Board Responsibilities in Leadership Development and Succession Planning

Leadership transitions are inevitable. Retirement, new opportunities, burnout, life changes all can happen. Strong boards prepare for these things rather than react when a departure occurs. You don’t need to have a crystal ball that will predict when someone is leaving to prepare for succession planning. Effective succession planning helps ensure leadership continuity that keeps the organization stable, confident, and moving... Read More »

What Search Committees Need to Know Before Reviewing Candidates

Strong hiring decisions require alignment before the resume reviews even start. Search committees often feel urgency once applications arrive. The instinct is to dive in, compare credentials, and debate who “looks strongest.” But without shared preparation, candidate review can quickly become subjective, inconsistent, and influenced by bias.

Before reviewing a single resume, search committees should align on these three things.

1. What Problem... Read More »

Why Leadership Transitions Fail After the Hire

Most organizations put significant time and energy into the search process. The job description is refined. Interviews are thorough. References are checked. An offer is made.

And then… things get complicated.

Leadership transitions rarely fail during the search. They break down in the first 6-12 months after a new leader starts. Here’s where organizations most often get it wrong.

1. Expectations Were Never Fully... Read More »

What Board Support Really Looks Like for Executive Directors

Boards often say they want to “support the Executive Director.” But support is more than approving budgets, attending meetings, or offering encouragement during a crisis. Real board support shows up in everyday behaviors, clear communication, and shared accountability.

When board support is strong, Executive Directors can lead with confidence. When it’s inconsistent or unclear, even talented leaders struggle.

Here’s what meaningful board support... Read More »

Case Study: Dougy Center Hires their Development Director

Dougy Center’s Chief Advancement Officer, Lani Faith, was facing a pivotal need for a Development Director to sustain and grow their vital programs. They hired NPN to lead the search while their interim development director was in the role. Hiring manager, Lani shared, “NPN was efficient, kept the process moving and setting up for the next step. I didn’t have to spend... Read More »

What Boards Should Ask Before Engaging an Executive Search Firm

Engaging an executive search firm is a strategic decision, not a transactional one. The right partner helps a board clarify its needs, navigate complexity, and support a successful transition. The wrong fit can create confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.

Before starting a leadership search, boards should pause and ask these questions.

1. Are We Aligned on What Success Looks Like?

Before talking with... Read More »

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