Association Of Governing Boards Of

Washington, DC · Founded 1952

Strengthens governing boards of colleges and universities to enhance institutional leadership and governance effectiveness

Primary audience
Higher Education Leaders
Work area
Governance Support
Topic
Board Development
Contact
Patricia Kunkle
Website Contact

About Organization

The Association of Governing Boards provides resources, research, and consulting services to strengthen higher education governing boards across the United States. Based in Washington, DC, the organization operates with 53 employees and generates $16.7 million in annual revenue, serving institutional trustees, presidents, and board professionals.

What They Focus On

Board Governance

Strengthening the effectiveness and strategic leadership of governing boards through training, resources, and best practice guidance

Institutional Leadership

Supporting college and university presidents and trustees in navigating complex governance challenges and institutional priorities

Policy and Research

Conducting research on higher education governance trends and developing policy recommendations for improved institutional oversight

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$16.7M

+0% vs 2024

Assets (2024)

$25.6M

+0% vs 2024

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 — — — —
2024 $16,733,862 $15,810,508 $25,643,519 53
2023 — — — —
2023 $16,824,804 $16,439,055 $24,371,356 52
2022 — — — —
2022 $16,292,881 $15,838,377 $23,591,470 58
2020 — — — —
2020 $15,066,269 $14,229,845 $19,633,060 45
2019 $13,184,033 $14,772,877 $16,179,565 57
2018 $14,232,893 $14,370,504 $16,997,972 51

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research and Analysis

    Conduct research on higher education governance trends and identify best practices across institutions

  • 02

    Professional Development

    Deliver training programs and resources to strengthen board member knowledge and leadership capabilities

  • 03

    Consulting and Support

    Provide tailored consulting services to institutions seeking to improve governance structures and effectiveness

  • 04

    Network Building

    Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among board members and institutions nationwide

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Association Of Governing Boards Of

Board Leadership Development

Professional development programs and training for college and university trustees to enhance governance effectiveness and strategic decision-making

Governance Consulting Services

Specialized consulting and advisory services to help institutions strengthen board structure, policies, and institutional oversight practices

Membership Network

Peer learning network connecting governing board members across institutions to share insights and governance strategies

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Association Of Governing Boards Of.

PK

Patricia Kunkle

Senior Vice President
Full-time
Compensation: $353,724
EC

Ellen Chaffee

Int. President & CEO Until 08/24
Full-time
Compensation: $315,332
CJ

Christina Jacobs

Senior Vice President
Full-time
Compensation: $312,899
CJ

Cristin J Toutsi Grigos

Senior Vice President
Full-time
Compensation: $239,018
FV

Framroze Virjee

President & CEO From 08/24-02/25
Full-time
Compensation: $226,647
LR

Larry Robertson

Senior Vice President
Full-time
Compensation: $219,960
GB

Gerard Bayani

Director Of Accounting
Full-time
Compensation: $161,646
NS

Nancy Steelberg

Marketing Director
Full-time
Compensation: $151,889
BD

Ben David Rowe

Managing Director
Full-time
Compensation: $103,141
CS

Cynthia Shapira

Director Until 05/2025
1 hrs/week
ET

E Thomas Sullivan

Director Loa From 03/2025
1 hrs/week
RC

Ronald C Parker

Director Until 02/2025
1 hrs/week
RM

Ross Mugler

Interim President And CEO
MP

Mary Papazian

Executive VP Until 06/25
Full-time
Compensation: $358,658
DB

David Bass

VP Program Strategy As Of 04/25
Full-time
Compensation: $188,600
AL

Andrew Lounder

Associate VP Of Programs
Full-time
Compensation: $179,531
MC

Megan Clarke

Associate VP Of Marketing & Digital Exp.
Full-time
Compensation: $170,880
RM

Roderick McDavis

Principal
1 hrs/week
CH

Cathy Havener Greer

Director
DW

David Wilson

Director
MA

Marie A Sullivan

Director
NW

Nicole Washington

Director
SJ

Shane Jacobson

Director
WT

William Thompson Jr

Director

Milestones

1952

Organization Founded

1952

Established to support and strengthen governing boards in higher education institutions

