Governance Fundamentals for Board Leadership

About the Program

The Governance Fundamentals for Board Leadership program is designed for business and community leaders who are new to board service or preparing to take on a director role. This foundational program provides a practical, engaging introduction to corporate governance—equipping you with the core knowledge, tools and skills to contribute meaningfully as a board member. 

Over two in-person days, you'll explore the key responsibilities and accountabilities of directors, how boards govern organizations, and the dynamics that support effective board performance. You’ll also gain insight into how a board adds value by overseeing operations, guiding strategy, evaluating risk, and shaping culture. 

Through real-world examples and a hands-on board simulation, this program will prepare you to confidently step into a governance role and begin your journey toward board leadership. 

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for: 

• Individuals new to serving on a board or those considering a board role in the for-profit, not-for-profit, or public/Crown sectors 
• Senior managers, corporate secretaries, or administrators who support or report to a board 
• Current board directors looking to refresh and strengthen their understanding of governance fundamentals 

What You Will Learn

• Fundamentals of board governance, including the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of individual directors, the board as a whole, senior leadership 
• Key governance structures, tools and processes that enable a board to fulfill its fiduciary duties and perform effectively 
• How boards build relationships with CEOs/Executive Directors and senior leadership 
• The board's role in oversight, strategy development, risk management, performance monitoring, and culture building 

Program Takeaways

• Understand how to fulfill your fiduciary duties and add value as a board member 
• Practice your governance skills through a board meeting simulation 
• Gain practical, foundational knowledge of board governance you can apply immediately 
• Be well-positioned to pursue further governance education through Telfer’s suite of governance programs 

Program Facilitators

Tanya Gracie

Facilitator

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Tanya Gracie

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Facilitator

Tanya Gracie has a multi-faceted career in governance, management and strategy with public, co-operative, and not-for-profit organizations. She is both an advisor and a practitioner with extensive professional experience in the areas of governance effectiveness, strategy and strategic initiatives, public policy and stakeholder engagement.  

Tanya is actively engaged in her community, including currently serving on the boards of the National Capital Commission and the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa, and is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management’s Institute of Corporate Directors Program and holds the ICD.D designation. 

A lifelong learner with a passion for board governance, Tanya is passionate about learning and engaging with participants and working together to strengthen the practice of good governance.  

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