Past Presidents Can Be a Powerful Resource or a Missed Opportunity

I have looked at many lists of Past Presidents for nonprofit organizations and been amazed by the roster of names, but I am often disappointed at how many Past Presidents have become lost connections. High performing nonprofits keep their Past Presidents engaged and connected with meaningful active roles that are thoughtful and strategic.

The position of President or Board Chair is usually short-term however the title of Past President lasts a lifetime. We can learn from the organizations that put a high value on this important resource and have worked to maintain a long-term connection with their Past Presidents. Common themes and tactics used include a strong emphasis on continuing service, active use of their knowledge, support and network, and amplification of their voice as spokespersons and ambassadors.

Continuing service is a key point of emphasis. Organizations need to develop guidelines for active continuing engagement of Presidents after their terms expire and/or following completion of their term as Immediate Past President. Engagement must be active and regular, driving home the point that Past Presidents will have a meaningful continuing service role. These roles can be divided into two categories: ceremonial roles and specific functions.

Ceremonial roles include, for example, attending receptions, representing the organization at conferences, industry meetings and press briefings, playing host at awards ceremonies, or moderating panel discussions. These examples all help to promote the mission and brand of the organization while simultaneously honoring their past service as a President.

Specific functions include, for example, serving on a nominations or awards committee, being appointed as a member of an ethics review working group, assisting the development department with fundraising, communicating with sponsors, and other similar supporting roles. These roles build on their experience as President, allowing them to continue to be of service to the organization from a strategic perspective.

Plan to catalogue the resources each Past President brings to the table and actively use those resources as needed. Many Past Presidents have specialized skills that will continue to be highly valuable to the organization, such as accounting, information technology, legal, and real estate services. Other Past Presidents may have a deep network to access for fundraising. Make sure that the roles provided to your Past Presidents are tailored to make active use of their particular expertise and attributes, such as through special assigned tasks and participation in strategic plan development.    

Past Presidents often can be excellent spokespersons and ambassadors for the organization. During their tenure as President, they will have developed deep connections to the organization and name recognition with members, donors, funders, and the general public. As spokespersons and ambassadors, they can continue to advance the mission of the organization and leverage the goodwill they established while serving as President.

Planning Tip – Establishing a council of Past Presidents is a proven tactic for providing a reliable landing site for Presidents to reside after they complete their term of office and a vehicle through which to continue to be of service to the organization. These councils can be as formal as a standing committee or less formal existing as a working group serving at the pleasure of the current President and Board. If you already have a council of Past Presidents, review how this group has been used and consider additional tasks and responsibilities that could be assigned to improve output, engagement and effectiveness.

A Past President who stays actively engaged will be more motivated to continue providing direct funding support to the organization (donations, memberships, attending programs) and assisting with securing other funding from their network. The optics of losing this support because you did not actively engage your Past Presidents could be most detrimental, not only to future funding but also to the organization’s reputation and good name.

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