If your executive director is leaving, don’t rush to hire. As an interim executive director based in Nebraska, I provide professional and experienced leadership while the board takes the time it needs to find the right candidate. At the same time, I can be a consultant to the board to improve all aspects of the organization.
As a graduate of the Interim Executives Academy, I bring the best practices for interim directors to your organization, including a structured process for transitioning to the interim, ensuring everything in the organization is aligned with the mission, and leading the new executive director hiring process.
Pricing: As an interim director, my rate will be similar to the full salary and benefits package for your incoming ED. There are many variables to discuss but know that the cost will fit into your existing budget.
Contact me to discuss whether your organization needs an interim director during a transition period.
To learn more about the advantages of hiring an interim executive director during this critical time in your organization’s development, I encourage you to read Interim Executive Directors: The Power in the Middle from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
I have served as an interim executive director with the following organizations:
Lincoln Bike Kitchen
January – July 2024
Lincoln Bike Kitchen had been distributing bicycles for 14 years but had never had a staff person. I was hired to help them develop the executive director position and hire a permanent ED. I implemented a donor database, bookkeeping software, and personal policies. I also concurrently supported a successful capital campaign. I helped the board adjust their culture to work collaboratively with a staff person and improve their policies. The board particularly appreciated that I established systems to support the organization as it grows.
“I recently worked with Ingrid Kirst in her role as our interim director at the Lincoln Bike Kitchen. As a CPA and financial manager, I was impressed with Ingrid’s overall financial skills which were exactly what was needed to help Lincoln Bike Kitchen manage its growth. She was instrumental in transitioning from a spreadsheet-based accounting system to the cloud version of QuickBooks.
Every interaction with Ingrid was marked by professionalism and a genuine desire to exceed expectations. She made a profound, positive impact on our organization.
Don Herz, Former Treasurer”
NAMI Nebraska
March – September 2023
I led the organization, conducted a successful fundraising walk, and took the organization through a successful executive director search. I learned a lot about the lack of mental health supports in Nebraska while making NAMI Nebraska stronger.
“When NAMI NE was faced with the unanticipated departure of our Executive Director we were fortunate enough to find Ingrid. Within a few days of our first interactions, Ingrid was boots on the ground and jumped into the Interim role. I’m not sure how we could have made it through this transition without her administrative skills, communication, and willingness to learn on the go. 60 days after Ingrid’s first day we held our NAMI Walk (our largest fundraiser of the year) and it went off without a hitch. I’m still not sure how Ingrid was able to pull this off but the entire Board and I were overwhelmed by Ingrid’s commitment and partnership to make this event successful. Not only did Ingrid keep NAMI NE afloat during her Interim role but she was able to install some much-needed stability and help the organization programmatically as well as financially.” –Kenneth McCartney, NAMI Nebraska Board President
Community Action of Nebraska
March – November 2021
“Ingrid brings the best qualities of a nonprofit consultant. She listens first, gains a quick understanding of your work and what you need, and will bring achievable solutions to the table in short order. Whether you are starting something new, or you need something fixed, Ingrid is the first call I would make. She will leave your organization stronger and more ready for what’s next.” — Aaron Bowen, CAN Board Chair
“This is the first time I have worked with Ingrid as a new ED, but she has worked with our organization a couple of times. As a new ED coming into an organization that needed strong leadership, having Ingrid available for questions and transition was priceless! I am certain that her ability to set up a solid succession plan, keep operations going in the interim time, and also her support in my first few weeks. I am certain I would have navigated on my own if I had to but I am also certain that I have been able to move very quickly with my vision because she eliminated a lot of learning curve barriers. I also appreciate that she keeps in touch to check in and offer support or assistance. Her experience is exceptional for any organization.” — Tina Rockenbach, Executive Director of Community Action of Nebraska
Community Action of Nebraska (CAN) asked me to return as interim executive director upon the departure of their current executive director. I spent significantly more time there this time, which allowed me to improve many aspects of the organization and assess the key needs for a new executive director. I also led the search for the new ED, working closely with the board and search committee.
Northeast Family Center
December 2017 – March 2018
At Northeast Family Center, I helped the organization prepare for a new executive director and a successful future. I provided leadership to the staff and made a number of improvements based on the organizational assessment I carried out. I reduced paperwork, saved money, brought in new grant funds, and found improvements in multiple areas, including technology upgrades.
Community Action of Nebraska
October to December 2017
“Ingrid’s knowledge and expertise is vast, but the most memorable part about her time as our Interim ED was her passion and dedication to nonprofits. We feel special to have contracted with her as long as we did and would highly recommend Ingrid Kirst Consulting. You will truly be learning from the best.” — Read more about what I accomplished at CAN in 2017.
Please contact me to talk about your needs for an interim at ingrid@ingridkirst.com or (402) 730-2532.