Deploying an Interim CEO to Sustain Organisational Progress and Support Leadership Transition in a Health-Focused NFP
The Brief
The Board Chair at a not-for-profit health organisation contacted Future Leadership™ to identify an Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the resignation of the incumbent.
The organisation required a seasoned interim executive to maintain the momentum on strategic initiatives, particularly in awareness-building, patient support, and telehealth services, while the Board continued its search for a permanent CEO. Future Leadership™ was tasked with finding an interim leader capable of driving strategic implementation and ensuring continuity across key projects.
Increase in General Management Skills
According to the American Management Association, only 14% of businesses consider themselves “well prepared” to handle a sudden loss in senior management. Add to that the fact that it takes at least four months to fill an executive role, and an Interim Executive experienced in operations makes a lot of sense!
Increase in Customer Experience Skills
These days experience is everything. What truly makes for a good experience? Speed. Convenience. Consistency. Friendliness. And human touch. Our Interim Executives deliver a great experience while improving your customer experience!
Increase in People & Culture Skills
Organisations are constantly changing as they respond to internal and external pressures. Continual process improvement can enable team engagement and lead to growth. Interim Executives bring fresh eyes and effective industry best practice to the execution.
Increase in Data Analytics
Complex challenges require critical thinking and in the age of information-overwhelm it is imperative to have analytical minds at the table. These skills range across finance, data science, systems and more. An Interim Executive can be the right person to optimise your inputs to maximise your output.
The Process
Future Leadership™ responded promptly to the request, presenting four candidate profiles within 48 hours. The selected candidate, a skilled strategic thinker with a background in healthcare not-for-profits, was chosen for her ability to maintain organisational progress and drive strategic outcomes.
The successful candidate brought expertise in areas relevant to the role, including awareness-raising for medical conditions, fundraising for medical research, building support networks, and implementing telehealth services. Her experience in similar environments positioned her as the ideal leader for this transition period.
Emerging Capabilities
Corporate Governance
Expertise in establishing and maintaining frameworks for organisational transparency, accountability, and compliance with governance standards.
Senior Stakeholder Management
Skilled in engaging and collaborating with senior stakeholders to build trust and drive strategic objectives effectively.
Executive Management
Proficient in leading executive teams and overseeing organisational operations to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Non-Executive Director
Experience in providing oversight, independent judgement, and strategic guidance at a board level, enhancing decision-making processes.
Programme Governance
Competent in overseeing complex programs, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, and managing risk effectively.
The Outcome
The appointed Interim CEO commenced the role within one week of her interview. In her first three months, she developed a roadmap to sustain momentum, stabilised the leadership team, and worked closely with the Board to ensure continuity.
Her impactful contributions led to the Board offering her the permanent CEO position, which she accepted. Feedback from the Board commended her for effectively managing the transition, maintaining strategic focus, and demonstrating a clear vision for the organisation’s future.
