Board Academy

EMPOWER. ENGAGE. ELEVATE.

About Board Academy

Are you ready to step up to nonprofit board service? The Junior League of San Diego (JLSD) is proud to reintroduce Board Academy 101 to the San Diego community (open to JLSD members and non-members).

Serving on a nonprofit board can be an incredible opportunity to give back to your community, be a steward to causes you care about, and hone your leadership skills.

Held annually, Board Academy 101 is an comprehensive, one-day training program designed to educate participants on the basics of nonprofit board roles and responsibilities, equipping them with valuable tools for success. This in-person training is led by experienced nonprofit board and staff members.

CORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Governance and Operational Competencies

  • Strategic Planning and Mission Alignment

  • Effective Communication and Relationship Management

  • Financial Oversight and Fiduciary Responsibility

Details

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 28, 2026. 9:30 AM check-in. 10:00 AM programming begins. Programming ends by 3:30 PM with optional happy hour for attendees from 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM. Coffee and light fare served in the morning and lunch provided.

LOCATION: The Junior League of San Diego House. Address: 210 Maple St., San Diego, CA 92103. Street parking only.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET: You must register and purchase a ticket to attend this event.

  • Cost for JLSD Members: $50.00. JLSD Members receive TWO training credits.

  • Cost for non-members: $65.00 early bird pricing (purchase before December 31, 2025). $80 after January 1, 2026.

Link to purchase a ticket: https://auctria.events/JLSDBoardAcademy2026

SPEAKERS:

Keynote Speaker: Karen Henken is Adjunct Faculty at the Kroc School of Peace Studies and Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego, where she teaches social entrepreneurship, social impact consulting, social innovation, and global strategy. She also serves as visiting faculty at two universities in Bogota, Colombia. Her work spans more than 20 years as a founder and principal of Henken and Associates, guiding organizations in social impact, sustainable business models, and growth strategies, along with extensive leadership experience in Silicon Valley technology firms. She has served on several nonprofit boards in San Diego, including Kitchens for Good, Free to Thrive and Voices of Our City Choir, and earned her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

“Serving on nonprofit boards has been one of the most enriching experiences in my life. I deeply believe in the power of individuals to make a difference in our community and use our time and talent to empower others. By paying it forward through board service, it comes back a thousandfold in what we learn personally and professionally about empathy, collaboration, leadership and creating impact.”

Jenna E. Hackett, Esq. currently sits as the Treasurer for the San Diego Family Law Bar Association’s Board of Directors and has held this position since 2022, completing a four-year term as Past-President in 2025. She is active in the San Diego County Bar Association as Chair of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Committee, as well as having served as past Chair for both the Military and Family Law Sections. She has presented at CLEs for both organizations and is engaged as an instructor for the annual SCRA Pro Bono Training. Committed to helping our military community, Jenna volunteers her time with the Homeless Court for Veterans, as well as other programs that provide resources to our servicemembers, both active duty and retired.

Jenna also sits as a Judge Pro Tem in San Diego’s Department of Child Support Services Division and is the Bar’s liaison to the Bench for the Plan of Cooperation Committee. Jenna was a mentor for the Crawford High School Academy of Law & Justice for a number of years and she also lectures with the University of San Diego’s School of Law Paralegal Program. She was honored to have been the San Diego Family Law Bar Association’s 2024 recipient of the Michael C. Shea Award for Service to the Family Law Bar.

“Non-profit board service holds deep significance for me because dedicating time to an organization—regardless of its scope—creates a meaningful impact in people’s lives and strengthens our community. This work fulfills a sense of purpose not only for myself, but for everyone involved. I firmly believe that collaborative opportunities like these serve the greater good in ways that extend far beyond any single board’s stated mission.”

Steve A. Bernstein is a purpose-driven banking executive, community leader, and trusted connector committed to strengthening the economic and social fabric of San Diego. With more than three decades of experience across business banking, consulting, and community engagement, Steve partners with business owners, civic leaders, nonprofits, and educational institutions to expand opportunity and build long-term regional prosperity.

Recognized for his relationship-driven approach, Steve has established himself as one of San Diego’s most active conveners — bringing together influential leaders across government, philanthropy, business, and community organizations to spark collaboration and move initiatives forward. His work emphasizes trust, authenticity, and service, earning him a reputation as a leader who builds meaningful partnerships and helps others succeed.

Steve is deeply engaged across the region, contributing his time and leadership through organizations including the San Diego Food Bank, USS Midway Foundation, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Regional EDC, and multiple education-focused initiatives. His passion for community impact is rooted in a belief that strong families and strong partnerships create strong communities.

