On November 15, Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery of Art, will publish Leadership Succession and Transition for Museums and Arts Organizations: A Guide for Boards and Chief Executives. It is written by the director of the nation’s largest art museum in her capacity as director of four museums over the course of her 30-year career as a museum director. This book provides a practical guide to navigating leadership transitions in museums, arts organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
During times of transition, arts organizations are especially vulnerable. Boards, search committees, and staff leaders make strategic decisions that shape their organizations’ futures during these critical times. It codifies best practices and provides stakeholders with a clear “how to” guide on how to navigate leadership transitions strategically and effectively—a unique resource for arts organizations of all sizes.
Feldman has collected scholarly research and personal experiences from her experience as a museum leader and nonprofit trustee, as well as frequently asked questions from peers about transitions in their careers. Three main sections of the book guide readers through the leadership transition process: the period between the announcement of departure and the final farewell; the search and interview process; and the onboarding process and succession planning.
“This is the guide I wish I had had when I was navigating the turbulence of career growth and change in the museum field. While endless versions exist for business leaders, we are lacking a reliable and succinct source that addresses the challenges of managing and directing cultural and nonprofit institutions, and is specific to our industry,” said Kaywin Feldman, author and director of the National Gallery of Art. “I wrote this with the next generation of nonprofit leaders, trustees, and search committees in mind, hoping it helps them sidestep the common pitfalls and take advantage of the opportunities that come with change.”
