Case Study
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Succession Lab: Building Confidence for Leadership Transitions
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) partnered with Kennari Consulting to support nine executive directors and CEOs from GHACF partner nonprofits in preparing for both emergency and long‑term leadership transitions. Succession Lab offered a focused, cohort‑based experience that helped leaders step back from daily demands and strengthen the stability of their organizations.
Across four in‑person sessions, participants explored the essentials of succession readiness — clarifying priorities, organizing key information, preparing their boards, and shaping financial and communication plans. Each organization also received individualized support through a one‑on‑one session or an optional facilitated board conversation to deepen alignment.
Before Succession Lab, none of the leaders felt prepared for an unplanned transition. Afterward, 86% felt fully prepared, and 14% felt somewhat prepared.
Succession Lab transformed a daunting topic into a clear, actionable path forward, giving leaders the confidence and tools to navigate change with resilience.
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