Herding Cats and Leading Boards with Tom Grier of Humane Society of Manatee County

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with Tom Grier, board chair for the Humane Society of Manatee County. Tom shares his unique insights into effective board leadership, building trust, and fostering alignment with executive directors.

Tom opens up about the philosophy that drives his work, his passion for animal welfare, and his approach to evolving board culture through trust, patience, and clear communication.

Tune in to hear how Tom collaborates with Executive Director Rick Yocum to steer the Humane Society toward success, the lessons he’s learned from decades of leadership, and his vision of board service as a position of humility and service.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for nonprofit board members and leaders alike.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Tom Grier, Board Chair of Humane Society of Manatee County

(04:10) Getting into nonprofit board leadership

(06:30) Becoming board chair of Humane Society of Manatee County

(09:00) Getting aligned as a board

(09:30) Board chair philosophy

(11:20) Bringing the philosophy to the board - Slow down approach

(14:20) How did you embed this philosophy in the board?

(17:00) Communicating with the Executive Director

(19:55) Communicating with other board members

(21:40) Advice for a new board chair

(25:10) Recapping with Read