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Fall 2026Enrolling now — Fall 2026 Thresholds cohort runs October 7 – November 18.

Services

Leadership transitions are inevitable — but with preparation, they become an opportunity for growth.

Every engagement is shaped around your organization's size, stage, and moment. Below is how we typically work.

Pricing is straightforward — flat project fees, never a percentage of a new leader's salary. See how we approach pricing ↓

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Succession Planning

Succession planning isn't just about replacing a departing executive director — it's about building leadership and talent continuity long before you need it. We help you put clear policies and a values-based plan in place for both planned and unplanned transitions, and we go deeper: shaping the culture and HR practices that attract, develop, and retain strong people. People are a nonprofit's most important resource and central to the mission.

What it helps you do

  • Understand and assess your organization's readiness for succession
  • Prepare staff and board to maintain stability through transition
  • Build a values-based plan that ensures continuous leadership and talent
  • Shape the culture and practices that attract and keep top talent

What partnership looks like

“Catherine's style is warm and centered on building trust and relationships, while staying focused on the ultimate goals. Our board was entering into planning for the succession of its founder and executive director. Catherine immediately honed in on the sensitive dynamics and gently but expertly guided each member of the team to confront the necessary considerations and reach our conclusions.”

Christopher Bogart

Executive Director & Founder, Sasco River Center

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How you leave is part of how you lead.

Executive Coaching

One-on-one coaching for executive directors heading toward departure. Catherine's signature 1:1 deep approach is focused on the success of everyone involved.

What it helps you do

  • Plan how and when to tell your board, staff, and stakeholders
  • Support staff as you ready yourself to leave
  • Distribute leadership and transfer stakeholder relationships before you leave
  • Reflect on your legacy and get ready for your next chapter

Thresholds: Leaving Your Nonprofit with Courage and Grace

Catherine also co-leads Thresholds, a cohort program that provides support for departing executives. Whether you’re stepping into retirement or moving toward the next part of your career, Thresholds gives nonprofit leaders the tools, support, and courage to transition with confidence.

Fall 2026 program runs October 7 – November 18.

Learn more & register

Thresholds is delivered in partnership with EOS Transition Partners.

What partnership looks like

“As I approached a career transition, Catherine offered targeted and insightful one-on-one executive coaching over the course of a year. She helped me create a nonprofit succession plan, navigate management challenges, and prepare for my next leadership role. She's attentive, organized, kind, supportive, and a great listener who really wants the best for her clients.”

Daniel Johnson

Executive coaching client

Delivered with EOS Transition Partners

Leadership Transition Support

Guiding the transition and executive search itself — steady, expert, human. We help boards run a thoughtful process and welcome the new leader well.

What it helps you do

  • Define leadership needs and priorities
  • Run a thoughtful and targeted search and selection process
  • Focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity throughout the transition process
  • Support the incoming leader's strong start

Executive search and transition engagements, and the Thresholds cohort program, are delivered in partnership with EOS Transition Partners.

What partnership looks like

“From the first interview it was clear the process of recruiting a new Executive Director would be thoughtful and steady. Catherine was professional and caring, and took time to truly understand our organization and our needs in replacing a long-time ED. She identified a large list of highly qualified candidates and guided us every step of the way — through vetting, interviewing, and ultimately making an excellent hire. Her expertise, time, and insights were invaluable.”

Sarah Raskin

Professor at Trinity College, search committee

“A deeply thoughtful and experienced search partner. I worked closely with Catherine as Chair of the Search Committee when our founder announced her intention to retire after 10 years — a complex transition for a small, founder-led nonprofit. After evaluating multiple search firms, we chose Catherine because of her depth of experience.”

Hari Stephen Kumar

Search Committee Chair & Board Vice-Chair, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires

Read more recommendations on LinkedIn ↗

Our approach to pricing

Flat project fees, tailored plans.

Engagements are scoped as flat project fees — never a percentage of your new leader's salary. Every plan is tailored to your organization's size, stage, and needs.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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