The leadership of a nonprofit is the most critical position to fill. Often, boards are confronted with a departure of the agency’s CEO, yet don’t have the time, energy or skills to lead a productive search. Our consultants can step in to facilitate the process for you, from reviewing the job description and setting the salary, to placing the ads and screening the applicants, to facilitating the decision-making process and making the offer. We have placed some of our city’s most influential leaders through this process, resulting in strong agencies and a stronger nonprofit community. To get the process started, contact Kim Carpenter Drake at (615) 259-0100 ext. 305 or kim@cnm.org.

Client Stories

"Two weeks before I became president of the board of Family & Children's Service, our CEO of 10 years announced her retirement. CNM Consultant, Frank Parsons helped us conduct a nationwide search for our new CEO, helped us narrow the list of candidates to a manageable size, and suggested a method of evaluating our top candidates. Having Frank in place as our consultant also gave candidates a way to apply for the position without jeopardizing their current jobs—he kept all applications confidential and all communications went directly to CNM rather than to anyone within the agency. Since one of our candidates was an existing VP of the agency, we needed an off-site coordinator, like CNM. Within two months, our new CEO was in place. We are thrilled with our selection of CEO, and couldn't have done it without the help of Frank and CNM."

Stephen J. Zralek
Bone McAllester Norton PLLC

"In 2008 the leadership of two historic home sites in Franklin, Tennessee, Carnton and the Carter House, met to explore ways in which the sites could work together to enhance both sites and the visitor’s experience. During discussions about mutual goals and visions it was determined that a joint venture between the two properties was the best way to achieve the goals that both sites had set. We were told by the facilitator of our group session that he knew of no similar situations where two historic sites had successfully executed a joint venture. We knew that we were going to need guidance and direction as we navigated through this process.

At Carnton we had solicited the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management to do an executive search and that experience was such a positive one that the decision was made to use them as we went through this process of joint venture as well. This was one of the best decisions we could have made. Jim Valliancourt was there every step of the way providing us with the knowledge and expertise needed to see this joint venture through to conclusion creating the new Battle of Franklin Trust, which oversees the operations of both sites. Once the BOFT was formed, Frank Parsons assisted us with the executive search to hire a CEO for the new organization. Both men brought a level of professionalism that so positively impacted this endeavor that I think it is safe to say, “I don’t know what we would have done without them”. I have and will continue to recommend the Center for Nonprofit Management to others whenever I have the opportunity."

Marianne Schroer, Chairman
Battle of Franklin Trust