CANCELLED: Board Governance Workshop

** This workshop has been cancelled as of 9/4/25. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you at future NorCAN events!

Due to popular demand, we’re hosting another Board Governance Workshop Presented by Byrd Lochtie and introducing Ashley Osia, Nonprofit Consultant. And guess what? This time, we’re adding extra time to talk about using technology and social media to improve your work in the community.

Workshop Description:

Are you a board member of a nonprofit organization? Do you want to enhance your understanding of governance, legal duties, and effective leadership within your role? Join us September 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for an insightful and interactive Governance Workshop designed specifically for nonprofit board members* in Humboldt County.

*Though this is a workshop for board members, executives are also invited to join. Attending the Governance Workshop can empower Executives by providing them with a clear understanding of the board’s governance role, legal obligations, relationship with staff, and effective leadership strategies, enabling them to lead their organizations more effectively and strategically.

Bring your own lunch!

Desired Outcomes:

At this workshop, our primary goals are to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel in your role and to create an opportunity for networking and collaboration with fellow board members and other nonprofits. By the end of the workshop, participants can expect to:

• Understanding the difference between Governance vs. Management
• Know Legal Duties & Roles and Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards in California
• Improve Communication, Teamwork, Relationships & Meetings
• Maintaining a positive reputation for your nonprofit by being comfortable using technological tools
• Meet and Network with Other Nonprofit Board Members

Meet the Consultants:

-Byrd Lochtie–

Byrd Lochtie has dedicated much of her life to strengthening nonprofit organizations and supporting her community. A longtime Eureka resident, she has served on the Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees, helped establish the city’s first Recycling Center, and has been an active member of the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County for over fifty years. She is currently an appointed member of the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission.

Since 1990, Byrd has served on the planning committee for the Humboldt County Children’s Author Festival, which brings 25 published authors to local schools to inspire young readers. A lifetime Girl Scout, she has held many leadership roles and completed an extended Trainer Course that deepened her passion for adult education. In the 1980s, she began consulting with nonprofit Boards of Directors, specializing in governance, planning, communication, teamwork, effective meetings, recruitment, volunteer engagement, and leadership development.

Byrd grew up in New Jersey and earned a BA with honors in Chemistry from Cornell University. She and her husband Robert moved to Eureka after living in Europe and ran a veterinary practice together, with Byrd managing the accounting while raising their two children. She enjoys working with people of all ages and chooses organizations whose missions align with her values.

-Ashley Osia-

Ashley earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Central Missouri and holds a post-baccalaureate certification from Cal Poly Humboldt. Although she started in the arts, Ashley soon discovered her true calling in the nonprofit sector. She has made significant contributions to various local organizations with over a decade of experience as a successful nonprofit executive in Humboldt County.

Currently, at Friends of the Dunes, Ashley leads the fundraising team and coordinates the organization’s annual activities. As a passionate advocate for environmental preservation, she is committed to using her career to protect and conserve the natural world. In her new role as a nonprofit consultant, she hopes to aid our unique community with knowledge about marketing, social media, special events management, technology and nonprofit board governance.