Service Types

Hiring a new executive is one of the highest‑stakes decisions a nonprofit will make. That’s why we use Executive Transition Management (ETM)—a proven, change‑management model that transforms leadership transition from a moment of risk into an opportunity to strengthen the organization.

ETM is a structured, three‑phase approach designed to reduce uncertainty, maintain momentum, and position your organization for long‑term success. It emphasizes thoughtful planning, inclusive engagement, and clear accountability—while honoring both the outgoing leader and the organization’s future.

Our approach:

• Plan with intention.
  We assess the organization’s current position, engage the board and key stakeholders, and define the skills, attributes, and experience required in the next leader. And if an interim executive is warranted, we help the board navigate that decision.
• Search strategically.
  We lead a targeted recruitment process with rigorous vetting—ensuring candidates align with your mission, culture, and future priorities.
• Onboard for success.
  We support a smooth transition with clear expectations between the board and the new executive, structured onboarding, and early‑stage leadership support.

Throughout the process, ETM prioritizes board engagement, staff and stakeholder input, and transparent communication throughout. And because we stand behind our work, we offer a 365‑day guarantee from the new leader’s start date for executives hired through the ETM process.

The ETM model was developed by national leaders in organizational development, nonprofit capacity building, and executive recruitment. Armstrong McGuire was the first firm in North Carolina to adopt this approach, with training funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and delivered by the model’s principal architects.

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