and the board has improved its overall effectiveness.
A small public company board wanted to increase its size and add expertise to its board, but first wanted to explore current corporate governance best practices. We conducted a skills assessment, provided information about current governance practices among boards of similar companies and also conducted a board evaluation of the existing board. We provided specific recommendations to the board and senior management on some improvements to existing governance practices resulting from the evaluation and our own observations and experience. As a result of the governance work, two new members have been added to the board with the identified skills and competencies the board lacked, the recommended governance practices have been implemented and the board has improved its overall effectiveness.
Pension Fund
The CalPERS Board of Administration selected Veaco Group to conduct the first board assessment of the board’s effectiveness by an independent corporate governance consultant. Previously their board evaluations were conducted internally. The process included tailored written questionnaires, director self-assessments and peer reviews. We presented our findings to the full board, individual board members, and presented specific recommendations to improve board effectiveness to the Governance Committee. We met separately with management to review our findings and recommendations for management.
The CalPERS Board of Administration selected Veaco Group to conduct the first board assessment of the board’s effectiveness by an independent corporate governance consultant. Previously their board evaluations were conducted internally. The process included tailored written questionnaires, director self-assessments and peer reviews. We presented our findings to the full board, individual board members, and presented specific recommendations to improve board effectiveness to the Governance Committee. We met separately with management to review our findings and recommendations for management.
Corporate Secretary Support
A new Corporate Secretary was facing his first annual stockholders meeting and needed support. Veaco Group was engaged to educate him and his team about annual meetings and other governance processes. We provided a time and responsibility schedule, exemplars of a script, stockholder and proxy committee ballots and minutes for the annual meeting and other resources. We advised on annual meeting logistics, security, adjournment and more. The annual meeting went very smoothly and the new Corporate Secretary and his team received high marks from senior management and the Board.
A new Corporate Secretary was facing his first annual stockholders meeting and needed support. Veaco Group was engaged to educate him and his team about annual meetings and other governance processes. We provided a time and responsibility schedule, exemplars of a script, stockholder and proxy committee ballots and minutes for the annual meeting and other resources. We advised on annual meeting logistics, security, adjournment and more. The annual meeting went very smoothly and the new Corporate Secretary and his team received high marks from senior management and the Board.