Board Chair Newsletter: April 2025

The issue of executive leadership transitions
April 16, 2025
Share

The Newsletter for Chairs of Theological School Boards
Vol. 3 No. 8

Getting prepared for a leadership transition

This email is worth saving after you read it. Your school will eventually face the issue of executive leadership transition, and I will provide you with some valuable resources to help you and your institution prepare.

The In Trust Center has long explored how the field is changing and how the tenure of executive leaders has decreased over the years. New research about executive leader turnover aims to understand the pressures executive leaders face.

To continue this important conversation, the In Trust Center is co-sponsoring a webinar on executive leadership turnover with the Association of Theological Schools and Auburn Seminary. The event is at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, April 28. You can register here. I encourage you and your team to attend this session, as it will provide key insights into the trend.

In addition, the spring issue of In Trust magazine features an interview about executive leadership turnover that explains some of what researchers are finding. You can find here.

Over the years, the In Trust Center has provided extensive guidance to schools preparing for successful leadership transitions. The Rev. Dr. David Gyertson has been an incredible asset, as he has led several institutions as president and worked with many more as a consultant to help them succeed. For example, you can find a webinar on succession planning here.

These are just a few examples of how we support our members. Please email us at resources@intrust.org if you’d like to talk or explore resources tailored to your board.

Thanks for all you do in theological education.

Amy Kardash
President


Upcoming & Recent Webinars

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming and recent ones below.

From Confusion to Clarity: Strengthening Your School’s Brand

Videos & Webinars

From Confusion to Clarity: Strengthening Your School’s Brand

Facilitator: Dan Kennedy, Vice President, The FOCUS Group Many theological institutions are facing mounting pressure regarding…

Practicing Innovation: Integrated Innovation

Videos & Webinars

Practicing Innovation: Integrated Innovation

Innovation in theological education requires systemic thinking, shared practices, and organizational alignment rooted in mission. In…

Practicing Innovation: Innovation Over Time

Videos & Webinars

Practicing Innovation: Innovation Over Time

Change and innovation are about faithfulness to mission and listening to the spirit, and creating a…

Practicing Innovation: Organizational Development, Culture, and Innovation

Videos & Webinars

Practicing Innovation: Organizational Development, Culture, and Innovation

Explore how the formative nature of innovation can become the soil where creativity grows. Dr. Tammy…