It’s officially summertime—hello high humidity, long days, family vacations, frozen treats, and, of course, a fresh wave of superhero movies. (Seriously, I did a quick search and found at least nine new superhero stories hitting screens this summer—some in theaters, others streaming at home. Time to grab the popcorn and get comfy!)

More than cinematic superheroes, I’m impressed by those I work with every single day: nonprofit CEOs and executive directors, fundraising pros, and—let’s not forget—board members.

Board members are a special kind of superhero. They’re volunteers who give their time and talents to champion a cause they care about. In return, they take on big responsibilities: overarching governance, tricky financial decisions, and, sometimes, some pretty messy change management.

Board Superpowers

Every board has three big responsibilities: fiduciary, strategic, and generative. But individually, board members bring their own unique skills and networks to the table. Over the years, I’ve noticed there are a few “superheroes” every board should have. 

 The Strategist – This is your big-picture thinker. They’re always stepping back, connecting the dots, and imagining how different factors might impact the organization. They’re crucial during strategic planning and love to ask questions like, “Have we considered all the angles?” and “What’s our next move?” They’re also great at spotting potential partnerships and ways to work smarter.

The Connector – Meet your resident people-person. The Connector loves bringing folks together, opening doors, and building relationships. They’re always finding new ways to collaborate and make everyone feel included. (You might also call them “The Ambassador.”) If there’s a room full of strangers, the Connector is the one making introductions and finding common ground.

 The Storyteller – Every board needs someone who can make the mission come alive. The Storyteller knows how to share the organization’s purpose in a way that’s compelling and memorable. They can turn complex societal challenges and program details into inspiring stories that tug at the heartstrings. Invite them to write a newsletter article or to speak at an event.

The Data Translator – Complex data doesn’t scare this board member. The Data Translator can take all those spreadsheets and reports and turn them into clear, actionable insights everyone can understand. They’re conversant in both numbers and words, making sure the whole board is on the same page and ready to make smart decisions.

The Asker – The Asker might be the boldest superhero of all. They are confident, passionate, and not afraid to invite others to support the cause. While they might feel nervous, they believe in the mission and know that asking for help is essential. (By the way… with the right mindset and a little training, almost anyone can become an Asker!)

Superheroes, Unite!

When these different superpowers come together, your board becomes greater than the sum of its parts. You get a team that’s energized, engaged, and ready to take on anything.

So, take another look at your board. Who’s your Connector? Your Strategist? Your Storyteller? And what other hidden superpowers might you uncover? The best boards help every member use their strengths—and that’s when nonprofits flourish. 

And to all the board superheroes out there: thank you for showing up, speaking up, and powering your missions.