The Wall Street Journal reported that the total compensation for Countrywide Financial Corporation's Board Members ranges from $344,988 to $477,824 (2006) and includes shares, health insurance and spousal travel.

It's no wonder Nonprofit Boards, who traditionally offer no compensation, has a difficult time attracting the big finance and corporate people for nonprofit board service.  It's also no wonder that for-profit board members don't ever leave service as some have served as long as 16 years.

Of course this length of service can compromise the independence of board members while, according to Countywide, provides "continuity in board leadership" and perspective on how the company dealt with past business cycles.

Are these lessons for the nonprofit sector?