While providing life-saving services for domestic violence survivors, Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence (NEGACDV) recognizes need for internal support. Interim Management and Executive Search services helped this critical agency stay on track.
Case Study
Challenge
After weathering the pandemic, NEGACDV was left in shock when their longtime executive director passed away unexpectedly in February 2024. The NEGACDV board engaged Armstrong McGuire to lead their executive transition management (ETM) process.
Located in the rural town of Hartwell, Georgia, NEGACDV provides residential and nonresidential services to survivors of domestic violence and their children throughout a three-county area. In addition, the organization operates a robust teen dating violence prevention program as well as a thrift store.
We found opportunities to help through:
Leadership Development
- Emergency preparedness and succession plans were updated.
- New annual report template was created and 2024 report published.
- New job descriptions for all staff as well as a new performance evaluation system was created/implemented.
- A renovation and expansion of the outreach office was initiated and completed.
- A fundraising department was created and the organization's first Director of Development and Communications was hired.
- A partnership was initiated with a fractional grant writer resulting in 10 new foundation funding applications November 2024 -March 2025.
- $1MM+ in government grant applications were submitted/awarded.
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities were implemented. The agency also held a very successful signature fundraising event, the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge, increasing revenue by 43% from 2024.
- New board orientation manual/process was created/implemented.
- Annual audit was completed and monthly reports updated to provide stronger financial management tools for staff and board.
- Eight policies were created and approved by the Board of Directors.
- Strategic planning process was completed.
- Federal funding contingency plan was created and approved by the Board of Directors.
- 9 candidates were interviewed by Armstrong McGuire
- 5 candidates were interviewed by the Executive Transition Committee
- 1 candidate was interviewed by the staff, board, and Executive Transition Committee
- Ultimately, a seasoned Executive Director was hired from Atlanta, Tasho Wesley. Tasho brought valuable experience leading women’s shelters as well as extensive government grant experience.
Case Study
Results
After conversations with the NEGACDV Board, Director of Interim Services Kathy Ridge knew which certified interim leader could best step in to support NEGACDV. She called upon Karen Parker to serve as Interim Executive Director. Karen had over 30 years of experience working in the domestic violence movement including serving nine years as CEO of a large domestic violence organization.
Karen conducted an initial internal assessment to identify NEGACDV’s strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats. In partnership with the Board, Karen focused on addressing administrative opportunities to support the organization’s already strong programmatic focus. The board also worked with Karen to explore the possibility of a merger with a nearby sister agency and eventually decided to remain independent.
At the request of funders, Karen guided the board and staff through a strategic planning process. As the plan was being finalized, a significant threat to federal funding was announced. Karen then led the board and staff leaders through a simultaneous contingency planning process to prepare for the potential budget cuts.
As Karen stabilized the board and staff teams, the board engaged Armstrong McGuire for an Executive Search in early 2025.
Senior Advisor Katie Weeks launched a national search that brought a strong pool of qualified applicants.
Katie gathered additional stakeholder input to help the Board define the skillsets and attributes they most needed in their next executive leader. From there a position profile was created and the recruitment phase launched.
Presented with a strong slate of candidates, the Committee chose the individuals they most wanted to interview. Katie handled the scheduling, provided interview formats and questions, and guided the Committee to prepare for the interview process.
NEGACDV found the ideal match in Tasho Wesley. Parker worked with Wesley for several weeks to support her transition into the new role.
Team Leads
Meet the people who made it happen.
Our experienced advisors have held roles that span the nonprofit spectrum—so we understand what it's like to be in your shoes.
.avif)
Services
Explore More Service Areas
Opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with ideas shaping nonprofit leadership and growth.
growing impact.
Philanthropy and Fundraising
Who is seeking a trusted partner, ally, and guide who has the experience to help our organization overcome an obstacle or seize an opportunity. We are seeking a solution, a road map, a missing piece with a partner who understands us and will walk with us to create and implement a winning strategy for our team, our clients, and our community.
building capacity.
Organizational Development
Who is seeking a trusted partner, ally, and guide who has the experience to help our organization overcome an obstacle or seize an opportunity. We are seeking a solution, a road map, a missing piece with a partner who understands us and will walk with us to create and implement a winning strategy for our team, our clients, and our community.
strengthening leadership.
Leadership Development
Who is seeking a trusted partner, ally, and guide who has the experience to help our organization overcome an obstacle or seize an opportunity. We are seeking a solution, a road map, a missing piece with a partner who understands us and will walk with us to create and implement a winning strategy for our team, our clients, and our community.
Contact
Unlock Your Potential
No matter what big idea you are dreaming about to transform your community, starting with strategic planning is the foundation you need to bring that idea to life.