3 Ways Nonprofits and Boards Can Work with IT to Make Smarter Decisions
By Christina Ryan, Partner, Hartman Executive Advisors

As nonprofit leaders map out business priorities for 2026, the role of IT has never been more pivotal. The organizations that will thrive in 2026 are those that treat IT as a strategic business priority, not a line-item expense. This means asking: Which technology investments will directly maximize impact, reduce risk, and create new opportunities for growth? And just as importantly: Do we have the right leadership in place to make these decisions with confidence? 

A strategic understanding of technology’s impact can help boards and CEOs make decisions that ensure long-term value and sustainability. However, many boards face a knowledge gap in this area. Similarly, CEOs may be well-versed in business strategy but they often “don’t know what they don’t know” when it comes to technology, creating a need for experienced, executive-level IT leaders to help with decision making.

Here are three ways that nonprofit boards and executives can leverage their partnership with IT to make smarter business decisions:

1. Integrate IT Strategy into Organizational Strategy

IT leaders need a seat at the table when boards and executives are discussing strategy and goals. Too often, technology decisions are treated as tactical afterthoughts rather than integral to achieving organizational goals. Ensuring IT is part of these important conversations helps connect technology investments directly to outcomes like member engagement, service delivery, and revenue diversification.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Executives and board members don’t need to focus on the small details, but they do need to ask IT leaders questions concerning risk, return on investment, and scalability. These types of questions take the conversation in a more strategic direction, shifting the discussion from what “tools to buy” to figuring out how to work together toward mutual goals. Examples of these questions could be:

• “How does this technology support our strategic priorities?"
• “How does this decision affect our cybersecurity posture and compliance obligations?”
• “Will this technology investment reduce manual work so staff can focus on higher-value activities?”
• “How will this solution scale with our growth over the next 3-5 years?”
• “What are the short- and long-term costs, and how will we measure the return on investment?”

3. Consider Outside Resources

Many nonprofits lack the resources to hire a full-time CIO, yet they know that level of leadership is critical to moving from tactical fixes to true strategic progress. Hiring a fractional CIO is a cost-effective option that has become increasingly popular. An experienced CIO acts as a bridge between the technical and executive domains, ensuring that technology is well positioned to drive and enable the business strategy. Successful organizations realize that technology alignment is as much about leadership and culture as it is about systems. By helping the board and CEO align IT with the big picture, a strategic CIO enables them to make more informed decisions that drive the organization forward.

As boards and CEOs rise to meet today’s technological demands, the need for informed, balanced decision-making has never been greater. With the right mix of leadership, expertise, and vision, nonprofit organizations can capitalize on their technology investments and drive meaningful growth, all while safeguarding their long-term resilience and success. At Hartman Executive Advisors, we help mid-market companies make technology a strategic asset. Our fractional CIOs work alongside CEOs and CFOs to bridge the gap between business strategy and IT execution and establish cross-functional governance to ensure the right initiatives are prioritized.

Christina Ryan is a Partner at Hartman Executive Advisors. Hartman is a strategic technology and cybersecurity advisory firm that provides innovative, business-focused leadership to nonprofit organizations. Christina can be reached at cryan@hartmanadvisors.com.