The Interim Executive
Under certain circumstances, nonprofit boards may determine that it is appropriate to hire an interim executive. This often happens when a CEO leaves unexpectedly owing to any number of circumstances. Other conditions in which a board may decide to engage an interim occur when a search process extends longer than anticipated. There is no reason to rush a hire or to panic during such periods. As an experienced CEO, I provide the necessary breathing room and reassurances that staff and trustees need in order to continue the work at hand.
The role of an interim executive extends far beyond the day-to-day management of tasks, although that is certainly essential. As an interim CEO, I bring fresh perspective to an organization as it prepares for a new leader, often at a significant cost savings. I am able to point out areas of significant challenge that may have escaped the attention of the board previously. I work with key constituents to help “steer the ship” during what might otherwise become a period of great uncertainty and anxiety. The value of an interim with the kind of turnaround experience I have is that difficult decisions are made in due course, without “setting up” or unfairly burdening the new CEO with the need to make radical changes immediately upon beginning the job. Even while being the temporary executive, I gain invaluable insights that are critically important, and can be used to assist in the onboarding of the new CEO.
