Succession Planning Sessions project | Catchafire

What I can do to help you

I am an Associate Professor of Management who studies human sustainability, workplace well-being, and meaningful work. I bring expertise in organizational development, leadership, and strategic planning to help mission-driven organizations strengthen their impact. My approach blends evidence-based insight with practical problem-solving, allowing me to support nonprofits in building fair, resilient, and people-centered systems. I have contributed over $29,000 of pro bono value through previous Catchafire engagements and remain committed to serving organizations that advance community well-being. I am especially interested in projects involving strategic planning, capacity building, or values-based leadership development. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and help your organization thrive.

Relevant skills & experience

• Business development
• Data analysis
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive leadership
• Human resources
• Management
• Organizational design
• Research
• Strategy consulting
• Talent recruitment
• Training
• Writing

Prep: Current State

• Volunteer Manager provides Professional with any documents that will help provide context on the Organization's current state, including strategic plan if available
• Professional holds initial meeting with Volunteer Manager to discuss specific needs and timing around succession planning
• Professional provides Volunteer Manager with succession planning readiness questions

Milestone 1: Strategy Sessions

• 3-5 strategy sessions with Professional, Executive team, and Board of Directors (if applicable)
• [Suggested Session] Discussing competencies required for a leadership role within the Organization
• [Suggested Session] Identifying potential leaders within the Organization and discussing development plans
• [Suggested Session] Internal communications strategy for any changes to come

Milestone 2: Next Steps

• Professional shares brief with summary of discussion, agreed upon succession planning strategies & tactics to prioritize, and areas for further exploration

Causes I'm passionate about

• Animals
• Arts & culture
• Civil rights
• Community & economic development
• Education
• Employment services
• Environment
• Human services
• International affairs
• Justice & legal services
• Philanthropy & capacity building
• Science & technology

William L.
PhD.