When nonprofit boards must hire their one employee, the CEO, what qualifications might they look for? Here's two stories that provide some clues about what boards might be seeking
First, there's the story about Michele Nunn (former US Presidential candidate who has just been selected to be the CEO of CARE USA (Wall Street Journal) -- appears to be all about the connections :
- has spent most of her career working at nonprofit groups.
- (has) ability to forge coalitions, an important skill because the organization now focuses on “building global partnerships with local indigenous leaders,”
- has connections with both major U.S. political parties, and that could help CARE USA. The organization’s funding from U.S. government contracts has shrunk by tens of millions of dollars in the past few years.
- because of her organizational and leadership skills.
- She knows how to lead an organization during strategic uncertainty; she forms strong teams and holds them accountable; and she has raised money and worked with external partners.
- he “has great credibility in Washington” because she worked with Democrats and Republicans while head of Points of Light, Mr. Jones said.
Perhaps coincidentally, the Journal also included an article about another new CEO, a former college linebacker who has taken on the NY City Young Men's Initiative. The board's criteria was a bit different an perhaps more along the lines of what I might expect:
- an ability to make quick decisions
- listening and not coming in with one's own interests first to align with mutual goals
- raise more private money
- Former political analyst for Everytown for Gun Safety.
- Former drug and gang counselor.
- Former staffer, 2008 and 2012 Obama presidential campaigns.
- Former special adviser to the director, Department of Homeland Security Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement.
- political skills by uncovering common goals among constituents and following through on a campaign plan.
- enthusiastic and a believer.”
- as serious and need(ing) to prove himself as a knowledgeable, confident leader.
- Make the transition from being the on-the-ground guy to boss.
At the article's end he states: “... I spend the rest of the day in meetings,” he said with a laugh. “I’m used to being a staffer and getting things done. I spend most of my time in meetings now and you realize, ‘Wow, that’s what being an executive is.’”
What do you think -- good criteria or something lacking? Are these really the criteria or is there just one: connections?