Since my early days in corporate America working with Fortune 500 firms, I have been involved in the world of non-profit organizations as a volunteer. I’ve been a member and served on numerous committees and boards. My career eventually led me to work for several non-profit organizations. As an employee, I not only worked directly with executive directors and board members, I was also actively engaged in developing boards and recruiting board members.

Is there anyone flying this plane?

In too many cases, a nonprofit board’s approach to leadership turnover is hectic, not well thought out or planned, reactive instead of proactive. Most often, the board  is group of passionate, well-meaning volunteers who are now faced with the single most important role they will have: selecting a new leader.​ How the board navigates the transition will directly impact the future and potential viability of the organization.