Known for his energy, strategic mindset, and genuine commitment to people, Steve is a visionary who brings clarity, connection, and forward momentum to every room he enters.

Steve lives in San Diego with his wife Nickie and their three children, proudly anchoring his leadership in family, service, and community.

“For me, serving on boards has been a cornerstone of my leadership journey — it’s pushed me to think bigger, serve wider, and stay connected to the real challenges and opportunities facing families and businesses in our region. It has allowed me to contribute in a way that is both strategic, impactful, and personal, helping organizations move forward with clarity, accountability, and purpose.”

Nancy Batterman has over 30 years of nonprofit leadership and management experience. As an Executive Coach, she strives to inspire leaders to achieve success both personally and for their organization.

She is the author of “The Nonprofit Manifesto.” Nancy Batterman offers a powerful, practical guide for nonprofit leaders who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Her extensive experience working within the nonprofit sector and her MBA brings a unique combination of perspective, experience, and education, to help her nonprofit clients develop effective business strategies, grow their organizations in a sustainable way and perform at a high level of success.

“Board service is important to me so I can give back to and help the success of the nonprofit I am serving. It means a great deal to be able to share my knowledge and experience. I also have made wonderful friends along the way.”

James (Jim) Floros is a 40-year nonprofit professional – 30 years of that as a CEO. Jim started his nonprofit journey at the World Headquarters of Project Concern International where he last served as the Director of Community Relations. From there Floros took his talents to the Burn Institute where he first served as the Director of Development and then, 18 months later, moved into the CEO role, which he held for 20 years. During his tenure at the Burn Institute, Jim helped build the organization into the leading Burn Foundation in North America and received the prestigious National Burn Prevention Award and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Maltese Award.  In 2013, Jim joined the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank where he led the agency to become one of the top food banks in the nation. Under Jim’s leadership the SDFB service population almost doubled from 320,000 to nearly 600,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic; and throughout his tenure the agency’s annual food distribution increased from 18 to nearly 60 million pounds. Jim has received numerous awards including: AFP Outstanding Development Professional of the Year and Nonprofit CEO of the Year (2016 & 2020). Jim and the agencies he has worked for have raised in excess of $180,000,000 during his tenure. Jim left the Food Bank in 2021 to pursue his consulting business (Floros & Associates) and passion for the nonprofit sector. Jim is a graduate of the University of San Diego and is married to his partner in business and life Cheryl, and has two sons, John and Jack.

Chris Thorne, SHRM-SCP, is the Chief Executive Officer of the North San Diego Business Chamber, a Regional Chamber of Commerce which includes more than 800 businesses across San Diego County (California) and beyond, representing more than 300,000 employees. The North San Diego Business Chamber is the only U.S.  Chamber of Commerce 5-Star Accredited Chamber in San Diego, and one of only 194 such accredited Chambers across the nation from an eligible pool of more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce. 

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Chris joined the US Navy at the age of 17 in 1988 as a Hospital  Corpsman, spending more than 30 years serving across the U.S., Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East,  Europe, and Africa, in a variety of roles to include operational and logistics management, senior health  care management, and senior human capital management. During his military service, Chris served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as humanitarian relief operations in the Western Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa. 

Prior to assuming his role as the CEO for the North San Diego Business Chamber, Chris founded Chris Thorne Consulting (CTC), a nationwide Human Resources consulting firm with a focus on compliance, talent, and federal government best practices, with a specialty focus as a certified professional on California Labor Law compliance. CTC also serves as a leading Human Resources certification continuing education provider. Chris is an accredited education provider for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and an accredited Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) who also holds the SHRM California Labor Law specialty credential. 

With a strong commitment to community, Chris has served on multiple non-profit Boards and committees to include being selected as the Founding President of the Gary Sinise Foundation, San Diego Chapter in 2021, continues to serve as a Board Member until July 2025, as well as being a member of the Boards of Directors for the SDMAC Foundation and Palomar Health Foundation. Chris is also a member of Sports San Diego (San Diego Sports Commission) and the California Chamber of Commerce Small Business Policy Council. He is actively engaged in local, regional, and national business and veteran’s advocacy programs and speaks nationally on related issues to include Congressional testimony to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on the condition and status of veteran’s employment.

“Nonprofit board service is critical because it brings committed, accountable leaders into partnership with staff to help organizations stay mission focused, financially responsible, and community driven. As the CEO of a Chamber of Commerce, I rely deeply on engaged board members who bring perspective, challenge assumptions, and help translate vision into action. Board service has meant contributing to something larger than myself while working alongside leaders who understand that governance is an active responsibility, not a passive role.”

