2026 Board Connector

Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) has recruited diverse leaders for over four decades to develop their community leadership framework and abilities. Through our experience, networks, and relationships, we've built a framework to recruit and empower leaders for nonprofit board service, driving innovative solutions and collaboration. Our nonprofit board engagement work is part of our goal to continue being the source for diverse and informed leaders to expand community engagement and innovative solution-building in the greater Richmond region.

LMR is proud to be a part of the region's nonprofit governance ecosystem. Our mission is to connect, prepare, and promote opportunities for diverse leaders to engage meaningfully in nonprofit board service. Our annual Board Connector event facilitates connections between individuals eager to serve and organizations seeking fresh perspectives. LMR's nonprofit board governance workshops provide essential tools and insights from local nonprofit leaders for aspiring and current board members, CEOs, and senior staff. We believe in equipping leaders with the skills they need to navigate challenges and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities.

For those seeking personalized support, our 1:1 Board Concierge Services offer tailored assistance to individuals and nonprofits alike, ensuring that every connection made has the potential to create a lasting impact. Join us in expanding community engagement and driving positive change in the greater Richmond region. Explore our workshops, programs, and events to discover how you can participate today.

Interested in refreshing or growing your expertise in nonprofit board governance?

Click here to learn more about and register to attend our Nonprofit Board Governance Workshop series! The next session, "Seeding and Growing your Board" takes place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

Why Serve on a Nonprofit Board?

Professional Development
Board service is more than just an item on your resume. This mutually beneficial relationship provides opportunities for you to gain leadership experience, increase collaboration skills, and engage with the community.
Grow your Network
Joining a mission-focused board affords you the opportunity to connect with leaders outside of your organization with similar areas of interest. You will make connections as a board member that benefit you in ways that your professional role may not.
Find Your Mission
Actively supporting a mission that you believe in is incredibly rewarding. Consider taking the time to discover a nonprofit cause that matters to you! Board service is a contribution that goes far beyond a dollar amount, and nonprofits need passionate individuals willing to volunteer.
Service to the Community
We believe strong communities are built by servant leaders who are engaged.

Board Connector

Board Connector, presented by CarMax, is Leadership Metro Richmond's premier board recruitment event for the greater Richmond region. This annual, open-house networking event brings together individuals interested in board service and 35 local nonprofits, educational institutions, and government organizations recruiting new board members, all in one room for an evening filled with connections and conversation.

Designed to strengthen boards, advance equity, and foster increased civic engagement across business sectors, Board Connector creates the space for organizations and prospective board members to meet, explore the fit, and start the conversations that lead to board service. Registration is required to attend and participate. View the drop-down menu below to learn more!

Thursday, October 29, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23226

Exhibitor Registration

Board Prospect Registration

At Board Connector, you'll meet passionate, skilled people from across the greater Richmond region who are actively looking to serve on boards, commissions, and committees. It's a chance to connect with community-minded prospects and share your organization's mission and board needs.

Each exhibitor is assigned a space in the auditorium of the Weinstein JCC with a six-foot table, linen, two chairs, and dinner. Exhibitors bring their own materials to showcase their mission, such as signage, handouts, or table decorations.

Space is limited to thirty-five (35) organizations. Once we reach capacity, we'll open a waitlist. The deadline to register as an exhibitor is Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Who Should Exhibit?

Nonprofit organizations
Local government board and commission representatives
Educational institution board representatives

Requirements

Nonprofit exhibitors must have a Silver Candid/GuideStar Seal of Transparency or higher and must provide a link to their profile showing that seal. Learn more about Candid/GuideStar here.
Government and educational institution exhibitors are not required to have a seal.

Before You Register

When you register, you'll be asked for information about your organization, including your mission, focus area, and the skills you're seeking in board members (plus a Candid/GuideStar profile link for nonprofits).
This information is required and is used to create resources for attendees learn about each exhibitor ahead of the event.

Registration - Deadline September 15, 2026

Exhibitor Registration: $50
Limited Time Bundle: Exhibitor Registration + Discounted Purposeful Board Recruitment Workshop: $80
- The $80 bundle includes your Board Connector exhibitor registration plus a discounted ticket to our virtual Purposeful Board Recruitment workshop with Ryan Ripperton on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (a $110 value if purchased separately). The bundle is only available through Friday, August 28. After that date, exhibitor registration continues at $50 through the final deadline of September 15, 2026.

Exhibitor Registration

Board Connector is Leadership Metro Richmond's annual networking event, where you can discover where your leadership can make a difference. Whether you're new to board service or a seasoned volunteer, you'll connect with organizations recruiting new board members and meet thirty exhibitors, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities, all there to share their board service opportunities and answer your questions.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who wants to use their skills and expertise to support a cause or organization they care about through board service.

Board Prospect Benefits

Connect face-to-face with representatives from nonprofits and local institutions actively recruiting new board members
Explore board, commission, and committee opportunities across the greater Richmond region
Enjoy casual networking over light refreshments
Receive a welcome packet with details on participating organizations and the board skills they're seeking

Registration

Board Prospect Registration: $10
Limited Time Bundle: Board Prospect Registration + Board Essentials Workshop: $50
- This $50 bundle includes one board prospect registration plus a discounted ticket for our virtual Board Essentials workshop with Cheryl Groce-Wright and Lisa Specter-Dunaway on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from noon–2:00 p.m. (a $70 value if purchased separately). The bundle is only available through Friday, October 9. After that date, prospect registration continues at $10.

Board Prospect Registration

Walking in ready makes all the difference. Whether you're stepping into board service for the first time, seeking a refresher, or looking to recruit your next great board member, LMR has a workshop to help you get the most out of the event.

New to board service? Board Essentials, led by Cheryl Groce-Wright and Lisa Specter-Dunaway, covers what every prospective board member should know before saying yes. Join us online, October 15, 2026, from Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Recruiting board members? Purposeful Board Recruitment, led by Ryan Ripperton, helps your organization find and onboard the right people. Join us online, September 1, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Add either workshop to your registration at a discounted bundle rate.

Board Prospect Registration

Exhibitor Registration

Board Connector exhibitors will be displayed here as they are confirmed.