The Future is Now: Building Leadership Resilience Through Succession Planning

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The Future is Now: Building Leadership Resilience Through Succession Planning

Monday, February 9, 2026 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM) (EST)

Description

Many nonprofits today are led by passionate founders or long-serving executives who are ready to step back but aren't sure how. At the same time, many leaders are struggling with sustained pressure, diminishing energy, and lack of support, leaving organizations vulnerable when key roles become too difficult to maintain. Whether your nonprofit is thriving, under-resourced, or somewhere in between, preparing for leadership transition is essential to protecting your mission.

This practical, hands-on workshop is designed for executive directors, founders, and board members. Together, we will explore what effective succession planning looks like, including how to prepare your board, manage interim leadership, document key systems, and begin building a leadership pipeline. We will discuss how to support founder transitions thoughtfully, integrate mentorship into your leadership culture, and ensure new leaders are equipped rather than overwhelmed.

We will also examine creative strategies such as strategic mergers or becoming a program of another nonprofit, which are sometimes the most mission-aligned next steps. Real-world case studies, peer insights, and take-home tools will guide you through the process. Whether you have a plan in place or do not know where to start, this session will help your organization take the next step toward stability, sustainability, and strong leadership succession.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Kirsten Stevens has over 22 years of experience and has a developed expertise in strategic planning, board development and nonprofit formation. Founding The Kannico Agency in 2005, Kirsten has partnered with a wide array of clients, including nonprofits, foundations, and corporate entities. Her firm provides specialized services such as strategic planning, nonprofit formation, board development, management services and capacity-building, all aimed at empowering organizations to maximize their social impact.

Kirsten's professional journey includes extensive collaboration with funders and philanthropists, making her uniquely skilled at translating philanthropic investments into meaningful outcomes. She has held positions on the board of a health conversion grantmaking foundation in North Carolina and the Florida grants committees of Impact 100 in South Palm Beach County and Broward 211. A seasoned speaker, educator, and trainer, she has led workshops and seminars at Lynn University, Keiser University, and for numerous chambers of commerce and professional associations.

In her commitment to accessible learning, The Kannico Agency hosts free monthly webinars open to the public, sharing practical insights and nonprofit best practices with a wide audience, well beyond just clients. Kirsten's deep commitment to the communities she serves, combined with her strategic expertise and hands-on experience, makes her a trusted advisor in the world of global philanthropy.