Governance and Stewardship

The Hazel Henderson Center is an independent nonprofit organization founded to advance rigorous, systems-based thinking in service of a just and regenerative global economy and steward the intellectual legacy of Hazel Henderson.

The Center operates in alignment with its Operating Principles, which define standards for governance, program selection, and institutional integrity as well as the Program & Partner Selection Criteria.

Institutional Structure

The Hazel Henderson Center was incorporated in 2025 as a Florida nonprofit corporation and is pursuing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

The Center was founded and is currently hosted by Ethical Markets Media, LLC (EMM), established by Hazel Henderson and Alan Kay in 2003.

The Center operates from 10 Carrera Street in St. Augustine—Hazel Henderson’s former home, library, and convening space—now dedicated to long-term nonprofit stewardship.

Upon completion of key milestones, the property is expected to be transferred to the Center to support its long-term institutional stability.

Board Governance & Fiduciary Responsibility

The Center is governed by a founding Board of Directors with expertise in nonprofit management, institutional leadership, social entrepreneurship, publishing, accounting, and education.

The Board is responsible for:

  • Strategic direction and oversight

  • Fiduciary accountability and regulatory compliance

  • Safeguarding mission integrity and institutional independence

This governance structure ensures disciplined oversight, transparency, and long-term

sustainability.

Curated Collective Model

The Center operates as a curated, invitation-based collective, convening a select network of contributors, collaborators, and institutional partners.

Participation is determined through defined programmatic and editorial criteria and reflects alignment with the Center’s mission and standards.

Participation in the Center’s activities:

  • Does not confer governance, membership, or ownership rights

  • Does not create partnership, joint venture, or agency relationships

All intellectual property rights are retained by original creators unless otherwise specified in written agreement. Any use or publication of materials by the Center is:

  • License-based

  • Properly attributed

  • Governed by agreed terms

The Center maintains final editorial discretion over all programs and public-facingmaterials to ensure intellectual rigor, integrity, and alignment with mission.

Operating Model

The Center functions as a selective convening hub integrating programs, partnerships, and place-based experiences.

  • The Center’s leadership ensures all activities align with programmatic priorities and standards.

    • Partners may develop or host programs aligned with the Center’s mission

    • Collaboration structures are defined on a case-by-case basis

    • Program Partners are responsible for organizing their meetings which includes collecting any funds from their participants and all communications with their meeting participants.

    • Hosting arrangements with the Center are governed by defined use terms

    • The Center provides coordination support for logistics, including space use and accommodations

    • The Hazel Henderson Center has a welcoming team that is committed to developing community amongst and between its partners.

    This model enables flexibility while maintaining clear roles, standards, and institutional oversight.

Stewardship & Long-Term Vision

The Center is committed to:

  • Maintaining independence and mission alignment

  • Operating as a long-term convening hub for interdisciplinary leadership

  • Stewarding Hazel Henderson’s intellectual and institutional legacy

Through disciplined governance and curated collaboration, the Center advances a platform where ideas, partnerships, and leadership develop with clarity, rigor, and integrity.

In Practice

These principles ensure that the Center operates with rigor, transparency, and independence—while supporting a dynamic, collaborative platform for advancing the ethical and regenerative economy.

Governance & Stewardship Reference

The Center’s governance, institutional structure, and participation framework are detailed in its Governance & Stewardship document, which operates in alignment with these Operating Principles.