Leadership Continuity

Navigating leadership transitions and planning for the future are critical to the success and resilience of nonprofit organizations. Leadership Continuity is about more than just filling roles—it’s about fostering stability, growth, and intentionality during times of change. Whether you’re preparing for an executive departure or building a proactive succession plan, our expertise in nonprofit leadership, change management, and strategic planning ensures your organization is equipped to thrive through transitions. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that strengthens your leadership pipeline and secures your mission for years to come.

From the uncertainty of how a transition will impact goals and aspirations to a complete discomfort with the unknown, change can elicit fear in even the most seasoned professionals. Yet, transitions can be a time of discovery and growth, and change can result in greater opportunities. A trained interim executive lays the groundwork for a successful executive search and onboarding process.

We bring more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and training in assessment, change management, and interim leadership to facilitate continuity for not-for-profit executives and organizations. Whether the transition is because of the impending departure of an executive or the desire to proactively engage in developing an intentional pathway for leadership development and transition, together, we create a stronger, more resilient organization.

Succession planning creates a path to leadership continuity and sustainability. I’ve met many leaders of nonprofits who say succession planning is a luxury for which they don’t have enough time. I understand—I’ve walked in their shoes before. Yet, I consider succession planning as one of the greatest gifts you can give to the community you serve.

People are your most important resource. Without investing in the people who your organization depends on to achieve its mission, how will you serve your community when there are leadership transitions?

What are you doing to identify, develop, and retain your leadership? Did you know that 73% of nonprofits have no executive succession plan, and even fewer boards have board leadership transition plans? A well-thought-out succession plan leads to smooth and effective leadership transitions throughout the organization, not just the chief executive.

At Xanthus Consulting, we can help with interim executives and creating a succession plan that gives you and your board the peace of mind that comes with knowing how you will respond to leadership transitions rather than scrambling to come up with a plan when the unexpected happens. Contact us or schedule a 30-minute consultation to get started today.

Until then, for more information about Succession Planning, download our list of resources.

Xanthus Consulting Founder Pat McCown co-authored an article that appeared in the STRIDES Winter 2024 issue from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Titled “Leadership Continuity’s Role in Sustainability,” the article explains how a plan to help retain talent and ensure continuity of leadership during times of transition is one of the greatest gifts non-profits can give their communities. Pat’s co-author on the article is Paula J. Del Giudice, executive director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Redmond, WA. Read the article online or download a copy.