Ilo Neukam is a marketing executive and strategic advisor with deep experience in governance, nonprofit leadership, and organizational growth. She currently serves as President of the Junior League of San Diego, where she leads a member-driven nonprofit focused on community impact, civic engagement, and leadership development, and works closely with the board on strategy, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Ilo is also a Board Member of the UC San Diego Rady School of Management Alumni Board, where she supports alumni engagement, institutional advancement, and the long-term strategic priorities of the business school. Professionally, she is the Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist of The Collective, partnering with mission-driven organizations and businesses on brand strategy, communications, and growth initiatives. She holds an MBA from the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego and has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40 and a Leader of Influence in Advertising, PR & Marketing.
“Nonprofit board service is important to me because it’s where values turn into action. Serving on boards has given me the opportunity to contribute my time, perspective, and skills to causes I genuinely care about, and to help organizations make thoughtful, sustainable decisions that impact real people and communities. Personally, board service has been grounding. It’s reminded me why leadership matters, pushed me to listen more deeply, and challenged me to think beyond short-term wins toward long-term responsibility. Working alongside passionate, mission-driven leaders has been both humbling and energizing, and it has shaped not just how I lead professionally, but how I stay connected to purpose in my life.”
Jennifer Harris Edstrom has served her community in both her career and as a volunteer her entire adult life. She is the founder and principal consultant of Edstrom Community Consulting (ECC), has more than two decades of consulting experience garnered from work within school and nonprofit settings. She has instructed educators and nonprofit leaders in both small and large-group settings on topics ranging from curriculum development, service learning, non-profit management, and leadership skill development. As a Junior League of San Diego member, she chaired its biggest fundraiser at the time, Island Divine in 2007. She served as Fund Development Director (2009-2010) Training and Education Director (2010-2011) and President (2012-2013). In addition, she is an advisory member and past Jewel Ball Chair for Las Patronas, raising over 4 million dollars for grants as an active member. She has also served as president of both the National Charity League, San Diego Chapter and San Diego Assembly Committee. She serves on the La Jolla High School Foundation Board. She is a past member of the Bishop’s School Alumnae Advisory Board and the current Alumnae Class President of the Wellesley Class of 1997.
“For those committed to service, there are many ways to impact a community from hands-on volunteering to fundraising. However, when I have served on nonprofit boards, I find that I am able to make a deep, strategic, and measurable impact through planning, dreaming, and building a better future alongside other committed people. Working together to develop effective strategies for change is incredibly rewarding.”
Valerie Attisha serves as Vice President of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank and  leads PNC’s community footprint across the San Diego region. In her role, she oversees sponsorships and philanthropic investments; directs community engagement and employee volunteerism; builds the bank’s visibility and brand; and fosters relationships with leaders from across business, government, civic, and nonprofit sectors.
A lifelong San Diegan, Valerie began her career at The San Diego Foundation where she established and led the Community Scholarship Program, which has become the largest provider of non-university scholarships in the region. Prior to joining PNC in 2021, Valerie was a seasoned fundraising professional and nonprofit executive who raised and facilitated gifts totaling $100M.
Valerie received her B.A. from the University of San Diego and her M.A. from California State University, Sacramento. Throughout her career, Valerie has been deeply committed to making meaningful impact in the community through her active involvement with the San Diego Rotary (Club 33), Junior League of San Diego, Association of Fundraising
Professionals, and University of San Diego’s National Alumni Board of Directors. Currently, she co-chairs KPBS’ The Gratitude Collective and serves on the Boards of Directors of The Old Globe, LEAD San Diego and Children’s Museum of Discovery.
A LEAD San Diego graduate, Valerie was selected a ’40 Under 40’ by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine, ‘Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Executive’ by the San Diego Business Journal and ‘Altruist of the Year’ by Modern Luxury Magazine. Also, she has been named one of San Diego’s Most Influential Leaders in the SD 500, a 2025 Woman of Dedication by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Market All Star by PNC Bank. An avid traveler, novice gardener, voracious reader. and passionate theatre and concert goer, Valerie resides in San Diego with her husband.
“From an organizational perspective, board service is important because it provides governance, strategic direction and accountability to entities working to make our region a better place for all to live, work and thrive. From a personal perspective, it is a privilege to serve on nonprofit boards as it provides me with the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, network with extraordinary leaders as well as contribute my time, talents and treasure to a cause or organization that I care about deeply.”

The Junior League of San Diego sincerely thanks our volunteer speakers and PNC Bank, our title event sponsor, in supporting JLSD’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.