NOTE : This
registration is for participating in an individual
session as well as access to the session recording and materials. To register anyone
affiliated with your school for access to the whole
series (access to all sessions and recordings), please refer to the School Wide Registration page.
BUILDING BETTER BOARDSYou Are A New Trustee… Now What? with Chris Watson, NWAIS Executive Director
Joined
By Heads of School from Across the Association Wednesday, September 17, 2025 12:00-1:30 PM PT
1:00-2:30 PM MT
Session Description
Chris Watson, Executive Director of NWAIS, along with our most experienced Heads of
School will lead this workshop to orient new board members to the roles,
responsibilities and good governance practices of independent school trustees.
Heads of school, new trustees, current trustees and board chairs, are all
invited to attend. To view session details for the rest of the series, please visit our Building Better Boards page. Meet Our Facilitator
 Chris Watson, Executive Director, NWAIS
Chris Watson brings extensive experience in organizational governance, particularly within the independent school sector. He has served on several independent school boards, including two terms on the NWAIS Board of Governors prior to becoming Executive Director of NWAIS. In addition to his governance leadership, Chris has completed the BoardSource Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting, further deepening his expertise in board dynamics and nonprofit effectiveness. His governance work has focused on helping boards build and refine systems for risk management, innovate strategic planning processes, strengthen board recruitment and development practices, and successfully navigate complex decisions. Chris’s approach emphasizes mission alignment, thoughtful oversight, and long-term sustainability, empowering boards to lead with clarity and confidence.
Series Overview
In this series of workshops, attendees will explore the role of trustee, and provide a space for board members to learn from national thought leaders, experienced board chairs, heads of school and association leadership.
Offered throughout the year, each workshop has a theme for board improvement and actionable steps to move your school forward. Previously this workshop was recommended for those new to the role, but feedback was that it was universally valuable. All independent school board members are encouraged to attend.
Making the Most of Building Better Boards
Attendees can register for individual workshops or your board can register for full access for the series. All registrations include access to session recordings. If you have registered individually, the recording is for your own reference and should not be shared. If you register as a board, you are welcome to share the recording with anyone affiliated with your school.
Registration
Registration is now open! This registration is for participating in an individual session. All registrations to individual sessions include access to the session recording and resource materials. Each registrant will receive emails before and after the session with access and resource links for their personal use. Access is non-transferable and
links should not be shared. If you would like full access to sessions and recordings for your school and board, please consider registering for School Wide Registration.
Pricing
Single Workshop Registration (Includes access to workshop, recording, and session materials*.)
Member Schools | $55 per session
Non-Members | $85 per session
* Links to recordings and materials will remain active until August 31, 2026, so they may be used and reviewed throughout the school year and summer.
Cancellation
Substitutions for registrations may be made any time prior to the session at no extra charge. Written cancellations received by 24-hours before the start time of the session are eligible for a refund after a $20 cancellation fee. Any cancellations received after the 24-hour window will be ineligible for refunds.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?Please feel free to reach out to any of us for the following:
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