Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you for your commitment to Lakeside’s mission and for your interest in the work of the Board of Directors. The Lakeside Association stewards a unique community rooted in faith, learning and tradition that fosters renewal, connection and growth through thoughtful leadership and a sustainable vision.
Board meeting reports, financial reports and policies are available on the Board of Directors page at lakesideohio.com/board.
Thursday Board Retreat & Friday Board Meeting Summary
Thursday, May 14: Revival Presentation & Community Volunteer Groups
On Thursday afternoon, Charles Allen, Lakeside Chautauqua President & CEO, opened our retreat with prayer. We received a presentation from Lisa Hogue regarding Lakeside’s Rules and Regulations, along with the most common issues she addresses in her role as Development Administrator.
We also heard feedback from Ron Janke of the LPOA Community Relations Committee and engaged in a robust discussion regarding e-bikes and our understanding of Lakeside’s public charity status. E-bikes are likely to be a topic at our August Public Board Meeting on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. We encourage everyone to watch the Presidential Lunch & Learn – April 16, which provided an important educational overview on best practices of public charity governance.
Charles updated us on the status of our strategic plan and introduced the 2026 theme of “Revival,” as Lakeside transitions from the 2025 theme of “Imagination” to this year’s focus on “Activation.” He provided a preview of his work that will be shared with the community during the season.
The afternoon concluded with presentations from the leaders of several community volunteer groups: Shuffleboard Club, Lakeside Wooden Boat Society, Tennis Association, Society of Old Salts, Lakeside Heritage Society, Lakeside Women’s Club, Guys’ Club, Cabin Crew and Women on Water. Each group shared updates about its work, answered questions and left everyone in the room with a better understanding of, and renewed appreciation for, the important work of Lakeside’s volunteers.
Friday, May 15: Board Meeting
On Friday morning, Rev. Scott Low opened our meeting with a devotion and prayer. He reflected on the original meaning of the Hebrew word for “blessed,” which is to give life to others. He reminded us that we are called to be close to the Source of life so that we are filled to overflowing and can pour into the lives of others.
We welcomed new board members Brad Anderson, Rich Boettner, Michael Eggers, Don Longwell, Betsy Mitchell, Rev. Kimberly Orr and Jim Shelley.
In the chair report, Gwen Nichols reviewed board member responsibilities under Ohio Revised Code 1702, which governs nonprofits. We discussed key points about Lakeside’s public charity status from the Presidential Lunch & Learn on April 16. A board training session focused on the principles of policy governance and strategies to respond to controversial issues.
Corey Clay, Chair of the Governance Committee, also led a discussion of our Commitment to Leaseholders and the newly updated Confidentiality Policy.
Charles; Meg Johnson, CAO; Sam Chelliah, V.P. of Finance; and Gretchen Colon, V.P. of Advancement & Marketing, reported on operations, year-end financial performance and generosity. Preliminary year-end financial reporting indicates a performance better than budget and alignment with Lakeside’s financial policies. Together, Lakeside exceeded the Impact Giving budget goal.
The Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation Board report focused on investment returns and the development of working groups designed to engage the community in future giving strategies and long-term financial planning.
Charles also updated the board on operational readiness for the 2026 Chautauqua season and the emerging Retreat Season Business Strategy for the period between the end of August through early May. This strategy has been developed in collaboration with his Peer Advisory Group. Discussion included the housing shortage for group events and the need to improve the Fountain Inn to create a strong first impression for retreat guests considering Lakeside as a destination.
The 2026 theme, “Revival,” centers on five focus areas:
- Experience
- Grounds
- Calendar
- Operations
- Community Trust
Charles stressed the importance of ROI (return on investment), ROM (return on mission) and ROR (return on relationship) as the lenses through which each area will be evaluated. Work is already underway to make small but meaningful improvements. Goals include:
- Clear capital sequencing & funding strategy
- Increased philanthropic capacity
- Improved facility quality & operational efficiency
- Increased long-term financial resilience
Following a group photo with photographer Brenda Knipp and lunch with the staff prepared by Cold Creek Catering in Wesley Lodge, the board returned to Drackett Hall to review the recommended order of capital projects for the next phases of research.
We tabled the discussion about the strategic finance plan, which is being developed by the Finance Committee at this time. The strategic finance plan will help us tackle a sequence of big projects with guardrails to ensure that we are prudent with our financial resources.
Under Chair Gwen Nichols’ report, the community engagement report was discussed. Last summer and fall, Cassie Breecher from Beyond Strategy Consulting spent a few months with Lakesiders helping to identify the universal themes and hopes for Lakeside’s future. Her report can be downloaded from the website along with the list of recommendations provided to management and the board.
Although the board workshop on these recommendations took place during the February meeting, the themes identified have been influencing our work for quite some time. Most importantly, the board appreciates the efforts of all Lakesiders who are inspired to action by Cassie’s report.
Here are a few first steps:
- The board and management made affordable admissions and parking fees a priority by reducing expenses and focusing on price adjustments to attract families.
- Staff and volunteers collaborated to improve 2026 season readiness.
- The breakout session conversations from the August 2025 Public Board Meeting provided questions that were researched and discussed in Charles’ Virtual Town Halls and Presidential Lunch & Learn sessions, creating feedback loops that will continue with fresh content this summer.
- Board members convened collaborative sessions with staff and leaders of our volunteer groups to discuss ways to improve communication and processes in preparation for the 2026 season.
- The board voted to host a Public Board Session with Charles on June 6, 2026, to provide follow-up on the topics raised in the August 2025 Public Board Meeting breakout sessions. We will also request Lakesiders’ input to help prepare for the August 2026 Public Board Meeting.
Board Resolutions Approved
In addition, the following resolutions were approved:
- Finance Committee resolution approving the 401(k) annual profit-sharing contribution
- Assessment resolution to continue the current assessment rate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year
- Capital improvement next steps – Resolution to establish the order of capital improvement projects for use in the first four phases of the capital campaign roadmap. These steps include additional research on organizational readiness, developing a case for support, community and stakeholder engagement, and feasibility testing.
- Resolution to approve Rev. Kimberly Orr as an Association Board member in her new role as Minister of the Lakeside United Methodist Church. Effective July 1, 2026.
- Formation of Lakeside Waterfront, LLC was approved to ensure the waterfront and all its activities, including lessons, rentals, regattas and boat rides can be operated in a way that ensures oversight and reduces risk.
Our next Board of Directors meeting is open to the public and will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in Orchestra Hall and virtually. The agenda and specific participation opportunities will be posted on Lakeside’s website one week prior to the meeting. Coffee with the Board will take place that day at 8 a.m. in the Fountain Inn Aigler Room.
Sincerely,
Gwen Nichols
Chair, The Lakeside Association Board of Directors
View February Meeting Minutes
Audited Financials Page
Board Webpage & Updates
June Public Board Session
June Public Board Session
The Lakeside Association Board of Directors will host a June Public Board Session with Charles Allen, President & CEO, on Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. in Orchestra Hall.
This session will provide follow-up on topics raised during the August 2025 Public Board Meeting’s breakout sessions. The session will also include an opportunity to gather Lakesiders’ input as we prepare for the August 2026 Public Board Meeting.
For planning purposes, please sign up for the public session. We look forward to connecting with you.
