Navigating Leadership Change with Integrity
Kris Kewitsch | Executive Director, Charities Review Council | April 2025
Leadership transitions are inevitable, but it’s how they’re handled that can make the difference between stability and upheaval, growth and stagnation, or trust and skepticism. At Charities Review Council, we regularly support nonprofits through transitions, and we know that strong governance and accountability are what keep an organization grounded and credible during periods of change.
A recent example worth spotlighting is the executive leadership transition at GiveMN, a Minnesota-based nonprofit known nationally for its Give to the Max Day. In early June 2025, GiveMN announced the departure of its long-serving Executive Director Jake Blumberg and the appointment of Jenna Ray as its new Executive Director and Chief Impact Officer.
While leadership changes are common, GiveMN navigated this transition well, particularly in its adherence to key nonprofit governance and accountability standards.
When an executive departs, especially one who’s served for years, it can leave questions: What will change? Whose voted on the new leader? Was the process fair and strategic? That’s why board governance and accountability practices are so critical. They support effective decision-making and preserve trust by:
- Ensuring Continuity of Mission and Strategy
By appointing Deputy Executive Director Jenna Ray, who already played a key role in shaping strategy and leading programming, GiveMN emphasized continuity and value alignment.
- Reinforcing Stakeholder Confidence
Transparency around the transition includes public announcements, a clear timeline, and consistent messaging, keeping partners, funders, and the public informed.
- Demonstrating Fiduciary Responsibility
Behind the scenes, GiveMN’s board followed essential accountability standards in assessing leadership and setting compensation.
Leadership transitions are both a test and a reflection of organizational health. As GiveMN moves forward under new leadership, it offers a real-world example of how organizational commitment to accountable governance upholds the mission during moments of change.
We see three key takeaways for any nonprofit navigating leadership change:
- Start Before You Need To
Succession planning should be an ongoing conversation. GiveMN’s seamless transition is a result of years of foresight and internal leadership development.
- Governance Is More Than Bylaws
Active, informed boards are essential. The GiveMN board didn’t just react to a departure; they governed proactively with clear accountability structures.
- Transparency Earns Trust
Sharing process information publicly builds confidence among donors, partners, and staff.
