Board Recruitment - Don't Forget Relocating Executives (& The Trailing Spouse)

Communities are regularly enriched when companies relocate/recruit executive leadership. These leaders have invariably served on nonprofit boards in their previous communities and will wish to establish new board relationships after arrival. In the majority of cases, these executives are accompanied by a trailing spouse who will also offer valued non-profit board talent and/or experience.

Boards should research the trustee's past board service to identify Mission Affinity. Certainly, an executive who has a history of serving museums and performing arts may not understand why they are being recruited by a children's services organization.

In the absence of an established relationship that can facilitate a relationship to the new executive - a phone call to the previously served non-profit's executive director and/or board chair can provide valuable insight into a prospective trustee's talents and passions. Further, if appropriate rapport is built during this call, this contact may even provide a highly effective introduction to the prospective board member.