An executive director-level change in any organization can be disruptive to staff and board members. Uncertainty looms large and with the uncertainty comes anxiety. With anticipation and planning, such an important change doesn’t have to be painful.
Organizations with a current strategic plan can ease this transition, especially if the strategic plan includes a succession plan for the executive director. If your organization lacks a succession plan, especially when confronted with the sudden loss of your executive director, it can be traumatic, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be an opportunity.