Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence Case Study

Results

Emergency preparedness and succession plans were updated.
New annual report template was created and 2024 report published.
New job descriptions for all staff as well as a new performance evaluation system was created/implemented.
A renovation and expansion of the outreach office was initiated and completed.
A fundraising department was created and the organization's first Director of Development and Communications was hired.
A partnership was initiated with a fractional grant writer resulting in 10 new foundation funding applications November 2024 -March 2025.
$1MM+ in government grant applications were submitted/awarded.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities were implemented. The agency also held a very successful signature fundraising event, the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge, increasing revenue by 43% from 2024.
New board orientation manual/process was created/implemented.
Annual audit was completed and monthly reports updated to provide stronger financial management tools for staff and board.
Eight policies were created and approved by the Board of Directors.
Strategic planning process was completed.
Federal funding contingency plan was created and approved by the Board of Directors.
9 candidates were interviewed by Armstrong McGuire
5 candidates were interviewed by the Executive Transition Committee
1 candidate was interviewed by the staff, board, and Executive Transition Committee
Ultimately, a seasoned Executive Director was hired from Atlanta, Tasho Wesley. Tasho brought valuable experience leading women’s shelters as well as extensive government grant experience.

Approach

Karen Parker was placed as Interim Executive Director with NEGACDV, focusing on strengthening the administrative capacity of the organization and ensuring programmatic excellence continued. During her interim role, Karen helped the board explore a potential merger with another organization. However, the board decided a merger was not in in the agency’s best interest and moved forward instead with a search for a permanent executive leader. Karen served as interim for a total of 10 months and the search was successfully completed in 3 months led by Senior Advisor Katie Weeks.

Our expertise in these fields led us to success.

Interim Management

Executive Search, Talent Acquisition & Transitions

Operational Planning & Alignment

Succession Planning

Resource Development Planning and Support

Strategic Planning

Execution

After conversations with the NEGACDV Board, Director of Interim Services Kathy Ridge knew which certified interim leader could best step in to support NEGACDV. She called upon Karen Parker to serve as Interim Executive Director. Karen had over 30 years of experience working in the domestic violence movement including serving nine years as CEO of a large domestic violence organization.

Karen conducted an initial internal assessment to identify NEGACDV’s strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats. In partnership with the Board, Karen focused on addressing administrative opportunities to support the organization’s already strong programmatic focus. The board also worked with Karen to explore the possibility of a merger with a nearby sister agency and eventually decided to remain independent.

At the request of funders, Karen guided the board and staff through a strategic planning process. As the plan was being finalized, a significant threat to federal funding was announced. Karen then led the board and staff leaders through a simultaneous contingency planning process to prepare for the potential budget cuts.

As Karen stabilized the board and staff teams, the board engaged Armstrong McGuire for an Executive Search in early 2025.

Senior Advisor Katie Weeks launched a national search that brought a strong pool of qualified applicants.

Katie gathered additional stakeholder input to help the Board define the skillsets and attributes they most needed in their next executive leader. From there a position profile was created and the recruitment phase launched.

Presented with a strong slate of candidates, the Committee chose the individuals they most wanted to interview. Katie handled the scheduling, provided interview formats and questions, and guided the Committee to prepare for the interview process.

NEGACDV found the ideal match in Tasho Wesley. Parker worked with Wesley for several weeks to support her transition into the new role.

"Armstrong McGuire was a critical resource for NEGACDV at a time of great need. After the unexpected passing of our Executive Director, the board and staff operated for several months in crisis mode to keep the agency afloat but we realized we needed help. We're extremely grateful for Armstrong McGuire - their solid partnership and expertise helped stabilize NEGACDV during a time of uncertainty and propel us toward a successful future!"

‍

Wendy Hill Taylor

Board Chair

Unlock Your Potential

When executive transition knocks on your organizational door, an interim leader and an intentional transition process will help your organization smoothly navigate a leadership change. Followed by support of your executive search, our team will make sure your team thrives throughout your transition.