As an interim executive director, I’ve enjoyed supporting several E.D. search committees. Of course, the primary role of the search committee is to vet candidates for the long-term executive director position and make a hiring recommendation to the organization’s board. But as important as that is, it need not be the committee’s only function. [...]
The Japanese word for crisis is composed of both danger and opportunity. It is challenging in this time of crisis for the world, our nation and for the non-profit sector to envision anything but danger. Non-profit organizations and associations bring people together to solve problems, relieve stress and to develop solutions. We have been [...]
When I left my last full-time nonprofit executive position after nine years, I felt a duty to stay until the last moment. I was approached at the time by a firm that suggested an interim executive as part of the transition process. I quickly declined, determined to finish the job in the way I [...]
Nonprofit A had a long-time executive director who resigned due to a health crisis. Nonprofit B had an executive director who moved to another organization after giving only one months’ notice. Nonprofit C had an executive director who was asked to resign by its board of directors. Nonprofit D had a beloved executive director [...]
An interim CEO is ideally an experienced nonprofit executive director. For an IE, the executive role is like riding a bike. They have done it before, they know the nuanced relationship required between the executive, the board and staff. They bring excellent management skills and knowledge of best practices. Capable interims have the ability to perform a [...]
The baby-boomer generation grew up in a period of social and political change, and many of them channeled their passions into mission-driven careers in the non-profit sector. As these leaders face retirement and transition in their own lives, the non-profit organizations they have founded and run are facing transitions for which they are usually [...]
Most non-profit organizations are familiar with the benefits of a strategic plan – the immediate benefit of mindful thinking about mission, goals and strategies, as well as the future benefit of having a well-thought out plan to refer to over time, and as circumstances change. However, according to BoardSource’s “Leading with Intent” report, only [...]
(And the advantages of using an interim executive) When nonprofits face leadership transitions, they often resort to using someone already involved with the organization, such as a staff or Board member, to run things temporarily. Here are the disadvantages of doing that: Board member. Most volunteer Board members do not have experience as [...]
“I just sat down with my coffee to review my emails – and there it was – the email from the executive director giving the Board notice that she is leaving.” –said every Board member and Board Chair about their recurring nightmare, ever. Whether it is the result of a organizational crisis, or a long-anticipated [...]
The non-profit sector is finding it more and more effective to use interim executive directors during a period of transition. Usually, the trigger for a Board of Directors to hire an interim executive director is the current executive’s departure or retirement. An interim executive is able to keep the organization running, to calm nervous staff, [...]
