The Right Timing is Key

When should your organization consider an interim executive?

An interim executive is one who is highly skilled at entering an organization at a time when the organization and its people are experiencing a transition. This could be at the time of retirement of a long-time leader or founder, a key leader’s sudden departure for medical or other reasons, or a clearly thought-out step in a succession plan.

1. When the Board needs more time to conduct a search
2. When the executive director/CEO leaves and the Board wants to consider structural or process changes
3. When there is uncertainty around the future of the organization

• Provides stability and consistency for staff, board, and constituents.
• Offers a chance to replace a departing or underperforming executive for a finite time so that the right executive can be identified.
• Deploys quickly in times of crisis and disruption.
• Offers significant expertise in handling a variety of transitions.
• Assesses the current state of an organization and recommends changes and new policies for an improved future state.
• Prepares the way for the incoming executive by making hard decisions, improving processes, and stabilizing funding.
• Creates a culture that will attract and retain the professional staff member or members that will benefit an organization long-term.
• Assures donors and funders that solid, professional leadership is in place during the transition.
• Provides an outside perspective that helps align the board and staff on the organization’s vision moving forward.