Spring 2016 issue of Horizons

You may also find you need to look outside the organization. Top management at American Galvanizers keeps in touch with talented employees who left for jobs in the private sector. Rahrig finds that the stable and flexible culture of not-for-profits appeals to younger people who have gained industry experience and are developing more long- term career goals and starting families. Re-attracting former employees can be a quick start to grooming successors. Formalizing your plan is crucial for success. Put it in writing and share it with your board and other stakeholders. Then communicate with every level of your organization. Also realize this process is continuous. Monitor, evaluate and refine your plan regularly and as your organization changes.

Phil Rahrig, Executive Director of American Galvanizers Association, Inc. (American Galvanizers) in Centennial, Colorado found help in the Nonprofit Executive Succession- Planning Toolkit. See the Succession Planning toolkit available from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City at www.RubinBrown. com/NFP_Toolkit . Rahrig used this toolkit to introduce the idea and the process of succession planning to his Board of Directors. An excellent next step is defining the skill sets needed, currently and in the future, to ensure continuity of leadership. Involving your stakeholders in this phase promotes buy-in and helps identify abilities important from all perspectives. Then assess internal candidates. Identified gaps can be addressed by leveraging and expanding on existing job rotations, mentoring and targeted formal training classes.

RubinBrown’s Not-For-Profit Services Group As a recognized leader in the not-for-profit sector, we have the resources essential to serve arts and cultural organizations, foundations, private schools, religious organizations, social service agencies and trade and membership associations.

Judy Murphy, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Not-For-Profit Services Group 314.290.3496 judy.murphy@rubinbrown.com

Evelyn Law, CPA — Denver Partner Not-For-Profit Services Group 303.952.1245 evelyn.law@rubinbrown.com

Amy Altholz, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Partner & Vice Chair Not-For-Profit Services Group 314.290.3369 amy.altholz@rubinbrown.com

Jessica Mueller, CPA — Denver Manager Not-For-Profit Services Group 303.952.1246 jessica.mueller@rubinbrown.com

Kim Ryan, CPA, JD, LLM — Denver Manager Not-For-Profit Services Group 303.952.1208 kim.ryan@rubinbrown.com

Sharon Latimer, CPA — Kansas City Partner & Vice Chair Not-For-Profit Services Group 913.499.4407 sharon.latimer@rubinbrown.com

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