A letter from the NCFR Board of Directors
 

Dear Colleagues:

As shared in March, NCFR Executive Director Diane Cushman will retire in early August after 17 years at the helm of NCFR. The NCFR Board of Directors considered searching for a new executive director (ED) to replace Diane by her departure date. Instead, we decided to pursue the selection of an interim executive director (IED). Bringing on an IED for one year would allow the Board to continue its strategic planning and governance work and prepare for a search of an outstanding long-term ED.

After an extensive search process that yielded over 60 candidates, we are excited to announce that Kevin Lynch is our new IED. This past week, the Board held its annual board meeting in Saint Paul, MN, where NCFR has its office headquarters. The board met in person with Kevin and introduced him to the staff. We are now pleased to introduce him to you.

Kevin Lynch has considerable experience as an executive director and interim executive director. He is a member of the Interim Executive Network, and has specialized training in interim leadership, which requires a markedly different toolbox and mindset than permanent roles. And, as a bonus, he lives nearby in Minnesota. Kevin has deep knowledge of social entrepreneurship, has co-authored a book on the topic, and understands the mission of NCFR. He is a steady-handed, sure-footed, and collaborative leader who will help NCFR transition over the next year as we search for a permanent leader of our beloved professional home.

As Kevin noted in his letter of interest, he has a “heart for humanity, a passion for equity, and 40+ years of experience and skills.” He is mission-driven, leads with compassion, and is not interested in taking on executive roles long-term, preferring to ready organizations for the next generation of executive leadership. The Board is excited to work with Kevin.

Kevin will begin his tenure at NCFR on Monday, June 17, 2024, taking over the ED role and responsibilities. Diane will transition to ED emerita and serve as advisor to Kevin through August 2, 2024. We thank Diane for her support of Kevin and her willingness to advise him during his onboarding.

We are also grateful to the NCFR staff for the warm welcome they gave Kevin this past Tuesday when the NCFR Board and staff convened at the NCFR office to discuss the transition plan.

This summer, all NCFR members will receive an invitation to join the Board for the first of several town hall virtual meetings. These meetings will serve as a chance to meet Kevin and learn about the Board’s inclusive strategic planning process that will involve both NCFR staff and members. In about six months, we will begin the search for a permanent ED. We look forward to a highly engaging process and are excited about the opportunities to shape the NCFR next chapter together!

Please reach out to me or the Board if you have any questions at [email protected]. We are happy to provide greater details about our transition planning. Of course, we will also have many opportunities to visit with you at our upcoming conference in November (please register today!).

Please join me in welcoming Kevin Lynch as the Interim Executive Director of NCFR!

Sincerely,

Bethany L. Letiecq, Ph.D. (she/hers)
NCFR President