Past Conferences
Information on Past Conferences in the Program
The Structure and Operations of NGOs: The Role of Consultancy
May 13, Oliver Tessier, Oliver Tessier and Associates
Oliver Tessier & Associates is a Washington, DC-based consulting practice dedicated to building a stronger nonprofit sector by strengthening leadership in the field, which helps nonprofit organizations overcome obstacles through analysis, productive dialogue, and planning. Oliver Tessier and Associates helps nonprofits achieve their goals by developing organizational structures that utilize resources effectively and tools for evaluating progress.
In twenty years of experience as a nonprofit CEO, a chief financial officer, a board member, and a consultant, Oliver Tessier has gained broad practical expertise about nonprofit leadership. Drawing on the network of experts he formed while running the Support Center of Washington, Oliver founded an independent consulting practice in 2001 dedicated to strengthening nonprofit organizations and—by extension—the nonprofit sector.
Oliver Tessier gave a talk about very specific operational and legal details of NGOs. Mr. Tessier talked about specific duties of the board and CEO’s that run NGOs and how job performance is assessed. He also went into a deep discussion of NGO governance and management practices and responsibility, emphasizing the roles that government and management play. In the question and answer session, Mr. Tessier answered questions about a variety of topics including:
Q: What kind of people start NGOs?
A: All kinds, though they should all be passionate about their field.
Q: How can governments attract people to the non-profit sector?
A: By making laws clear and accessible, creating incentives for NGO support, and passing laws for tax exemption status.
Q: Does government support of NGOs affect their autonomy?
A: Sometimes, donations have to be turned down for this reason.
Q: What are the most important qualification of an NGO manager?
A: Commitment, creativity, inspiration, organization, and versatility.
Students came away from Mr. Tessier’s talk with a better grasp and awareness of some of the more knotty legal, organizational, and ethical issues that affect NGO operations.
- Oliver Tessier & Associates
Nonprofit Leadership Specialists
9905 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, MD 20895
Office: +1 202-251-3855
E-mail: oliver@otessier.com
Website: www.otessier.com