Calling All Search Committee Chairs!

Launching an executive search for a key hire can be exciting! It also demands a significant commitment from those involved in the process - especially the chairperson. As the head of the search committee, the chairperson sets the tone for the committee, explains the responsibilities of the committee and holds members accountable; remains in regular contact with the organization as well as the search firm; and provides timely updates to the committee to keep them informed of upcoming expectations of their time or talents.

If you have served as a search committee chairperson, we are interested to learn more about your experiences. Your perspective puts us in a better position to continue successfully coaching our clients as they meet with similar challenges.

Simply reply to this email with your thoughts on the following five questions.
We will collate the responses and share our findings along with additional commentary in a future newsletter.

1. Why did you volunteer to be the chair of the search committee?

2. What prior experience did you have? What preparation were you given in advance?

3. If the search ran smoothly, to what do you attribute this success? If it did not, to what do you attribute this difficulty?

4. What did you wish you knew then that you know now?

5. Did you partner with a search firm, and if so, were there specific pearls of wisdom about the process that you gained along the way?

Spectrum Health Systems Appoints COO

We are pleased to announce that Peter Rockholz has been selected as the Chief Operating Officer of Spectrum Health Systems. The search was completed by Katherine Jacobs, Vice President and Managing Partner and Carolyn Ho, Managing Associate with Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.

For over four decades, Spectrum Health Systems has been on the forefront of substance abuse treatment, helping thousands of individuals overcome addiction to lead satisfying and productive lives. Spectrum is a national leader in substance abuse treatment, serving 20,000 individuals each year through more than 100 institutional and community-based programs.

With 35 years of experience in the behavioral health field specializing in substance abuse treatment for adolescents and young adults, Mr. Rockholz's career has spanned the treatment, management, consulting and governmental spheres. He is a nationally-recognized expert in the areas of adolescent substance abuse treatment, therapeutic communities (TC), and institutional culture assessment and change.

Executive Director Named at Health Quarters

Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group has completed an Executive Director search for Health Quarters and Gabrielle Ross was selected for the position. The search was completed by Tracy Welsh, Vice President and Lisa Catapano, Managing Associate with Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.

Ms. Ross brings twenty-five years of experience in gender and women's health, reproductive healthcare and research, and global health policies to her role as Executive Director. Her career in public health began when she volunteered with the Peace Corps in Togo. Over the past two decades, her career developed to include Program Officer positions with both the International Women's Health Coalition and Ford Foundation; serving as Research Fellow with the Health Policy Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and progressing through global advisory roles for World Health Organization.

Established in 1971, Health Quarters is a non-profit provider of confidential reproductive health care, prevention, and education services for low-income, under-insured women, men, and teens in Northeastern Massachusetts.

Council on Foundations Conference

For the two past years, NPAG has been pleased to partner with the Council on Foundations as part of their speaker series for its Career Pathways Leadership Program, a 12-month leadership preparation program for individuals currently employed in foundations and grant making institutions. The program - now in its second year - prepares candidates from diverse backgrounds to grow their capacity to serve the field of philanthropy, and to compete for and earn positions as philanthropic leaders.

Our founder and President, Laura Gassner Otting, attended the Group Learning Session held July 12-14, 2011 at the Council's conference center in Arlington, Virginia. As one of several key speakers on hand to educate the 2011-2012 cohort, Laura was invited to share her insights on professional development, career pathways and the executive search process.

Don't Miss...
NPAG Team Members Giving Advice

The Chronicle of Philanthropy invited NPAG's own Laura Gassner Otting and Heather Krasna to host an online chat on Advice for Planning Your Career on August 2nd.

Upcoming Webinars

August 3, 1pm Eastern:
High Impact Volunteer Engagement: The Moment is Now!

August 3, 3pm Eastern:
Obtaining Quality Items for Your Fundraising Auction

August 10, 1pm Eastern:
A Place for All Ages: Why and How to Achieve Multi-Generational Boards

August 10, 3pm Eastern:
Advancement Best Practices that Work

August 17, 1pm Eastern:
Partnering with Municipalities to Get Grants: Things to Know

August 17, 3pm Eastern:
Has Social Media Fundraising Finally Arrived?

August 24, 1pm Eastern:
Effective Strategic Planning Part 2: Getting Results

August 24, 3pm Eastern:
Why Your Board Won't Fundraise & What You Can Do About It

August 31, 3pm Eastern:
The Artful Solicitor - Stewardship as Revenue Enhancer