With the unanticipated departure of its long-term leader, CRC craved compassion, stability and structure to guide its leadership transition. LevRidge Resources understood exactly what CRC needed and turned to certified interim executive David Middleton.

David brought the perfect blend of steady, nurturing leadership to a grieving team, while also proactively suggesting communication strategies and infrastructure adjustments that strengthened the organization in preparation it for the next leader.  

In parallel, CRC’s Executive Transition Committee and Armstrong McGuire senior advisors launched the Executive Transition Management process, starting with an organizational assessment that was used to define the position profile of the next leader. From his vantage point as interim ED, David provided critical input that was integrated with feedback from other stakeholders including staff, board, donors, and community partners. With the position defined, the transition moved to recruitment, interviews and ultimately the hiring of a rising star in raptor leadership, Erin Katzner. The preparation, assessment, recruitment, meetings, interviews, and decisions that happened throughout the process were full of heart, dedication, and collaboration. 

“The Carolina Raptor Center has benefited tremendously from the services of LevRidge and Armstrong McGuire. Our board engaged the services of both firms during a very difficult time for our organization. We faced the retirement and subsequent unexpected passing of our beloved longtime leader, Jim Warren. During this time of grief and uncertainty, David Middleton brought compassion, experience, and a steady hand to our staff. His leadership provided the board the opportunity to focus on our executive search to find Jim’s successor and the next leader of the CRC." - Kristy Crist, Search Committee Chair and Board Chair for the Carolina Raptor Center 

Specifically, the collaboration between our team and CRC’s interim executive director David Middleton highlighted the positive impact that an interim can have on the challenging transition process. Our advisors consulted with Kathy Ridge of LevRidge Resources early in the assessment process and our teams remained aligned throughout. David provided a skilled and steady presence for the staff and supported communications. He was able to identify areas where the board could proactively address infrastructure needs, prior to the start of the new executive director.