YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is seeking community members interested in serving on its board of directors.

The open call is part of CFMV’s effort to expand beyond traditional board recruitment networks and make it easier for people throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties to share their interest in helping guide the foundation, a news release states.

“Strong boards are built through many kinds of knowledge and experience,” said Casey Krell, president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. “We want to hear from people who know and care about the Mahoning Valley and can bring their experiences, perspectives and relationships to our work.”

The foundation is especially interested in applicants with meaningful personal, civic or professional connections to Mahoning or Trumbull counties who understand local needs and opportunities through their work, volunteer service, neighborhood involvement, relationships or lived expertise, the release states.

Prior nonprofit board experience is not required. The foundation values different kinds of experience and knowledge of the community and encourages people to apply even if their backgrounds do not look like what they might traditionally associate with nonprofit board service, the release states.

Board members help establish the foundation’s strategic direction and policies while allowing staff to manage daily operations. Members are expected to actively participate in quarterly board meetings, serve on at least one standing committee, participate in learning and board development opportunities and serve as ambassadors for the foundation throughout the community.

The foundation’s Governance Committee will review applications in relation to the board’s current composition, upcoming vacancies and committee and leadership needs. Consideration may include applicants’ community connections, knowledge of local needs and opportunities, lived and professional experience and expertise, governance skills and perspectives that could strengthen board discussions and decisions.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 18. To learn more about board service and to apply, click HERE.