Nonprofit Board Chair Succession Planning

This position provides for automatic succession when the term of the chair is up.

Nonprofit board chair succession planning.

Still board of director succession planning is essential to good governance as it sets the stage for board engagement and performance not to mention effective leadership. Outline the executive search phase of your nonprofit succession plan. Some boards also have a chair elect who is a chair in waiting. Succession planning for the board chair position this content is available exclusively to boardsource members.

Align an internal vision for your nonprofit succession plan. And effective board leadership matters more than many think as noted by asae and referenced by social venture partners in succession planning for the non profit board chair. Nonprofits that are serious about their own sustainability will also be serious about planning for smooth and thoughtful transitions of leadership as well as making sure their nonprofit is prepared for unexpected departures. The board chair is responsible for leading the board in the oversight thinking and support that are critical to good governance and organizational success.

This is why board chair succession planning as well as the identification and nurturing of promising board members should be a priority and an ongoing activity for every board. Getting the right people is fundamental to excellence in board performance. Officer succession is only part of board succession planning. Recruiting and maintaining effective leadership at the top is a major part of the board s fiduciary responsibilities.

Unfortunately according to boardsource s research only 27 percent of nonprofits surveyed reported that they had a written succession plan in place. Board directors are responsible to ensure the long term sustainability of the organization. Many nonprofit boards find it helpful and expedient to delegate the responsibility for succession planning to a board development. Succession planning can be the point in the tenure of a nonprofit board where new influences and ideas can bring positive change and progress the mission even farther.

Begin cultivating internal talent for future transitions. In profiling candidates for vacancies it is an opportune time to consider along with experience and personality other aspects such as gender age culture and to the extent. The vice chair fills in when the chair is not able to carry out the duties. The treasurer keeps the board on top of the finances.

Keeping them engaged is essential for good leadership but only 1 in 5 ceos surveyed by boardsource strongly agree a majority of their board members are engaged. A board portal system offers a secure platform for board work that ensures confidentiality. The succession planning process comprises the following key steps.