Policy Development and Board Governance

The ability of leaders to effectively govern is a critical determinant of whether the organization can effectively and sustainably achieve its mission.

This underscores the importance of Boards and Councils to fully understand their roles and responsibilities in terms of fiduciary duties, and how to build or leverage the expertise, networks and passion of the members sitting around the table to ensure that the organization’s impact is well articulated and measured.

A long-time senior advisor and former director of policy and planning, Travis also has extensive policy development experience in all levels of government and for the NGO sector, and across a wide array of topics and themes. Each policy or new program idea is extensively researched, both in terms of understanding best practices and in engaging communities to ensure all perspectives are respected and considered.

Good governance is critical to making a difference in the lives of Yukoners – and fosters accountability and resilience.

Travis assists your Board, Council or management team to pinpoint what’s working – and what is not working – from a governance perspective. This analysis then helps to identify and tailor well-tested tools and strategies designed to enhance the organization’s capacity for strong, effective and accountable decision-making. Topics typically include:

How to align board governance processes and structures (including the use of portfolios) to drive strategy implementation.
How to position your organization to demonstrate accountability for results, impact and the strategic use of resources.
Identifying practical and culturally-relevant strategies and tools to enhance meeting effectiveness and decision making.
How to effectively support diversity, equity, and inclusion in Board recruitment and retention processes.

Past and Current Policy Development and Governance Clients:

Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research
Yukon Contractors Association
Canadian Mental Health Yukon
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Community Development Corporation
Partners in Safety Yukon
Da Daghay Development Corporation
United Way Yukon
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Society
Laberge Renewable Resources Council
Yukon Conservation Society
Northern Safety Network
Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Yukon Heritage Resources Board
Public Health Ontario
Yukon Quest International

Why StrategyNorth?

Over 30 years of experience.

Experience matters. As a governance-based economist, Travis has been advising Councils, Boards and executive teams for over 30 years.

Broad sectoral experience.

Travis has worked in the NWT, Nunavut and the Yukon across a wide-range of sectors, including housing, tourism, conservation, social justice, small business, agriculture and economic development.

Quality research and presentation.

Travis recognizes that hastily-assembled solutions do not build solid foundations for lasting impact. Travis works with your team to understand the operating environment and the needs of those who rely on your organization’s programs and services.

20 years in the Yukon.

Understanding the unique cultural, economic and environmental values of Yukoners is critical to developing and implementing ‘made in the Yukon’ solutions. Southern consultancies likely face a steep and time-consuming learning curve, time better used for getting on with the work.

Respectful Relationships with Yukon First Nations.

Travis has gratefully had opportunities to support Yukon First Nations governments and their citizens, including the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

Have an idea for a project?

For more information, or to discuss a potential project or collaboration, please fill out the form below or contact Travis at:

StrategyNorth Inc. is registered with the Yukon Government's Department of Corporate Affairs, and WCB and CRA/GST-registered. Whitehorse Business Licence #7865.

[ct_contact_form id=”185″ el_class=”style-light”]