LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: INTERIM MANAGEMENT

Durham Children's Initiative

Armstrong McGuire partnered with Durham Children’s Initiative to provide interim executive leadership and guide the board and staff through a strategic merger with a sister organization, aligning missions and preparing for a new era of service.

Results

  • DCI merged successfully with its sister organization, aligning missions and preparing for future impact.
  • Staff felt valued and included.
  • Stakeholders were kept informed and engaged throughout the process.
  • Successful stabilization of operations during executive transition.
  • Cost benefit analysis of various operational scenarios for the board’s consideration.
  • Decision to merge with a partner organization.
  • Strategic planning and alignment of mission, vision, and values for the merged entity.
  • Support for rebranding and communications activities.
  • Coaching and support for the permanent Executive Director.
  • Leadership continuity through the merger process.

Approach

Certified Interim Executive Michael Seaman worked closely with the board and staff to determine the best organizational structure for the long-term sustainability of DCI.

Our expertise in these fields led us to success.

Execution

When Interim Executive Michael Seaman joined DCI, he stabilized the operations and worked with the board to evaluate multiple organizational structures by conducting cost-benefit analyses for four scenarios based on maintaining a solo presence, merging or consolidation. This analysis provided the board with data-driven insights to inform their decision, focusing on both mission and financial sustainability.

As the board leaned toward a merger, Michael developed a comprehensive strategy and integration timeline, outlining essential milestones for merging operations, aligning cultures, and managing key events. This ensured a smooth, transparent transition for staff, stakeholders, and the community.

Together the teams engaged in strategic planning to align the missions and values of both organizations, identify key priorities and facilitate rebranding efforts. Michael also provided coaching and transition support for the new permanent Executive Director who was previously leading the sister organization.

"I would immediately contact Armstrong McGuire for an external interim if I did this again. Michael’s character, objective perspective, and leadership skills made this the perfect marriage, not only for our working relationship, but also for merging both organizations. Michael accomplished far more in our organization than was expected. Trust was built immediately and he gave me my sleep back!"

Evan Sitton
Board Chair

Unlock Your Potential

Does a leadership transition have you evaluating your long-term organizational structure? We can help. Armstrong McGuire’s experienced interim executives and transition specialists can help you navigate change with confidence and integrity. Let’s unlock the potential of your organization—together.

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