Hiring a new president is the responsibility and highest priority of the governing board. We believe that complete trust and communication with the board and search committee are essential to establish and maintain a full partnership. Further, we know that every step we take - from the most sensitive negotiation to the smallest detail - reflects on the institution we serve, and we strive to represent it in the most ethical and professional manner.

One general approach is to learn if the incumbent president, an acting CEO, or an interim president will be in place during the duration of the presidential search. We believe that an institution with a departing long-time president can be well served by the appointment of an acting or interim president. A post-presidential sabbatical is a positive way to honor the incumbent and to avoid the often painful "lame duck syndrome." Also, an acting or interim president can work with the search committee and search counsel to gauge the climate objectively, articulate challenges, and set the scene for the new president. However, if an internal acting CEO becomes a candidate for the permanent post, problematic situations - such as conflicts of interest and deferred decision making - may ensue.

An outside interim president can be an ideal solution. Thus, we partner with the Registry for College and University Presidents (REGISTRY). Co-founded in 1992 by Dr. Allen Koenig and Dr. Thomas Langevin, the REGISTRY is a proprietary cadre of more than 60 former presidents. REGISTRY members, immediately available for interim service for periods of a few months to several years, bring an objective view and invaluable experience to the assignment. The interim search is, in effect, already completed - the board has only to choose among several REGISTRY members, obviating the need for an "acting" appointment and leaving an internal administrator's candidacy unencumbered.

Thus, there are three options available:

• Use of the REGISTRY for placement of an interim executive only;
• Retaining RHPA for permanent search services only; and,
• A combined interim placement/ permanent assignment on a reduced fee basis.