WELCOME
to the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network Board of Directors!
Being a board member means serving as a legal and ethical steward of an organization, where you help steer its high-level strategy, oversee leadership, and protect its long-term health rather than managing day-to-day operations.
Your fiduciary expectations mean you hold a legal obligation to put the organization’s interests ahead of your own personal or business interests. In the United States, this responsibility is broken down into core fiduciary duties.
Core Fiduciary Duties
Duty of Care: You must stay informed, read meeting materials, ask questions, and make decisions with the prudence of a reasonable, careful person. You do not need to be an industry expert, but you must show active engagement and good judgment.
Duty of Loyalty: You must act solely in the best interest of the organization. You cannot use your board position for personal gain, and you must disclose and recuse yourself from any conflicts of interest.
Duty of Obedience: You must ensure the organization stays true to its core mission and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as its own governing bylaws.
Duty of Confidentiality: You must protect sensitive, private, or proprietary information shared during your service as a board director.
Understanding the Mission
The mission of the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network is to empower individuals affected by Parkinson's and their caregivers by providing resources for education, programming, and support while raising community awareness about the disease.
At Hancock County Parkinson’s Network, we're not just a network; we're a force fueling change, support, and education for our community. Join us in our journey towards empowerment and understanding, forging a path where every victory counts and every voice is heard. Together, let's redefine what it means to live well with Parkinson's.
Meet the Founder,
Barb Matheny
From the subtle tremor in my hand to standing before legislators advocating for Parkinson's awareness, my journey with Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been one of resilience and dedication. After over three years of navigating this path, I've discovered a passion for driving change and support for those affected by this condition.
My commitment to making a difference led to pivotal moments: advocating for the establishment of a PD registry in Ohio and supporting the National Act to End Parkinson’s. But it was the realization of the power of collective action that spurred the inception of Hancock County Parkinson’s Network.
Guided by the ethos of living well despite PD, I connected with the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF), discovering invaluable resources to establish our local network.
Here’s What We Need From You!
Visit the 50 North with Barb!
Get a tour of 50 North, ask questions, review and sign board paperwork.Join the HCPN newsletter
Stay up to date on HCPN events and announcements by joining the newsletter!Send your bio and photo to our marketers- sarah@redtornadocollective.com
Check out the board webpage for examples.Follow us on Facebook!
Complete Charitable University with the Ohio Secretary of State (more details below)
Attend board meetings every 2nd Thursday of the month.
For your first meeting, you’ll be asked to tell the group your “WHY” - meaning, what sparked your passion?
What is it about HCPN or PD that drove you to join?The Board Meeting Agenda is sent out ahead of time for review.
If nothing is pre-scheduled, please reach out to someone on the board to go over how to read the agenda, how to read reports, and to answer other questions about being on the board and in meetings.Join a committee!
Even if you’re not an expert in the field, finding your purpose on the board might mean jumping out of your comfort zone.Ask questions. Be present. Volunteer.
Charitable University
While the Attorney General handles charitable registration and governance training, the Ohio Secretary of State handles the initial formation of a nonprofit organization, such as filing Articles of Incorporation and maintaining statutory agents.
Purpose of Charitable University: It provides free training for nonprofit leaders and board members on legal obligations, board governance, financial operations, and fundraising. Click here to learn more about Charitable University.
Requirements: Completion of the courses is required for nonprofits applying for grants from the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
Creating an Account: Click the button below to create an account. You’ll be asked to enter in “Charitable Organization you are Affiliated With”. Please type in “Hancock County Parkinson’s Network Findlay, Ohio” (along with any other nonprofit boards you are associated with).
Board Documents & Online Files
