A Practical (and Possibly Provocative) Approach to Leadership Transitions

Leadership transitions in the nonprofit sector occur regularly. For small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations, the average term for an executive director or CEO is about six years. With sufficient time and preparation, these transitions can be positive events that make an organization stronger, even when the transition involves replacing a successful executive director.

The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vt., provides an excellent example of how this succession process can work. In early 2013, David Goudy, the highly regarded CEO of the Montshire Museum, informed the board of directors of his intent to retire in two years.