Key ingredients for agency executive success
Public agencies and not-for-profits invest significant resources recruiting and retaining agency executives* to serve as leaders of their organizations. Being a successful agency executive involves a combination of skills and qualities to effectively carry out day-to-day operations, fiscal stewardship, implementation of the governing board’s priorities, organizational performance and numerous other duties. Here’s what it takes to find the right agency executive for your city and set them up for long-term success.
*Agency executive refers to roles including county administrative officer, city or town manager, chief executive officer, general manager, executive director, etc. Click on each section below to explore more:
Conduct recruitment of the agency executive through an interactive, collaborative process led by seasoned professionals who specialize in the public sector and not-for-profit searches.
Candidate recruitment
Clear vision
Facilitate new leader integration and foster team cohesion for the agency executive and executive team, ensuring a strong foundation for effective leadership.
Effective leadership
Conduct an in-depth assessment of management systems, organizational performance, governance and customer service. Identify strengths and pinpoint areas of improvement, empowering the agency executive to enhance overall effectiveness.
Process review
Collaboratively set strategic goals for the agency executive while ensuring clear communication protocols and governance expectations between governing board members and organizational management.
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Organizational analysis services
Performance assessment services
Operational assessment services
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New leader integration services
Teambuilding services
Executive coaching services
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Goal setting services
Strategic planning
Governance workshops
Community engagement
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Executive recruitment services
Interim placement
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Performance evaluation facilitation services
Facilitate an annual performance evaluation of the agency executive, conducted by the governing board members.
Performance evaluation
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Executive coaching services
Arrange regular executive coaching sessions or quarterly performance check-ins (at 3, 6 and 9 months) with the agency executive to drive progress.
Coaching sessions
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Strategic planning services
Develop a comprehensive 3–5-year strategic plan and operational work plan, providing a clear roadmap for the agency’s future.
Strategic planning
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Fiscal model services
Financial sustainability services
Assess financial health and establish annual reporting beyond budget or audits.
Fiscal sustainability
Performance evaluation
Coaching sessions
Strategic planning
Fiscal sustainability
Process review
Effective leadership
Clear vision
Candidate recruitment
