75% of Nonprofit Leaders Are Leaving—Who's Taking Their Place?

Nonprofit CEO succession planning is no longer a future issue—it’s a current business challenge. As leadership turnover accelerates across the sector, boards and executives must rethink how they identify, recruit, and support the next generation of nonprofit CEOs. Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, joins Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor to discuss what organizations should be looking for when hiring a CEO and how leadership expectations are changing. With research indicating that approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, organizations face a major transition that will impact fundraising, operations, culture, and long-term sustainability. Dana explores why successful CEOs must be more than administrators—they must be communicators, relationship builders, and visionary leaders who can represent the mission externally while helping position the organization for future growth. As Dana explains, "A CEO is a visionary, an orator, somebody that's out representing the organization elsewhere and helping the organization grow." The conversation also examines the growing need to separate operational leadership from external leadership responsibilities. Many organizations are exploring structures that pair a forward-facing CEO with strong operational leadership to improve effectiveness, fundraising capacity, and organizational resilience. Dana also offers guidance on one of the biggest board-level decisions nonprofits face: whether to promote from within or recruit externally. The answer depends on the organization's goals, culture, and future vision—but boards must first define where they want the organization to go. "If you haven't defined it yet, where do we want to be? And if you don't have the answer to that, therein lies where the first leg of the work needs to come." Whether you're a board member, executive director, CEO, or nonprofit leadership candidate, this discussion offers valuable insight into preparing your organization for the next decade of change. Key Takeaways: Approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, creating significant succession planning challenges. Effective nonprofit CEOs increasingly serve as visionaries, communicators, and public ambassadors for the mission. Boards should consider separating operational leadership and external leadership responsibilities as organizations grow. Professional fundraising expertise allows CEOs to focus on growth, partnerships, and strategic positioning. Internal and external CEO candidates both offer advantages; organizational goals should drive the decision. Leadership transitions should be accompanied by a clear narrative that explains the organization's future direction. 00:00:00 Introduction: The Future of Nonprofit Leadership 00:04:02 75% of Nonprofit Leaders Expected to Retire 00:05:18 What Makes a Great Nonprofit CEO Today? 00:08:57 Visionary Leadership vs Operational Leadership 00:11:25 Should Nonprofits Redefine the CEO Role? 00:13:45 Why More CEOs Need Strong Operations Partners 00:19:39 The CEO's Role in Fundraising and Growth 00:22:19 Why Professional Fundraisers Matter 00:24:24 Hiring a CEO: Internal Promotion or External Search? 00:26:53 Controlling the Narrative During Leadership Transitions 00:29:01 Defining the Organization's Future Before Hiring