2018

Revenue Growth Period

2018

Organization reached $14.2 million in revenue serving expanding membership base

2022

Expanded Operations

2022

Grew to 58 employees while revenue increased to $16.3 million

2024

Leadership Transition

2024

Interim President and CEO Ellen Chaffee completed term in August 2024

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

MN
Maria Nazareth Senior VP & Treasurer 40.00 hrs/week · $319,213
CH
Cathy Havener Greer Director 3.00 hrs/week
DW
David Wilson Director 1.00 hrs/week
EH
Eleanor Horne Vice Chair Loa From 12/2024 5.00 hrs/week
KS
Katherine Sawyer Vice Chair 5.00 hrs/week
MA
Marie A Sullivan Director 1.00 hrs/week
NW
Nicole Washington Director 1.00 hrs/week
PB
Paul Brajcich Vice Chair 5.00 hrs/week
RA
Ross A Mugler Chair & CEO As Of 03/25 7.00 hrs/week
SJ
Shane Jacobson Director 1.00 hrs/week
SR
Shauna Ryder Diggs Secretary 5.00 hrs/week
WT
William Thompson Jr Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$3.8M

Highest Paid

$409K

Mary Papazian

Compensated Officers

15

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Mary Papazian Executive VP Until 06/25 $358,658 $50,186 $408,844 40
Maria Nazareth Senior VP & Treasurer $319,213 $75,100 $394,313 40
Patricia Kunkle Senior Vice President $353,724 $40,292 $394,016 40
Christina Jacobs Senior Vice President $312,899 $39,557 $352,456 40
Ellen Chaffee Int. President & CEO Until 08/24 $315,332 — $315,332 39
Cristin J Toutsi Grigos Senior Vice President $239,018 $50,969 $289,987 40
Larry Robertson Senior Vice President $219,960 $38,169 $258,129 40
Framroze Virjee President & CEO From 08/24-02/25 $226,647 $8,625 $235,272 39
David Bass VP Program Strategy As Of 04/25 $188,600 $32,100 $220,700 40
Andrew Lounder Associate VP Of Programs $179,531 $24,213 $203,744 40
Gerard Bayani Director Of Accounting $161,646 $30,934 $192,580 40
Megan Clarke Associate VP Of Marketing & Digital Exp. $170,880 $17,719 $188,599 40
Nancy Steelberg Marketing Director $151,889 $15,570 $167,459 40
Ben David Rowe Managing Director $103,141 $3,048 $106,189 40
Roderick Mcdavis Principal $0 $65,185 $65,185 1

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$2.0M

Total Forgiven

$2.0M

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

87

Loan Details 2 loans

$1,024,108
Forgiven
Forgiven: $1,031,936 100%
Approved Apr 12, 2020
Lender Bank of America, National Association
Jobs Reported 43
Forgiven On Jan 20, 2021
$967,700
Forgiven
Forgiven: $975,283 100%
Approved Feb 13, 2021
Lender Bank of America, National Association
Jobs Reported 44
Forgiven On Dec 2, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$205K Grants Received
2 Organizations

Top Funders

2 total
SE
Strada Education Foundation Inc.
$180K
AF
Aj Fletcher Foundation
$25K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Related Organizations

1 affiliated entity reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

1

Taxable Corp Trust

1
Agb Search LLC
Washington, DC
Conduct Executive Level Searches For Universities/Colleges
Taxable

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
15 Registrations
14 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 14 total

Association Of Governing Boards Of Universities And Colleges
1 filing
Self
C
City/County Association Of Governments Of San Mateo County
2 filings
B
Butte County Association Of Governments
1 filing
C
Capitol Strategies, LLC (On Behalf Of Maricopa Association Of Governments)
1 filing
C
Coachella Valley Association Of Governments
1 filing
M
Maricopa Association Of Governments
1 filing
M
Merced County Association Of Governments
1 filing
N
National Association Of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, Inc..
1 filing
N
National Association Of Government Guaranteed Lenders
1 filing
N
National Association Of Government Guaranteed Lenders Inc.
1 filing
S
San Diego Association Of Governments (Sandag)
1 filing
S
Santa Barbara County Association Of Governments
1 filing
S
Southern California Association Of Governments
1 filing
T
Tulare County Association Of Governments
1 filing

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Association Of Governing Boards Of

Phone

(202) 296-8400

Social

Visit Website
1666 K Street NW 1200 Washington, DC 20006