Veteran Interim CEO / Interim Executive Director for Nonprofits in Transition
I help nonprofit boards navigate critical leadership moments and unlock their organization's full potential. As a veteran interim CEO, I step in when boards need experienced, steady leadership—whether during planned transitions, periods of organizational change, or more urgent challenges.
Seasoned Interim Leadership
Even the most capable boards can find themselves in uncharted territory — navigating a leadership change, unclear strategy, or organizational fatigue. You’ve stepped in where you can, but with limited visibility and competing priorities, it’s hard to know what’s really happening beneath the surface.
That’s where I come in.
As a veteran interim CEO, I bring clarity, stability, and trusted leadership to help your organization move from uncertainty to confidence. I quickly assess what’s working, rebuild alignment across the team and board, and create the conditions your next permanent leader needs to succeed.
You don't have to settle for treading water. It’s about high-impact leadership at a pivotal moment.
This is about momentum, not maintenance — helping your organization move from transition to transformation. With the right partner, your organization can emerge stronger, more focused, and ready for what's next.
Services
Fresh Eyes,
Clear Direction
I bring an unflinching, outside perspective with no internal loyalties or blind spots. When you're too close to the chaos, clarity gets clouded. I step in with fresh eyes to quickly assess what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s being hidden. I deliver unfiltered truth and a focused path forward — fast.
CEO Search & Executive Handoff
I help the board clarify what’s truly needed in a permanent CEO, support (or run) the search process, and prepare the organization so the new leader walks into strength, not chaos. My goal is to leave your nonprofit more aligned, resilient, and ready for its next chapter.
Case Study
$17M Budget
300 Staff
20 Cities
Downtown Streets Team
01
Solidified Financial Stability
Transitioned from cash flow and debt issues to consistent month-over-month positive income and a new asset-based loan mechanism. Moved all financial data in-house, shorting reporting from months to weeks. Reduced aging accounts receivables by 90 percent.
03
Improved Culture
Initiated "ask me anything" town hall meetings to increase transparency. Oversaw new performance management system to increase communication between managers and staff while enforcing accountability and providing a basis for promotions.
02
Supercharged Funding
Won $7M in new contracts. Signed major new programmatic initiatives with numerous municipalities and the State of California. Increased year-over-year revenues almost 20 percent. Devised a new process to renegotiate our government contracts with a COLA increase.
04
Redesigned Business Model
Using design thinking, worked with 10 directors to revise our core programmatic offerings to maintain effectiveness but increase legal compliance.
NOTE: All of this was done jointly in collaboration with an incredibly talented group of staff who are extremely good and committed to what they do.
Why Interim?
Interims are skilled in navigating transitions.
Every crisis represents an opportunity to change your organization for the better. To achieve that potential, you need someone who can quickly assess and upgrade everything from finances, operations, and culture. Temperament is critical. You need a leader to be the calm center within a fierce storm.
After seven interim leadership roles, I understand the unique challenges facing organizations and have the skills and expertise to help you succeed. I am part of a larger team of experienced professionals who have served as executive directors, CEOs, and board members.
Jim's Impact
20+
Years of Experience
$17M+
Budget
15+
Organizations
Served
300
Staff Size
Clients
I have worked with a variety of nonprofits and social enterprises including homelessness, the environment, education, and the arts. I am experienced in working with boards, foundations, major donors, corporations, and service providers.
Yerba Buena
Center for the Arts
Downtown
Streets Team
Greater Richmond Interfaith Council
Impact Hub
San Francisco
Environmental Volunteers
Slide Ranch
“Jim approaches the transition chief executive role as an opportunity for the organization to grow and make foundational changes. He brings energy and dedication to the effort. We came out of the transition stronger and ready to continue our healthy evolution.”
Elaine Wood, Board Chair, DST