Management changes inevitably occur. Although trying, these situations present excellent opportunities for boards of directors to reassess both their management model, as well as what type of executive might best fit the organization's needs and objectives. But those processes take time.
It is at this juncture that association leadership can turn to SmithBucklin's interim executive services. We can provide an experienced, qualified executive who can quickly and efficiently assume the duties of Interim Chief Staff Executive (ICSE). As such a position is, by definition, is a temporary assignment, the ICSE will work closely with board leadership to identify the specific goals to be achieved during the interim period. While this certainly will relate to the duration of the assignment, examples of such goals include projects such as evaluation of staff resources, assessment of financial status, implementation of special projects, etc. He or she can also help you examine the existing, more critical strategic issues of determining the optimal management model and best chief staff officer profile for your organization.
The ICSE is also responsible for ensuring the continuity of all ongoing programs and will provide access to the depth of specialized services SmithBucklin has available to execute events and programs flawlessly. Experience shows that a thorough search for the right chief staff officer will typically take three-to-six months. This period can be one of tremendous change and great risk, and the best way to manage such risk is through the use of a careful and deliberative process to ensure that the right selection is made. The only way to ensure the necessary time for such a process is to have the right person in place to keep the organization running while the leadership finds that candidate.
As well as providing ICSE services, SmithBucklin can also provide specialized senior staff executives on an interim basis. Consider the case of an organization that loses is staff director of meetings 45 days before its annual conference. While it is true that in a well-run association everyone will "pitch in" to get through the conference, this can take a severe toll on the organization and its people, and distract leadership and other staff from key initiatives. Instead of risking such disruption, SmithBucklin's interim executive services can deliver a talented executive who specializes in such assignments. No matter the functional area - conference management, marketing, financial services, technology and Web services, educational programming, or administrative management - we can provide the right person to fill the role.
