As the season of gratitude unfolds, it’s the perfect time for nonprofit leaders and Board members to pause and reflect. This moment invites not only a look back at what has been accomplished this year but also thoughtful preparation for what lies ahead.

As a nonprofit executive search firm, KEES, often partners with Boards using this time to assess leadership needs, strengthen succession plans, and set priorities for the coming year. Reflection now does more than close out 2025; it sets the stage for a strong and strategic start to 2026.

More and more, we are hearing from leaders that the challenges facing the sector cannot be solved alone. Success in the years ahead will require collaboration between Boards, executives, and communities, all working together to protect and advance their missions.

If your organization didn’t quite meet every goal this year, or if leadership transitions may be on the horizon, take time to reflect on the following questions and checklist:

✅ Have we revisited our strategic plan?
Are our goals still aligned with today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities?

✅ Do we have a leadership succession plan in place?
If a key executive retires or transitions soon, are we ready?

✅ Is our Board composition setting us up for success?
Do we have the right mix of skills, perspectives, and community connections to lead effectively?

✅ Are we supporting our CEO/Executive Director/President and leadership team?
What resources, coaching, or clarity do they need to excel in 2026?

✅ Have we celebrated our wins and learned from our misses?
A thoughtful review helps drive stronger performance next year.

Here’s an urgent reality: annual turnover for nonprofit executive leadership is estimated at 18%–22%. Nearly one in five nonprofits faces a leadership transition each year. Even more striking, up to 75% of nonprofit leaders plan to depart within the next five to ten years. This is not a distant concern; it’s happening across the sector now, underscoring the importance of proactive planning.

This season is an ideal time to express gratitude for the people and purpose that drive your mission while also committing to intentional planning and leadership growth. Strong Boards don’t just react to change; they prepare for it.

Taking time now to reflect and plan ensures your organization enters 2026 with confidence, clarity, and momentum.

If your Board could benefit from a thought partner in this process, I’d be happy to connect. Let’s make sure your leadership team and mission are positioned for lasting success in the year ahead. Contact me here to start the conversation.

• – Amanda Emerson, Assistant Vice President, Business Development, KEES