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The governance community is mourning the loss of John Carver, who passed away on August 16.
John Carver made profound contributions to what is coming to be known as modern board governance. His legacy as a governance author, researcher, teacher, and consultant has significantly shaped both the theory and practice of board governance.
Born in Chattanooga, TN, John earned his Ph.D. from Emory University. Early in his career, he managed various mental health organizations, which sparked his interest in governance and the role of governing boards. In the 1970s, he developed the Policy Governance® Model, a groundbreaking theoretical framework for board governance. Throughout his career, John and his wife Miriam taught, facilitated, and coached boards and consultants worldwide. He authored five books and hundreds of articles and monographs, making him one of the most prolific writers in his field.
John Carver’s Policy Governance® Model employs a systems approach to board governance, encompassing the entire organization. When effectively implemented, this revolutionary model not only transformed board practices but also fostered a culture of accountability throughout the entire organization.
Today, Carver’s Policy Governance® Model in its fullness is widely practiced around the world, and it has significantly influenced how many not-for-profit boards operate. In a time when many seek to “decolonize” board practices, Carver’s framework offers an effective method for establishing clear role delineation, fostering a board culture informed by its community, and creating a performance-driven and value-oriented environment.
As a student of John Carver, I was profoundly impacted by his insights. His classes revealed the interconnectedness of all aspects of an organization, guiding me toward a focus on systems thinking that continues to inform my work today.
John Carver was a visionary thinker and innovator. His dream was to see more rational governance prevail over irrational practices. His legacy will continue to inspire boards to transcend mere oversight and become true leaders within their organizations.
May he rest in peace.
Submitted by Susan Radwan
Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada
