CEO Search & Succession Planning Services

Navigate your next executive transition with thoughtful CEO search and succession planning built for mission-driven organizations. Rodriguez Community Group helps boards and leadership teams define the role, align stakeholders, manage interim needs, and identify leaders who can sustain momentum. Our integrated approach keeps mission-critical work moving while your organization prepares for its next chapter with confidence.

CEO succession planning meeting with nonprofit board

Our CEO Search & Succession Planning Services

Executive transition support spanning search, succession planning, interim leadership, governance alignment, and mission-centered strategy.

Executive Search

Structured search support for key leadership roles, including CEO and senior executives, using board and staff time thoughtfully to attract, evaluate, and select leaders aligned with mission and growth goals.

Succession Planning

Practical planning that prepares boards and leadership teams for CEO transitions, clarifying decision rights, interim coverage, stakeholder communications, and the capabilities required for the organization’s next stage.

Interim Executive Support

Embedded interim CEO, COO, or CFO guidance during leadership transitions, helping organizations preserve continuity, strengthen decision-making, and keep urgent operational and financial priorities moving.

Governance Alignment

Board structure and governance support that clarifies roles, oversight practices, executive compensation philosophy, and accountability mechanisms before, during, and after a CEO transition for stability.

Executive Partnership

Design of executive partnership structures that help boards and senior leaders share authority effectively, manage risk, and create durable leadership models for complex mission-driven organizations.

Mission Strategy Alignment

Assessment of mission and strategic priorities to ensure the CEO role, leadership profile, and succession plan reflect the organization’s impact goals and practical operating needs today.

Consultant leading CEO succession planning session

Our CEO Search and Succession Process

Clarify Mission and Leadership Needs

We begin by understanding your mission, strategy, current leadership structure, transition risks, and stakeholder expectations. This creates a practical foundation for the CEO role profile and succession priorities.

Align Board and Stakeholders

Build the Candidate Strategy

Evaluate Leaders With Discipline

Support Selection and Transition

The RZCG Difference

Why Choose Rodriguez Community Group?

Rodriguez Community Group supports executive transitions with practical strategy, embedded partnership, and nonprofit leadership depth.

Integrated Partner

We work alongside staff and boards, bringing executive capacity without operating like distant consultants.

Nonprofit Expertise

Our team focuses on small nonprofits, education, climate, philanthropy, and community empowerment organizations.

Experienced Executives

Clients benefit from a team averaging 15 years of experience in leadership and consulting roles.

Mission Sustained

Our approach protects mission-critical work while leadership, governance, and operating systems evolve.

Meet The RZCG Team

Meet the experienced executives behind every engagement.

Portrait of Luis Rodriguez, Founder and Executive Director of Rodriguez Community Group

Luis Rodriguez

Founder and Executive Director

Luis Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of Rodriguez Community Group LLC, bringing extensive expertise in strategic planning and growth, strategic finance and controls, governance and executive structures, and operations planning. With a mission to deliver purposeful and sustainable outcomes, Luis leads a team of experienced executives dedicated to supporting small nonprofits and mission-driven organizations across the United States. His collaborative leadership philosophy positions RZCG as an integrated team partner rather than an outside consultant, ensuring clients receive hands-on guidance tailored to their unique goals. Luis is committed to helping organizations with up to 50 staff members and $25M in annual revenue strengthen their operational and financial capabilities to increase collective impact.

Portrait of Emma Cartwright, Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

Emma Cartwright

Senior Program Manager

Emma Cartwright serves as a Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, where she brings deep expertise in strategy consulting, operations and programming integration, human capital systems, and budgeting. With an average of 15 years of experience across the team, Emma exemplifies RZCG's commitment to embedding experienced executive leadership within nonprofit organizations. She works collaboratively with client teams to align operational performance with strategic goals, ensuring that mission-critical work remains at the forefront. Emma's integrated approach to human capital and programming helps small nonprofits build lasting organizational capacity and achieve sustainable growth in service of their communities.

Portrait of Bing Howell, Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

Bing Howell

Senior Program Manager

Bing Howell is a Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in stakeholder engagement and change management, scaling organizations, strategic planning, and budgeting. Bing brings a wealth of experience supporting nonprofits through periods of growth and transformation, helping leadership teams navigate complex organizational changes with confidence. As part of RZCG's collaborative approach, Bing works as an embedded partner within client organizations, merging extensive expertise with client insights to develop strategies that are both practical and impactful. His focus on scaling mission-driven organizations equips nonprofits with the tools and frameworks needed to expand their reach and deepen community impact.

Portrait of Daniel Owens, Business Analyst at Rodriguez Community Group

Daniel Owens

Business Analyst

Daniel Owens is a Business Analyst at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, contributing expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, research, and operations planning. Daniel plays a critical role in providing data-driven insights and analytical support that inform RZCG's recommendations to nonprofit clients. His research capabilities and operational acumen help organizations identify opportunities to optimize performance, reduce costs, and align financial strategies with their mission objectives. Daniel's work ensures that every engagement is grounded in rigorous analysis and evidence, enabling small nonprofits to make informed decisions that drive purposeful and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve.

Portrait of Michael Hardiman, Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

Michael Hardiman

Program Manager

Michael Hardiman is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, with expertise spanning strategy consulting, operations management, change management, and budgeting. Michael brings a results-oriented approach to every client engagement, helping nonprofit organizations navigate operational challenges and implement effective strategies that align with their mission. As an integrated team member rather than an outside consultant, he works closely alongside client staff to manage change thoughtfully and build organizational resilience. Michael's background in operations management and strategy consulting makes him a trusted resource for nonprofits looking to optimize internal systems and achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in organizational performance.

Portrait of Jana Luft, Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

Jana Luft

Program Manager

Jana Luft is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in project management, stakeholder engagement and alignment, facilitation, and change management. Jana brings a people-centered approach to her work, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard, aligned, and equipped to move forward together through periods of organizational change. Her facilitation skills enable productive conversations and collaborative decision-making across diverse teams, making her an invaluable asset to nonprofit organizations navigating complex transitions. Jana's commitment to inclusive engagement and thoughtful change management reflects RZCG's broader mission of delivering outcomes that are both purposeful and sustainable for mission-driven organizations.

Portrait of Scott Ellis, Senior Advisor at Rodriguez Community Group

Scott Ellis

Senior Advisor

Scott Ellis serves as a Senior Advisor at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, bringing seasoned expertise in strategy consulting, operations and programming integration, human capital systems, and budgeting. In his advisory capacity, Scott provides high-level strategic guidance to nonprofit clients, drawing on deep experience in management and systems consulting to help organizations identify and pursue their most impactful growth opportunities. Scott's integrated perspective on operations and programming ensures that organizational strategies are both executable and mission-aligned. His collaborative approach reinforces RZCG's commitment to working as a true partner embedded within client teams, delivering thoughtful and sustainable solutions for small nonprofits.

Portrait of Sarah Hicks, Executive Assistant at Rodriguez Community Group

Sarah Hicks

Executive Assistant

Sarah Hicks is the Executive Assistant at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, providing essential support across client relationship management, process improvement, project management, and team coordination. Sarah plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in ensuring that RZCG operates smoothly and that clients receive attentive, responsive service at every touchpoint. Her expertise in process improvement helps streamline internal workflows, freeing the broader team to focus on delivering high-impact work for nonprofit partners. Sarah's dedication to organization and team coordination strengthens RZCG's capacity to serve multiple client organizations simultaneously while maintaining the high standards of quality and collaboration the firm is known for.

Portrait of David Castillo, Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

David Castillo

Program Manager

David Castillo is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, with expertise in leadership development and innovation, performance measurement and analytics, strategic planning and community engagement, and transition and success management. David brings a dynamic perspective to RZCG's work, helping nonprofit leaders build the skills and structures needed to sustain organizational growth over time. His focus on performance analytics ensures that client organizations can track progress and demonstrate impact with confidence. David's commitment to community engagement and thoughtful transition management reflects RZCG's broader mission of supporting mission-driven organizations in achieving purposeful and lasting outcomes that serve their communities.

Portrait of Rachel Deaner, Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group

Rachel Deaner

Program Manager

Rachel Deaner is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in financial management, corporate finance, and compliance. Rachel brings critical financial expertise to RZCG's nonprofit engagements, helping organizations strengthen their financial management capabilities and align fiscal strategies with their mission objectives. Her background in corporate finance equips her to translate complex financial concepts into actionable guidance for nonprofit leaders, while her focus on compliance ensures that client organizations operate within regulatory frameworks with confidence. Rachel's work supports RZCG's commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes by building the financial literacy and controls that small nonprofits need to thrive long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CEO search?

A CEO search is a structured process for identifying, evaluating, and selecting an organization’s next chief executive. It typically includes clarifying leadership needs, aligning board and stakeholder expectations, developing a role profile, sourcing candidates, managing interviews, and supporting final selection. For mission-driven organizations, it should also connect directly to strategy, governance, culture, and long-term sustainability.

How long does a CEO search usually take?

What is included in CEO succession planning?

Can you support us during an interim CEO transition?

How involved should our board be in the CEO search?

What makes nonprofit CEO searches different?

When should an organization start succession planning?

Still Have Leadership Transition Questions?

Connect with our team for tailored transition guidance.

Plan Your Next Executive Transition

Share your leadership transition goals, timing, and organizational context. Our team will follow up to discuss fit, scope, and next steps.

Contact Us Today

You can also send us a quick email at michael@rzcommunitgroup.com.