Elizabeth Schmidt, senior research fellow in public policy, has authored a new article for Chronicle of Philanthropy titled, "3 Legal Duties that CEOs and Board Members Must Know." The article focuses on the duty of care to oversee the organization, the duty of loyalty that requires fiduciaries to put the nonprofit's interests above their own personal and professional interests, and the duty of obedience requiring adherence to the mission and the law.
The article highlights aspects of her recent book, "Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders" (Georgetown University Press, 2025), a comprehensive and accessible guide to help nonprofit leaders use the law to advance their missions. The book, written for nonprofit leaders, board members and volunteers, shows how nonprofit law relates to every aspect of nonprofit management.