About Vernetta

Vernetta Walker, JD, is CEO and Chief Governance Gladiator of Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting. With over two decades of experience as a nonprofit leader and consultant, Vernetta is passionate about helping organizations maximize their impact through exceptional leadership, governance, and centering equity and inclusion for mission impact.

Vernetta has worked with hundreds of public charities, associations, and foundations across the country and globally. Her clients have included Easterseals, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, YMCA of the USA, the National Aquarium, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and the Walt Disney Company.

Vernetta previously served as chief governance officer for BoardSource, associate general counsel for Maryland Association of Nonprofits, foundation advocacy counsel for the Alliance for Justice, and a program officer for the Florida Bar Foundation. Vernetta is an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, where she teaches Nonprofit Governance and DEI in the Nonprofit Sector. She has extensive board experience and currently serves as board co-chair of March for Our Lives Action Fund.

Vernetta received a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington University School of Law, and B.A. degree from the University of Maryland.

Consultant Information

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.vernettawalker.com

Location: Washington, D.C.

Areas of Expertise: Board culture and dynamics, Board ethics, Board roles and responsibilities, CEO/Board chair coaching, CEO-Board partnership , Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, Governance structures, Strategic board composition

Areas of Engagement: Board self-assessment review and action planning, Board education retreat or seminar, Ongoing governance coaching and advising, Governance structure and design, Large-group training or conference session, Facilitation of important board conversations

Mission Areas: Advocacy organizations, Associations, Community foundations, Corporate volunteerism programs, Federated organizations, Founder-led organizations , International/Multi-National NGOs, Private foundations, Small-budget organizations, Social justice organizations

Virtual Work Availability: Flexible, based on needs