Within the next 3-5 years there is projected to be a huge and rather ominous transfer of professional leadership at the very top level in virtually all fields of Jewish Communal Service in North America. How are these “CEOs”, (title used generically for executive directors, presidents, EVPs, Heads of Schools, etc.) viewing and proactively planning for their “stepping down” period? How are their boards and organizations anticipating it, as well?

That is the focus of a current, timely research project under the auspices of JCSA (Jewish Communal Service Association (JCSA) and funded principally by a partnership of five foundations (Andrea & Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Avi Chai, Meyerhoff Family Foundation, Pearlstone Family Fund and Schusterman Family Foundation) along with eleven Large City Jewish Federations and other supporting groups.

This survey targets the very top professional over the age of 55 (the so-called aging “Boomer Generation”) in national agencies, foundations, JCCs, federations, camps, social/human services agencies, educational institutions, synagogue administration, advocacy groups, “American Friends of…., etc. All individual responses are totally confidential; only aggregate data are reported.

The survey is being conducted by Dr. Steven J. Noble, former Director of the first Mandel Executive Development Program for federations and, currently, a consultant, executive coach and Adjunct Professor of Leadership in Boston University’s MBA program.

The bottom line objective of this critically important initiative study is to enhance CEO transitioning for individuals as well as boards and organizations. A findings summary will be published to include concrete recommendations with viable “best practices” from “our” field as well as from leading nonprofit fields and the corporate sector.

The large majority of “CEOs” in this cohort group have received the (20 minutes) survey December 1st. To date, 257 “CEOs” have responded. But, if any CEO has not received the link, email Steve immediately at sjnoble@optonline.net. requesting the link and indicating his/her title/affiliation. Survey data collection is projected to conclude by December 16th.