JoAnn McNutt, PhD

JoAnn McNutt is a board expert with over 20 years’ experience as a board effectiveness consultant and organizational psychologist. She works with boards and executive teams to solve challenges through a process of gathering information, generating insights, inspiring action, and providing realistic plans. Her goal is to equip boards to steward their organizations with greater accountability and impact.

Professional Focus

Over 20 years’ experience as an organizational psychologist and board effectiveness consultant
Track record of enhancing board performance across public and non-profit organizations in various sectors including healthcare, performing arts, energy, retail, education, and social services
Advises boards and executives on board governance structure, strategy, and decision making to identify issues and opportunities and improve board performance and oversight capabilities
Contributes in-depth expertise in organizational change, leadership, culture, board composition and boardroom dynamics; conducts performance and process assessments, devises development plans, and cultivates effective board-management relationships
Experience collaborating with boards at various stages, from establishment of a new board to guiding a 100-year-old, privately held company board in preparation for an IPO
Facilitates meetings, trainings, and retreats; provides individual coaching to board members

Business Expertise

Co-founder, Organizational Psychologist and Senior Board Consultant at Board First Consulting, LLC
Organizational Psychologist and Senior Board Consultant at Nygren Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in corporate governance
Started career with Mercer Delta Consulting (now Oliver Wyman), contributing to the establishment of the firm’s new corporate governance practice
Captain, Company Commander in U.S. Army Reserve Medical Service Corps; taught change management in Regional Readiness Command’s Company Team Leadership Development Program; commissioned through ROTC

Sector Expertise

Board Services
Board Consulting
Not-for-Profit
Education
Healthcare
Performing Arts
Professional Associations
Energy
Retail

Education & Certifications

Doctoral degree (PhD) in organizational psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco
Master’s degree in change leadership from California School of Professional Psychology
Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santa Clara University
Directors’ College Certificate, Stanford Law School Directors’ Executive Education Program

Featured Insights

Blog Post

Enhancing Performance and Value Creation Through People Strategies and Diversity: A Case for the Executive Board

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, prioritizing people-centric strategies and diversity is essential for driving performance, fostering inclusion, and unlocking substantial business value.

Case Study

Driving Innovation: Recruiting Tech-Savvy Leadership in the Insurance Industry

This case study highlights the recruitment strategy of a tech-savvy independent director for a leading insurance provider in the trucking industry, emphasizing the alignment between expertise in technology and investment.

In the Media

Directors & Boards: Optimizing Your Board’s Human Capital

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