Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management-Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Matthew Intenza, General Counsel for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit management fundamentals, emphasizing the unique structure and responsibilities of nonprofit organizations. He explains that nonprofits, unlike private dental practices, are tax-exempt entities serving a public mission—in AADSM's case, advancing dental sleep medicine. Key duties for board members and volunteers include the duty of obedience (faithfulness to the nonprofit’s mission and governing documents), duty of care (engaged oversight by asking questions and relying on expert advice), and duty of loyalty (acting in the organization's best interest and avoiding conflicts of interest).<br /><br />Intenza stresses the importance of adhering to strategic planning, financial oversight, and working constructively with professional staff while recognizing the board’s role is oversight, not management. He highlights that nonprofit finances are public and must align with mission-driven goals. Board members also serve as ambassadors, representing AADSM with professionalism and unified voice, while supporting the CEO and ensuring healthy governance.<br /><br />Practical advice includes avoiding distractions ("don’t chase squirrels"), maintaining focus on mission-critical tasks, disclosing conflicts of interest, and fostering teamwork. Ultimately, effective nonprofit leadership advances AADSM’s mission to support dentists treating sleep disordered breathing, ensuring organizational impact and sustainability.

Keywords

nonprofit management

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

tax-exempt organizations

duty of obedience

duty of care

duty of loyalty

board governance

strategic planning

conflict of interest