Corporate Governance In Action
Design effective oversight and decision-making structures empowered by governance advisory services built for the not-for-profit sector.
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Boards Must Navigate Expanding Risk and Accountability
Not-for-profit boards face growing scrutiny as they oversee organizations buffeted by disruptive forces. At the same time, maintaining a clear distinction between strategic oversight and operational involvement has become more challenging—especially during periods of volatility or transformation. Without intentional governance design, boards may experience unclear roles, inconsistent committee practices, misaligned information flow, and board–management tension—limiting their ability to support strategy execution and performance accountability.
Governance Headwinds:
Financial Pressure
Workforce Disruption
Evolving Technology Adoption
Heightened Regulatory & Reputational Risk
Partnering with SullivanCotter
Governance That Supports Performance, Accountability & Trust
SullivanCotter partners with boards and executive leadership to design, develop, and strengthen governance structures and practices that support organizational performance, accountability, and effective oversight. Recognizing the board as a critical workforce within health care organizations, we bring deep expertise in strategy, workforce performance, compensation, and operations to help governance remain aligned with mission and organizational priorities.
Our approach focuses on three core areas: governance design, governance development, and governance effectiveness. We help organizations establish clear structures and responsibilities, strengthen board composition and capability, and enhance the practices, engagement, and decision-making processes that drive long-term governance effectiveness and organizational trust.
How We Help
SullivanCotter is expanding capabilities to serve the Board as a critical workforce in our clients. SullivanCotter is uniquely positioned to serve as a Board advisor, given our working knowledge of client strategy, operations and performance, and our deep experience working with Boards and executive leadership.
Build the right structure from the start.
We help organizations establish governance frameworks that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and authority—ensuring alignment between board and management.
Board size and structure
Allocation of responsibilities between board and management
Lines of authority and role clarity
Management-to-board reporting systems
Board Committee practice
Committee charters and governance documentation
Strengthen composition, continuity, and capability.
We support boards in cultivating the right mix of skills, experience, and engagement to meet evolving strategic demands.
Board and committee composition and skills matrix development
Recruitment principles and director selection guidance
Board retention and refreshment policies
Onboarding and offboarding practices
Education and training
Full board, committee, and individual director evaluations
Enhance oversight, engagement and performance.
We assess and strengthen the practices and behaviors that drive strong governance outcomes.
Evaluation of tone at the top and mission alignment
Clarity on Officer roles
Board meeting frequency
Board policies and procedures – scope and accessibility
Board culture, conduct, civility and communication assessment
Full board and director engagement and participation practices
Facilitation of intra-board and board–management disputes
Conflict of interest identification, avoidance and mitigation
Risk evaluation protocols and oversight mechanisms
Decision-making frameworks and reporting alignment
Committee alignment (vertical and horizontal)
Governance implications of parent/subsidiary structures
Corporate citizenship and social responsibility considerations
Board maintenance and record keeping
“Strong governance is foundational to performance in health care. Boards that invest in clear structures, the right composition, and effective practices are better positioned to navigate risk, support leadership, and deliver on their mission.”
Kathy Hastings, Managing Director, SullivanCotter
Pulse on the Industry
Stay current with SullivanCotter research and thought leadership on corporate governance practices, board effectiveness, executive and physician compensation oversight, human capital governance, and emerging issues shaping board agendas.
Related Capabilities to Explore
Boards often engage governance support alongside other advisory needs, including:
Let’s Architect Your Solution
Ready to ensure your physician compensation arrangements are defensible, compliant, and aligned with your organizational strategy? Contact SullivanCotter to put objective insight behind your most critical compensation decisions.
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