Managing Leadership Transitions
by Barbra Kavanaugh
“I just sat down with my coffee to review my emails—and there it was… the message from the Executive Director giving notice.”
—said every Board Chair, at least once.
Whether anticipated or unexpected, leadership transitions are among the most challenging moments for any nonprofit organization.
- A long-tenured founder preparing for retirement.
- A newer executive who isn’t the right fit.
- Or a sudden departure during a time of uncertainty.
Regardless of the situation, the impact is immediate—and widespread.
- Staff look for reassurance
- Board members take on unfamiliar responsibilities
- Funders and community partners watch closely
A Growing Reality Across the Sector
Leadership transition is not rare—it’s increasing.
- Fewer than 1 in 3 nonprofits have a written succession plan
- A majority of nonprofit leaders expect to leave their roles in the coming years
In short, many organizations are not fully prepared for a moment that is increasingly inevitable.
The Space Between One Leader and the Next
Executive searches take time—often several months.
In the meantime:
- Programs must continue
- Staff need direction
- Donors expect confidence
- Critical decisions can’t wait
This “in-between” period is not just a gap—it’s a critical phase to manage well.
The Role of Interim Leadership
More organizations are turning to professional interim executives.
An experienced interim leader can:
- Provide steady leadership during uncertainty
- Support staff and board dynamics
- Assess organizational strengths and risks
- Clarify priorities for the next CEO
- Maintain momentum with donors and partners
Many boards find this period becomes an opportunity to strengthen the organization for its next chapter.
The Right Question
Instead of asking:
“Who should our next CEO be?”
Consider asking:
“What does our organization need right now to ensure the next leader succeeds?”
A Resource for Our Community
Author and interim executive leader Barbra Kavanaugh will be in Southwest Florida this June.
If your organization is navigating a leadership transition—or wants to be better prepared—I’d be happy to connect you.
Schedule a Conversation with Barbra now
Final Thought
Leadership change is inevitable.
With thoughtful planning and the right support, it can become a defining moment—one that strengthens your organization for the future.
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