JoAnn McNutt, PhD

Organizational Psychologist

Contact

Organizational Psychologist
Board Effectiveness Consultant

Board First Consulting
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Mobile: 925.586.0880
joann@boardfirstconsulting.com
boardfirstconsulting.com

Purpose

I am deeply passionate about empowering boards to govern with purpose and clarity. As an organizational psychologist, I am drawn to understanding how culture, values, and group dynamics shape decision-making in the boardroom. I find great meaning in supporting boards as they achieve breakthroughs, spark meaningful change, and expand their impact in service of their mission. When boards operate at their best, organizations flourish, creating positive ripple effects across communities, economies, and society.
I believe every board holds the potential to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Expertise

I work with boards and CEOs to advise and partner with them in the following areas:

  • Gathering Data: Design and conduct survey- and interview-based performance assessments for boards, individual directors, and executive teams
  • Generating Insight: Identify and surface the key issues shaping board and leadership effectiveness across culture, structure, processes, and people; facilitate meetings and retreats that foster thoughtful dialogue and reflection
  • Inspiring Action: Develop practical, tailored solutions that drive meaningful change; coach board members and executives to strengthen self-awareness and contribute at their highest level

Experience

For over 25 years, I have served boards and senior executives of public and non-profit organizations across multiple sectors, including healthcare, performing arts, energy, retail, charitable giving, professional associations, education, and social services.

I have served over 12 years in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Service Corps, where I held various leadership roles. I was the Company Commander of the 352nd Combat Support Hospital based in Oakland, CA, and was a cadre member of the 63rd Regional Readiness Command’s Company Team Leadership Development Program, where I taught change management. Prior to receiving my commission through ROTC, I was an enlisted soldier in the Army Reserve where I was trained as a surgical technician.

Boards

Board Director, Family Services Agency of SF (now Felton Institute) | 2006 – 2013

Personal

I live in Danville, CA, with my husband, two daughters (in college), and our Mini Australian Shepherd.

Education

PhD, Organizational Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, CA

MA, Change Leadership
California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, CA

BS, Psychology
Santa Clara University, CA

Certificate, Director’s College
Stanford Law School, Directors’ Executive Education Program

Military Service

U.S. Army Reserve | Enlisted, Surgical Technician (91D)
U.S. Army ROTC (1994-98)
U.S. Army Reserve | Commissioned Officer, Captain, Medical Service Corps
352nd Combat Support Hospital Company Commander (2001-2005)