NAIS Magazine Article by Landis Green: Using the Governance Committee to Change Board Culture

Strong boards do not happen by accident.

One of the most important responsibilities of a school board is not simply governing the institution—it is cultivating the culture, capacity, and leadership needed to govern well over time.

We are pleased to share a timely new article by TLN Coach Landis Green, co-authored with Susan Olsen and Marc Frankel, recently published by NAIS's "Independent School Magazine." Drawing on Wildwood School’s experience, the article explores how a thoughtfully structured governance committee can become a powerful catalyst for improving board culture, strengthening trustee development, preserving institutional memory, and building long-term board effectiveness.

The themes explored in this article closely align with The Leader Network’s work in team building and board governance. Through retreats, governance workshops, board-chair/head partnerships, leadership team development, and strategic planning support, we help schools build healthy cultures of trust, clarity, accountability, and effective governance. Landis’s article offers practical insights for boards seeking to move beyond compliance and toward intentional, mission-driven leadership.