Navigating a Leadership Transition

A new CEO or Executive Director can generate both excitement and anxiety for employees, board members and the new leader, especially when they are replacing a founder or legacy executive.

Without proper governance and a solid transition plan, an organization could face numerous obstacles that could set an organization back years instead of fostering new energy and momentum.

The Problem

LETSGO, a 15-year-old non-profit whose founder had retired and was replaced by the COO, was struggling to navigate the transition in a way that would propel the organization forward. Governed by a small board without a lot of nonprofit or fundraising experience, the organization faced several challenges as a new executive team strived to build rapport with a board that was developed by the retired founder.

Other than an agreement to appoint the COO to CEO, there was no plan for managing the transition, requiring outside counsel to guide the board and the executive leadership team to overcome challenges that arose without a transition plan.

Our first steps included meeting with the executive leadership team and the board 1:1 and in small groups, and reviewing governing documents.

Our Findings – Challenges and Opportunities

No formal governance processes including the creation and approval of agendas and minutes, vetting and election of board members, annual evaluation of the CEO and board, financial oversight or support of the annual audit
No term limits for board members or officers
No officers other than the chair
No active committees
No strategic plan
Competent, experienced senior leadership team
Engaged Founder willing to support fundraising
Committed board
Implementation of a strategy to diversify funding
Excellent programs with demonstrated impact to attract new board members and donors

Facilitating New Governance Operations and Best Practices

We revised by-laws to include:

Term limits for members and officers
Addition of a description for the executive committee as well as the addition of the finance and fund development committees as standing committees
Addition of an annual review of the CEO and self-review of the board
Clarify that the CEO is an ex officio member of the board with no voting rights
Addition to include an annual review and acknowledgement of the conflict of interest policy
Revision of the signature authority
We Supported the Establishment of Officers and Committees
Facilitated the election of a secretary and a treasurer which allowed for the creation of a finance committee
Created a nomination process and job description for the board; provided recommendations for onboarding new board members
Facilitated the creation of an informal nominating committee and a Chair until more seats are filled, as well as the identification and vetting of board candidates
Developed tentative, sample timeline for the board to facilitate the implementation of formal governance processes including executive committee meetings, nominations, and conducting the audit
Provided recommendations for building out committees and ways committee service can support future board development
Coached board and leadership team through best practices including how to work together to develop annual goals and associated budget as well as define the board’s role in achieving those goals
Coached board through basic processes such as agenda creation, minutes – draft and approval, meeting preparation, calls to action, votes and committee assignments, and committee reporting

Kristi excelled at fostering collaboration between our board and staff.

She facilitated productive discussions that led to updated bylaws and updated governance practices. Her guidance in creating key committees was spot-on, and her strategy for nominating and onboarding new board members proved highly effective.

What impressed me was Kristi’s professionalism and tact in navigating our organizational dynamics. She kept us focused on our goals while ensuring everyone had a voice. Her commitment to ensuring clear communication and buy-in at all levels has set LETS GO up for long-term success.