Program Overview
Non-Profit Professional Director (NPPD) Designation Program
Offered by the Centre for Excellence in Organizational Governance (CEOG), in partnership with the University of Sudbury’s Leadership & Governance Academy
The Non-Profit Professional Director (NPPD) Designation Program is a professional development series designed to build highly effective board directors and officers of charities, public institutions, non-profit (NPO) and non-governmental (NGO) organizations.
Our certification program focuses on the contribution of each administrator and manager to making a real difference in their community, by bringing out the best in their organization.
The curriculum emphasizes practical knowledge of
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fiduciary duties,
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strategy,
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financial oversight
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and ethical leadership
It equips graduates to be impactful and effective board directors and officers who understand how to lead and contribute to their organization’s success.
Earning an NPPD designation signals a strong commitment to governance excellence and continuous learning in the non-profit realm, akin to how corporate director credentials represent a lifelong commitment to boardroom excellence.
All courses are taught by experienced governance experts through the University, ensuring a professional and academically robust learning experience, grounded in the latest best practices.
Program Structure & Designation Levels
The NPPD offers three distinct designation tracks to accommodate different levels of experience and professional focus. Each track builds on a foundation of core governance education and adds varying requirements for practical experience and specialization.
NPPD.d
Non-Profit Professional Director Designation
A 40-hour micro-certificate pathway covering the fundamental principles of non-profit governance
It provides a thorough introduction to board roles and responsibilities, governance structures and effective board practices
NPPD.c
Non-Profit Professional Director Certification
This is an advanced certification for those who have completed the NPPD.d designation (or equivalent training) and want to deepen their expertise by gaining practical experience.
En plus du programme APO.d, les candidat·e.s doivent réaliser environ 100 heures pratique en gouvernance et de formation continue.
NPPD.edu
Non-Profit Professional Director (Education Sector)
The NPPD.edu pathway is a specialized track that integrates the designation and certification with a focus on educational governance.
Designed for educational leaders, board directors and officers of educational non-profit organizations, schools and academic institutions, this track delivers the same comprehensive content as the NPPD.d designation track and the NPPD.c certification track, enhanced with governance training tailored specifically to the educational sector.
A network of experts and practitioners
Expertise, Attention, Relevance, Commitment
A range of expertise to help you develop your administrator skills.
Alain Vachon, GPC.d, ACC.dir
Trainer, Speaker and Consultant
Gerry Morrin, CPA
Trainer, Coach and Consultant
Luc Comeau
Financing Expert, Trainer and Support Advisor
Guylaine Scherer
Communications Coach and Advisor
Julie Léger, GPC.d
Formatrice, coach et consultante en gouvernance
Pamela-Jane Taylor, MBA, JD
Guest Speaker and Trainer
Pierre Bourbeau, CRHA
Trainer and Coach
Rob Buttars - GPC.d
Trainer, Coach and Consultant
Pierre Léonard
Coach, Consultant and HR Trainer
Monique Ménard, MA.ed
Trainer and Coach
Graduating from the NPPD Designation Program, whether at the designation-only level or with full certification, provides a host of valuable outcomes for non-profit leaders and their organizations.
The University of Sudbury’s Leadership & Governance Academy
The University of Sudbury’s Leadership & Governance Academy is the exclusive training provider for the Non-Profit Professional Director (NPPD) designation and certification programs. Building on the University’s 100+ year legacy of academic excellence, the Academy embodies a renewed and forward-thinking mandate: to deliver relevant, professional, and applied training for today’s leaders in the non-profit, public-sector, and institutional spheres.
By earning one of the NPPD credentials, graduates distinguish themselves as a non-profit professional director or officer who has both the knowledge and experience to govern effectively.
Graduates will gain confidence in their own abilities and give confidence to others in their organization’s governance. The NPPD program strengthens individual leaders and, in turn, enhances the capacity of non-profit organizations to fulfill their missions with excellence and integrity. In a sector where good governance is critically linked to public trust and impact, an NPPD program is a valuable investment in professional and organizational success.