How We Work

Our Philosophy

The “faces” of the non-profit sector are changing rapidly. The baby boomers who helped found and lead organizations for decades are retiring, or changing sectors. Executive directors’ tenures are getting shorter. People are assuming leadership at younger ages - often without the experience of their predecessors.

A change in leadership is a pivotal moment in the life of a nonprofit. The organization will change, there’s no doubt of that. The question is, how do you ensure the change is for the better?

Third Sector New England believes the answer is a thorough, comprehensive and thoughtful executive transition and search process. With a carefully designed and managed process, the departure of an executive director is an opportunity for the nonprofit to step back, reflect on its vision, and to think critically and creatively about its leadership needs.

Only then does the organization begin its search for a new executive.

Third Sector New England applies a capacity-building approach. We ask, How can your non-profit organization be strengthened through this transition process?

Today, executive transitions like ours may seem a “best practice.” Given the trends, we expect them to become the norm, like strategic planning, in the next decade.

First, You Phone or Email

Everything starts with your phone call or email to Hez Norton, manager, Executive Transitions Program. The sooner the better.

Hez will listen to your concerns, answer your immediate questions (including about costs), and begin to ascertain your needs. We’ll offer you a free face-to-face consultation. Then, if you choose Third Sector New England’s Executive Transitions Program, you’ll have to decide: transition consultant, interim executive director or both. 

Next: Transition Consultant and/or Interim Executive Director?