Do you have the tools necessary to make your board service successful? Are you seeking clarity about your role as a board member? Would you like to serve as a board member but aren’t sure how to get started?
Whether you are seasoned or new to board service, Spokes Board Academy is here to help make your experience easier and more rewarding, providing the critical knowledge and skills to be successful.
Board Academy 2026 is a series of eight online classes, held each Tuesday for one hour. The weekly classes begin February 10 and conclude March 31.
Spokes members receive special discounts on Board Academy registration. Not yet a member? Join or renew before you register, and take advantage of our special “White Sale” promotion, good through January 31, 2026, HERE.
Session Topics Include:
- February 10: Board Basics
- February 17: Insurance & Risk Management
- February 24: Fundraising & Resource Development
- March 3: Legal & Ethical Issues
- March 10: Governance
- March 17: Maintaining a Healthy Board
- March 24: Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health
- March 31: AI for Board Support
Your Faculty:
Michael Simkins, Ed.D.
Michael has been a member of several nonprofit boards and served as board secretary, treasurer, and president. His professional experience spans the education and nonprofit sectors from being a school principal in Los Osos and Cal Poly lecturer to COO of a major Silicon Valley nonprofit. He is past president and current board secretary at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, president of his property owners association, a director and treasurer of SLO Skiers, Inc., and Spokes’ CEO. Michael received his B.A. degree from UC Santa Barbara and his masters and doctorate from UCLA.
Loren Leidinger, CFRE
Loren is currently the Outreach and Development Director at the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) and is the Past-President of the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of SLO County. Prior to joining CAPSLO, she served as the Regional Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross Central California Region, as well as the Executive Director for the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Red Cross. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with board members in the areas of Fund Development, Board Governance, and Planning, and is currently a board member for two nonprofit organizations.
Erin Nagle
Erin Nagle is a principal and CPA at Glenn Burdette, a local full-service public accounting firm. With extensive experience in nonprofit auditing and accounting, she is instrumental in helping get clients back on track with timely financial reporting, internal controls and accounting processes. Erin has led projects with nonprofits and private companies in a variety of industries, including wine, agriculture and construction. Erin currently sits on the board and finance committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County. Erin is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in Business Economics.
Lynette Dunn
Lynette Dunn is a Commercial Risk Advisor with Morris & Garritano Insurance, specializing in risks for Nonprofits, Agriculture and Construction. A Central Coast resident for nearly 30 years, Lynette has strong ties to her community and takes pride in being a trusted advisor to friends and neighbors, ensuring they have the best protection and the coverage they need. Outside of work, Lynette volunteers with Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture, the Allan Hancock Boosters, Angels Foster Care and other nonprofit organizations. She graduated from Fresno Pacific University with an English and Psychology degree.
Kristen Andersen
Kristen is an associate attorney with The Law Firm for Non-Profits providing a full range of legal services to nonprofit organizations. Her passion for working with nonprofit organizations began at a young age when she would volunteer at the local animal shelter. Ever since, she has assisted numerous nonprofits by donating her time and expertise in any way she can help. Kristen has a B.S. in Mathematics, a J.D. and an LL.M in Taxation Law. Kristen is a Certified Legal Specialist in Taxation law with the State Bar of California. As an attorney at The Law Firm for Non-Profits, Kristen loves that she can make assisting nonprofits her life’s work.
Debby Nicklas
Debby is the former vice president of the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation. She has served in a leadership role for many boards, including: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Lumina Alliance (formerly RISE), Association of Fundraising Professionals San Luis Obispo County Chapter, Children’s Health Initiative of San Luis Obispo County, Rotary San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and Friends of Prado Day Center. Her steadfast dedication to public service earned her the Citizen of the Year award by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and the Cuesta College Woman of Distinction Award.
Ericka A. Scott
Ericka Scott is a strategic advisor, speaker, and founder of Book a COO by Ericka Alice Co., where she helps nonprofit leaders and small business owners gain clarity, build systems, and lead with impact. With 20+ years in operations, board governance, and executive support, she specializes in aligning teams around mission-driven plans that fuel growth and sustainability. Creator of the Strategic Plan Now™ framework, Ericka simplifies complex challenges by integrating strategic planning with board best practices. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy and brings evidence-based, people-centered solutions to every organization she serves.
Find Us On Social Media: