A non-profit board can benefit from the involvement of a corporate executive, and the corporate executive often has a lot to offer a non-profit organization, but the selection process must be a two-way street. Just because top talent might be available for free doesn't mean the volunteer is always accepted with open arms. The individual's style has to fit with the organization's culture, the respective values have to be aligned, and they need to be able to trust each other with open minds.

What's the motive?

The good people who choose to follow social service or cause-related careers often do so because they have some heart for the issue or the organization, and those folks are most often required to choose that passion over financial gain. In fact, many see it as evidence of their commitment that they are willing to work for "less" than what they'd make in a similar role in a more commercial venture. The corporate executive by definition has chosen a more commercial path, and their initial interest in volunteering might be greeted with skepticism as to the purity of their motives and interests.

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