Interim Executive Management
David Hartman specializes in serving as Interim Executive Director/CEO and assisting nonprofit organizations through leadership transitions:
- Executive is leaving the organization with or without advance notice
- The Board is taking action to remove an executive
- A Founder is leaving, with or without a succession plan in place
- There is an opportunity for restructuring, during an executive transition
- There is an opportunity for a merger
Beyond management of the organization, David’s leadership through a transition helps to stabilize the organization, supports the Board and staff, elucidates options for future strategic direction, and offers support and input to the executive search process.
He approaches this work from an organizational development and operational perspective, working closely with boards and staff. As a seasoned executive and highly skilled consultant, David works from the inside outward, to help your organization understand and develop best practices in nonprofit management and governance. This process inherently strengthens the organization to sustain its resiliency even during a leadership transition.
David’s approach to interim leadership gave our board members the comfort needed to focus on the crucial issues and make better decisions about our future.
–Dottie B., former board chair, Blind Babies Foundation
David’s Approach
I approach interim management as a strategic capacity-building process by creating pathways for permanent enhancements to an organization’s ability to pursue and advance its mission, while creating a new culture that can be sustained for accomplishing the mission in effective and efficient ways.
Entering an organization as an interim executive requires clear and consistent communication with board members, staff, and other key stakeholders, in order to identify and address important issues and carry out key responsibilities. I keep focus on mission delivery, and the alignment of strategies to meet stated goals.
The primary functions of an interim executive are to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization and support the Board of Directors in carrying out the business of the agency. Because the interim role and tenure is limited and it can be a vulnerable period of time, responsibilities are prioritized. As a result, I work closely with Board and staff to establish priorities and areas of focus. The most common key areas of focus are:
- Financial management
- Fundraising and donor management
- Board guidance and support
- Staffing structure and human resource issues
- Program operations and service delivery
- Culture and communications
- Strategic plan/business plan
- Major events and organization calendar
Because every organization is unique and has different needs, I develop a work plan in the first few weeks, after meeting with board leadership and the management team, to define and prioritize the interim executive’s role and primary functions. These meetings also inform the next level of assessment, which in turn highlights issues that may need to be addressed during the transition.
In addition to a competent and experienced day-to-day management of the organization, key deliverables provided during the transition include:
- Customized work plan for the interim executive
- Regular and clear communication with Board, staff and key constituents
- Organizational assessment
- Regular reports to the Board—monthly, or as requested
- Weekly huddle with Board leadership
- Weekly meetings with management team
- Final report with findings and recommendations
Leadership change at a nonprofit organization can be disruptive and pose many challenges to board members. Staff are often stressed with uncertainty. Funders may become unsure of the organization’s future. And, most importantly, services can be disrupted. My leadership style, management skill and consultative approach will give your organization the strength to manage the transition, limit the disruption and—through the process—build capacity. I will keep your mission on track!