In the United States, there are over 500,000 non-profit entities with these five characteristics. This work describes them as 'nongovernmental public-serving (N.P.S.) organizations.' “ Board Members provides wise guidance and theory-linked knowledge on the role of boards of directors of non-governmental public-serving organizations. W. Astor Kirk writes from a deep familiarity with both the nonprofit and governmental sectors.” ―Jon Van Til, Professor of Urban Studies, Rutgers University at Camden; Former president, Assoc. for Research on Nonprofit Organizations & “As a University President, former trustee of a private university, and a former board chair of a very active community development corporation. I am very familiar with the literature on non-profits. However, Dr. Kirk takes the topic to another level as he addresses the many differences among "not for profit" boards. His focus on nongovernmental public-serving (NPS) organizations is really enlightening.” ―James E. Lyons, Sr., President, California State University W. Astor Kirk is a former college professor, church organization manager, and senior federal executive. Upon leaving government service, he established the OMS Company, which specializes in executive-management and strategic-governance consulting work. His other publications include Desegregation of the Methodist Church Polity and Nonprofit Organization Governance.