Hamilton and Halton Nonprofit Leaders Connect to Strengthen Governance

Strong nonprofit governance is not simply about process. It is about helping mission-driven organizations make better decisions, steward public trust, and create lasting impact for the communities they serve. That was the focus of Strategic Governance for Nonprofit Boards, a group executive education workshop hosted by Wentworth Strategy Group on June 12, 2026, at Empowerment Squared in Hamilton.

The session brought together directors and executive leaders from several important community organizations. Each organization brought a distinct mission to the program, creating a rich learning environment rooted in the real work of service and community-building.

Food for Life plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity by rescuing and redistributing fresh food to people and families across Halton and Hamilton. The Westdale serves as a historic community cinema and cultural hub, bringing film, music, art, conversation, and live events to audiences in Hamilton. Cancer Assistance Program provides practical, no-cost support to individuals and families affected by cancer in Hamilton and surrounding communities, including transportation, equipment loans, and personal care supports. incite Foundation for the Arts supports the strength and sustainability of the visual and performing arts in the Hamilton area, helping arts organizations deliver creative programming and expand access to cultural experiences.

Together, these participating organizations reflected the breadth of Hamilton’s nonprofit sector. They also underscored why effective governance matters: when boards are clear, strategic, and aligned, organizations are better positioned to serve people, strengthen communities, and respond to complex challenges.

The workshop was led by Mark John Stewart, MBA, ICD.D, Managing Director of Wentworth Strategy Group, and Margaret Zanel, MBA, ICD.D, Partner, Strategy and Leadership. Their session guided participants through the fundamentals of effective nonprofit governance, with a focus on practical tools and boardroom realities.

Topics included board roles and responsibilities, fiduciary duties, corporate structure, board and management collaboration, ED and CEO oversight, board composition, agenda-setting, effective meetings, performance assessment, and strategic oversight. These themes are familiar to many boards, but the workshop encouraged participants to examine how they show up in practice: how agendas shape priorities, how board composition affects dynamics and output, how oversight can support rather than hinder management, and how directors can remain focused on strategy while respecting operational boundaries.

A central message of the day was that governance is a shared discipline. It depends on the collective behaviour of the board, the quality of the board-management relationship, and the willingness of directors to ask thoughtful questions in service of the mission. The session emphasized that strong governance does not mean adding unnecessary bureaucracy. Instead, it means creating clarity, accountability, and confidence around the decisions that matter most.

For many participants, the value of the workshop came not only from the formal instruction, but from learning alongside peers. Board members and executives were able to network, compare experiences, discuss common challenges, and reflect on how other organizations approach similar governance questions. That group format helped bring the material to life, turning governance principles into practical conversations about real organizations and real community impact.

“Good governance gives boards the confidence to support leadership while staying focused on long-term mission and accountability,” said Ed McMahon, Chair, Board of Directors, The Westdale. “This session created a valuable opportunity for our board to reflect together on how we can continue strengthening The Westdale’s role as a cultural anchor in the community.”

Karen Randell, Executive Director of Food for Life, also emphasized the importance of board and management alignment. “For an organization like Food for Life, strong governance helps ensure we can stay focused on our mission while responding to growing community need,” she said. “The workshop gave us practical language and tools to strengthen the partnership between the board and executive leadership.”

Empowerment Squared served as venue sponsor, welcoming participants into a space connected to learning, opportunity, and local impact. The setting was a fitting backdrop for a workshop designed to strengthen organizations that help Hamilton thrive.

By the end of the session, participants left with a clearer understanding of their governance responsibilities and a stronger sense of how boards can contribute to organizational success. The workshop offered a reminder that board service is both a responsibility and an opportunity: a responsibility to steward resources and uphold trust, and an opportunity to help organizations advance their missions with focus and resilience.

As nonprofits continue navigating increasing demands, shifting funding environments, and complex community needs, governance education remains an essential investment. Strategic Governance for Nonprofit Boards showed that when leaders take time to learn together, they build more than knowledge. They build stronger boards, stronger organizations, and stronger communities.

The next sitting of Wentworth Strategy Group's Strategic Governance for Nonprofit Boards group executive education program will be on September 18, 2026. To inquire about participating, or for other inquiries about Wentworth's governance advisory and education services, please contact governance@wentworthstrategy.com.