Goals of the book -- Who this book is for -- How to use this book -- Where to start reading -- Leadership transitions as opportunities for agency renewal -- Model and rationale -- Types of transitions -- The three phases of executive transition management -- The essential elements for a successful transition -- Getting organized -- Updating the agency's leadership agenda -- Creating the candidate profile -- Upgrading organizational capacity -- Attending to staff transition needs -- The search -- Screening and hiring -- Getting started -- Orientation -- Performance goals and evaluation -- Building the board/executive team -- Professional development for the new executive -- Considerations for the long-tenured executive -- The role of the departing executive -- Dealing with internal candidates -- Crafting exit packages -- Grooming a successor -- Embracing diversity and difference -- Using an interim executive director -- Choosing and using consultants and recruiters.