Veteran Interim CEO / Interim Executive Director for Nonprofits in Crisis
I help exhausted nonprofit boards navigate leadership crises and unlock their organization’s full potential. As a veteran interim CEO, I step in when boards feel stuck — overwhelmed by dysfunction, distrust, or a failing executive. I bring clarity, restore trust, and turn moments of chaos into catalysts for meaningful, lasting change.
Seasoned Interim Leadership
Smart, accomplished boards often find themselves in a mess they didn’t create — burned out by a dysfunctional CEO, overwhelmed by internal chaos, and unsure what’s really happening behind the scenes.
You’ve tried to fix it. You’ve stepped in where you could. But you have full-time jobs, limited visibility, and a staff that’s lost trust. You feel stuck.
That’s where I come in.
As a veteran interim CEO or interim executive director, I bring clarity, stability, and experienced leadership to get your organization out of the weeds and into its next chapter. I uncover what’s really going on, restore trust across the team, and create the conditions your next permanent CEO needs to succeed.
This isn’t babysitting. It’s high-impact leadership when it matters most.
You don’t have to settle for keeping the lights on. With the right partner, your organization can emerge stronger, clearer, and ready to thrive.
Services
Fresh Eyes,
Clear Direction
I bring an unflinching, outside perspective with no internal loyalties or blind spots. When you're too close to the chaos, clarity gets clouded. I step in with fresh eyes to quickly assess what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s being hidden. I deliver unfiltered truth and a focused path forward — fast.
CEO Search & Executive Handoff
I help the board clarify what’s truly needed in a permanent CEO, support (or run) the search process, and prepare the organization so the new leader walks into strength, not chaos. My goal is to leave your nonprofit more aligned, resilient, and ready for its next chapter.
Case Study
$17M Budget
300 Staff
20 Cities
Downtown Streets Team
01
Solidified Financial Stability
Transitioned from cash flow and debt issues to consistent month-over-month positive income and a new asset-based loan mechanism. Moved all financial data in-house, shorting reporting from months to weeks. Reduced aging accounts receivables by 90 percent.
03
Improved Culture
Initiated "ask me anything" town hall meetings to increase transparency. Oversaw new performance management system to increase communication between managers and staff while enforcing accountability and providing a basis for promotions.
02
Supercharged Funding
Won $7M in new contracts. Signed major new programmatic initiatives with numerous municipalities and the State of California. Increased year-over-year revenues almost 20 percent. Devised a new process to renegotiate our government contracts with a COLA increase.
04
Redesigned Business Model
Using design thinking, worked with 10 directors to revise our core programmatic offerings to maintain effectiveness but increase legal compliance.
NOTE: All of this was done jointly in collaboration with an incredibly talented group of staff who are extremely good and committed to what they do.
Why Interim?
Interims are skilled in navigating transitions.
Every crisis represents an opportunity to change your organization for the better. To achieve that potential, you need someone who can quickly assess and upgrade everything from finances, operations, and culture. Temperament is critical. You need a leader to be the calm center within a fierce storm.
After seven interim leadership roles, I understand the unique challenges facing organizations and have the skills and expertise to help you succeed. I am part of a larger team of experienced professionals who have served as executive directors, CEOs, and board members.
Jim's Impact
20+
Years of Experience
$17M+
Budget
15+
Organizations
Served
300
Staff Size
Clients
I have worked with a variety of nonprofits and social enterprises including homelessness, the environment, education, and the arts. I am experienced in working with boards, foundations, major donors, corporations, and service providers.
Yerba Buena
Center for the Arts
Downtown
Streets Team
Greater Richmond Interfaith Council
Impact Hub
San Francisco
Environmental Volunteers
Slide Ranch
“Jim approaches the transition chief executive role as an opportunity for the organization to grow and make foundational changes. He brings energy and dedication to the effort. We came out of the transition stronger and ready to continue our healthy evolution.”
Elaine Wood, Board Chair, DST