Leadership Succession and Transition for Museums and Arts Organizations: A Guide for Boards and Chief Executives (American Alliance of Museums)

This book will help facilitate successful leadership transition in museums and arts organizations. It is commonly noted that the greatest number of airline accidents happen during takeoff and landing. The same is true for arts organizations; we are at our most vulnerable during times of transition and it is critical that staff and volunteer leadership succeed in this difficult phase. Surprisingly, staff and boards must invent the practice each time as there is currently no “how to” guide for leadership transition in the arts.

The day that a CEO announces their resignation - whether of their own decision or not - is a milestone moment in an organization’s history. It is a time of high vulnerability for the institution due to the challenges of appointing an effective interim director and high staff, board, and community anxiety about the future. Search committees are formed and more often than not include patrons and community representatives who are key stakeholders but may lack experience in effective hiring. Once the new executive is appointed, it is critical for the board members and the new director to begin with an intentional and strategic onboarding plan.

The book features three main sections, covering the period from departure announcement to the final farewell; the search and interview process; and onboarding and succession planning. It was written for the boards of arts organizations, search committees, and for staff leadership.