Services

Here you can find general guidelines in selecting and appointing an Interim President or CEO to your institution. We have provided you with information regarding the role of the Screening Group, evaluating candidates, the length of the process, and the cost for ACCT's services.

I. Role of the Screening Group

The Board of Trustees should serve as the Screening Group, or appoint a task force of trustees:
1. to discuss the desired interim presidential qualifications.
2. to follow Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines
3. to follow the accelerated timetable for the interim search
4. to observe strict confidentiality with regard to candidates, applicants, and nominees for the position.
5. to recommend at least two candidates to the full board for consideration as interim president.

II. Evaluating Candidates

1. Is the level of the candidate’s past responsibilities and the type of institution comparable to the current position?
2. Determine the nature of the candidate’s former or current college, organization and/or system and how it compares to the current institution.
3. Is there evidence that the candidate has expertise in areas needed by the current institution? Can they respond to the challenges and opportunities confronting the position being sought?
4. Will this candidate be a caretaker and assist the institution to advance?
5. Does the candidate have experience as an interim?

III. The Selection Process

Recruitment

The ACCT Office of Board Leadership Services maintains an extensive file of former presidents and chancellors who are willing to serve as interim president or chancellor for a period of three to 12 months.

Once ACCT is notified of the college's interest in an interim president or chancellor, several resumes which ACCT considers to be good matches for the institution are sent to the governing board or District Chancellor for consideration. After reviewing the resumes, the governing board notifies ACCT of the preferred candidates.

Interview

Board Leadership Services will make arrangements for personal or telephone interviews of the preferred candidates by the board of trustees. We will also provide written references if the board wishes. After selecting their chosen interim candidate, the board chair and the candidate will discuss the position, additional references will be provided, and if desired, arrangements for a personal interview and college visit will be made.

The ACCT-sponsored interim president or chancellor cannot become a candidate for the permanent position.

Negotiation

Final negotiations pertaining to salary and other reimbursable expenses are negotiated through ACCT. The college and interim should seek the appropriate tax advice from a professional.

ACCT's guidelines to the governing board regarding the interim president or chancellor's salary:
• The board should pay the interim president or chancellor a salary commensurate with the expenses incurred in maintaining two households.
• The total remuneration should be equal to, or greater than, the salary of the present or former president or chancellor.

IV. Proposed Timeline

Note: This timeline is for identification and placement. This process can be completed in as quickly as one week or can take longer, depending on the needs and desires of the board.

Week 1: Recruitment
Week 1 - 2: Confidential review of bios and resumes
Week 3: Board of Trustee meeting - Interview candidate(s)
Week 3 - 4: Approval of contract
Week 5: Target Start date

V. Cost of Service

ACCT receives an administrative fee of 15 percent (15%) of the monthly salary for the length of the interim president or chancellor’s contract.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Narcisa Polonio, Vice President for Education, Research and Board Services

202-775-4670 npolonio@acct.org

Justin Sanders, Project Management Associate

202-775-4470 jsanders@acct.org