Leadership transitions at the CEO or Executive Director level are critical turning points for nonprofit organizations. Whether the change is carefully planned or happens unexpectedly, the way a board prepares for and manages the process has a lasting impact on the organization’s future.

Successful transitions are rarely reactive. The strongest organizations regularly include leadership continuity and succession planning as part of their ongoing board conversations. As a nonprofit Board Member, are you having these conversations? Preparing in advance helps maintain stability, preserve momentum, and ensure alignment with long-term goals.

To guide your board’s preparation, consider adding these five essential questions to your next meeting agenda:

• ✔️ Are we anticipating and planning proactively for leadership transitions?
• ✔️ How are we embracing diversity and inclusion in our leadership selection process?
• ✔️ Are we prioritizing cultural fit alongside leadership style in choosing our next leader?
• ✔️ How transparent and consistent is our communication with stakeholders during transitions?
• ✔️ Is our leadership search grounded in honest reflection and aligned with our strategic vision?

Each of these topics provides a foundation for important discussions. When boards create space for strategic dialogue, they are better positioned to navigate change with clarity and confidence. These conversations help surface key priorities, assess organizational readiness, and identify the type of leadership needed for the future.

Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES, highlights the importance of approaching this work intentionally: “Leadership transitions are not simply moments of change. They are pivotal opportunities to align strategy, values, and vision for the future. Succession planning should be a regular board conversation, not a one-time event. The most mission-driven organizations are those that invest in planning for leadership continuity with the same rigor they apply to financial or programmatic strategy.”

This checklist is meant to spark action. If your board is preparing for a leadership change or considering a nonprofit executive search, begin the conversation now. Early, strategic planning leads to stronger outcomes and smoother transitions.

To explore each of these topics in greater detail, read our full article about navigating leadership transitions: 5 Things Nonprofit Boards Need to Know About Changing CEO/ED Leadership

KEES partners with boards to manage nonprofit executive transitions with care, clarity, and expertise. To learn how we can support your organization, contact us.