Client
Major St. Louis non-profit cultural institution.
Problem
Following the departure of its veteran CEO, the leader’s successor proved lacking in the requisite skills to lead the institution. Realizing its error, the institution’s board appointed a search committee to find a replacement. The committee, comprised of prominent St. Louisans, was unclear about how to proceed. The board engaged CSI to partner with the search committee and lead it through a rigorous process to source, evaluate and recruit the new CEO.
Solution
Over the next six months, CSI utilized its network of contacts to source talented, qualified candidates who were an organizational “fit.”
CSI’s evaluation process included the Demonstration Center, a unique, in-depth screening exercise in which CSI teams with the client to create realistic case scenarios that are relevant to the position. Candidate finalists prepare their responses in advance and present them to client decision-makers, affording them the opportunity to see finalists’ skills in action and to gauge what responses would be to actual, on-the-job challenges.
CSI worked side-by-side with the client throughout the search, forging a true partnership relationship. It concluded the assignment by developing a “First 90 Days” plan to guide the successful candidate and support an effective transition.
Outcome
The selected CEO candidate is popular with constituents and has guided the institution for several years. The non-profit remains a partner-client of CSI. Subsequently, CSI recruited and helped onboard two more key executives for the institution – a Chief Financial Officer in a newly created position and a Chief Development Officer to lead an upcoming capital campaign.
