PEF’s Board Executive Committee recently gathered for its annual planning session, bringing together volunteer board leaders and staff to look ahead at the priorities and work of the coming year.
The meeting also marked the start of Karen Burgess’ term as PEF Board Chair. Like all members of PEF’s Board of Directors, Karen and the Executive Committee serve as volunteers, contributing their time, professional experience, and community perspective to help provide thoughtful governance and support for PEF’s mission.
Much of the conversation focused on how board committees can work effectively throughout the year. Committee leaders are coordinating regular meetings with their PEF staff counterparts and identifying opportunities to cross-collaborate when committee priorities intersect. The Executive Committee is documenting committee work to support continuity from year to year.
PEF’s board committees span Board Affairs, Community Engagement, Development, Finance, Programs, and Strategic Planning, providing a structure for the board’s work throughout the year.
As Karen noted in a follow-up to the committee, the goal is to “create a trail of breadcrumbs for ourselves and for our eventual successors.” That emphasis on continuity helps ensure that future volunteer leaders can build on the knowledge, experience, and work of those who served before them.
Following the planning session, Executive Committee members joined PEF staff for lunch, an opportunity to spend time together beyond the meeting agenda and continue building the relationships that support the organization’s work.
Strong organizations benefit from board members who are willing to think ahead, ask good questions, bring their experience to the table, and help keep the organization focused on its mission and long-term health.
That work may happen largely behind the scenes, but its impact reaches much further. When board members contribute thoughtfully, staff are supported, and everyone remains focused on the mission, PEF is better positioned to support Pasadena Unified students, teachers, and schools and help create more opportunities for every student to thrive.
As a new year of work begins, PEF is grateful for our board members whose shared commitment keeps the organization moving forward.
