The Journey to Non-Profit Board Service

On July 14, leaders from across sectors gathered for The Journey to Non-Profit Board Service, a candid and insightful conversation that illuminated the real-world path to nonprofit board leadership. Moderated by governance expert Robin Doyle, the session featured Sara Peña, Director of External Affairs at PSEG, and Sherise Ritter, a seasoned nonprofit board leader with deep experience in healthcare and community organizations.

Attendees explored the multiple pathways to securing a nonprofit board seat and the personal and professional readiness it requires. They came away with a clearer understanding of what distinguishes effective board members—mission alignment, strategic insight, and the ability to build authentic relationships. The discussion also delved into the time, talent, and financial commitments involved in meaningful board service, as well as the critical differences between nonprofit and corporate governance.

Participants left with practical guidance and fresh perspective on how nonprofit board experience can shape their leadership trajectory—and even open doors to future corporate board roles.

Speakers

Director of External Affairs, PSEG

Sara Peña

Sara Peña has two decades of experience initiating and delivering sustained results across a wide range of industries including healthcare, private entities, and government. She currently serves as the Director of External Affairs at PSEG…

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Managing Director, The Mercadien Group

Sherise Ritter

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A managing director of The Mercadien Group and principal of Mercadien, P.C., CPAs, Sherise Ritter is an integral member of the firm’s Outsourced CFO & Accounting Services Group. She works with private companies across various industries, nonprofits, healthcare organizations and professional service firms as a trusted advisor to help them with strategic planning, process efficiency and improvement studies, as well as mergers and acquisitions…

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Moderator

Independent Board Director

Robin Doyle

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Robin Doyle’s career in global financial services spans over 30 years, including 28 years at J.P. Morgan (JPM). As a Managing Director in JPM's Office of Regulatory Affairs, she shaped global policy through regulatory advocacy…

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