How to successfully search
for a new chief executive

When four of ten Hawai‘i nonprofit executive directors say they plan to leave their jobs by 2010, it’s time for nonprofit board chairs, board members and senior staff to brush up on how to successfully find and recruit new chief executives.

Bruce Dingman, president of The Dingman Co., of Westlake Village, California, an executive search firm working in the nonprofit, hospitality and airline industries, will lead a workshop on the nuts and bolts of effective executive searches and transitions, co-sponsored by Hawaiian Islands Ministries and HANO.

The workshop will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Koolau Golf Club, Ka'a'awa Room, 45-550 Kionaole Rd., Kaneohe. It is designed for nonprofit staff participating in executive transitions, board members and chairs, and foundation staff. Participants will learn:

• How to prepare for an executive search – assessing your organization, determining the qualities you seek in a leader and preparing an opportunity profile.
• The charge of the search committee and the search process – data gathering, communicating with constituencies, confidentiality, where to look for candidates, interviews, evaluating candidates and due diligence, such as background and reference checks.
• Next steps – reducing the pool to one, second interviews, establishing a compensation range and negotiating moving, housing and interview expenses.
• How to finalize the deal – the “call” and acceptance of the offer.

About the presenter...

Bruce Dingman, a Cornell University graduate, has been ranked as one of the top recruiters world wide. He has done searches in Asia, Europe and the Middle East and loves working in different cultures and especially in Hawaii. He also does work for faith-based organizations, such as finding presidents for universities, schools and ministries. Clients have included Covenant College, the Christian Management Association, Asbury Seminary and National Religious Broadcasters.

In Hawaii, Dingman's executive search clients have included Aloha Airlines, the Napili Kai Beach Resort, Kapalua Land Company and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company. Earlier this year he found a new president for Pleasant Holidays, one of the largest Hawaii travel and tour companies.

Please register by Tuesday, Jan. 15. Cost for the half-day session is $60, which includes refreshments and materials. Parking is free.

Click here for more information and to register or call HIM at (808) 988-9777, info@himonline.org.