Putting “Success” in Succession

If there is one thing this country is good at, it’s smooth transfer of power. We do it every four years and with our free enterprise system we often do it in both the public and private sector as well. But, as often as we do it, and as integral as it is to our culture, transition can be difficult…for the country, for individuals, for businesses and for nonprofits alike. The key ingredient for good transition is planning. That means putting together a step by step action plan and getting buy-in from all the major stakeholders. And it means remaining supple and alert when things don’t always go as anticipated.

Few nonprofits have the luxury of planning a transition a year in advance. Partnership in Philanthropy (PIP), a 501 (c)(3) that provides consulting for New Jersey nonprofits, had the good fortune of learning that its executive director was planning retirement an entire year before the retirement date. It also had a person on staff that had the experience and the qualifications to step into the role of executive director. So the steps leading up to what might have been a challenging event, have been predictable and controllable.

What helps to put success in succession?
First and foremost, transparency; open and honest discussions between the CEO, the board president, the executive committee, and the board.

Next, a well-articulated plan that has the buy in of all the major stakeholders, particularly funders; periodic assessments to see if the plan is still viable and working.

Next, a schedule for the transition of responsibilities so that nothing falls through the cracks.
Training of all the day to day tasks and coordinating of calendars so that the new face has exposure and the old face begins to be seen less and less.

Finally, a pr plan so that the public learns of the change in an upbeat and positive fashion; putting out a message that assures consistency and continuity.

So, it is with total confidence that Partnership in Philanthropy announces that Heather Robinson will assume the role of executive director of PIP on June 30, 2010, upon the retirement of Becky Dembo, ending a ten-year tenure at the helm of the 20-year old PIP.