Strengthening Nonprofits, One at a Time
Leading a nonprofit is a calling—but it’s also a challenge.
When a nonprofit loses its Executive Director, the Board carries a heavy weight — balancing urgent decisions with long-term vision. Funders expect answers. Staff need support. The mission can’t wait.
In times like these, you need experienced leadership that can stabilize operations, rebuild alignment, and prepare the organization for what’s next.
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Top 10 Board Considerations When Hiring Interim EDs
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Why does losing an Executive Director feel like everything's at risk - no matter how capable your team is?
After spending years leading and supporting nonprofits through change, I’ve seen it time and time again: transitions at the top create uncertainty across every level of an organization — even when there’s passion and talent on the team.
And it’s not because your Board isn’t doing its best. It’s not because your staff isn’t committed.
It’s because transitions without the right leadership framework often stall momentum, fracture communication, and leave people unclear about what’s next.
Here’s the truth: A leadership gap doesn't have to mean lost ground.
Many nonprofits think they just have to “hold things together” until a permanent hire is made — that fundraising dips, Board overwhelm, or team tension are just part of the interim period.
But the right Interim Executive Director brings clarity, stability, and direction — not just maintenance.
I help nonprofits lead through the in-between - with purpose and strength.
When I step in as Interim Executive Director, I don’t just keep operations running, I:
- Conduct a strategic organizational assessment
- Support and stabilize your team
- Build trust with your Board and funders
- Help prepare the path for your next permanent leader
Without the right interim leadership, nonprofits stay stuck in reaction mode - but with it, you gain a bridge to something stronger.
Interim leadership is more than a placeholder. It’s a critical moment to align your organization, strengthen your systems, and lead forward with intention.
That’s what I bring to the table.
If your organization is going through a leadership transition, I'd be honored to help you navigate it - and come out stronger on the other side.
Reach Out Now - Let's Talk
I provide Stability, Strategy, and Stewardship
As your Interim Executive Director, I don’t just keep the lights on — I lead with clarity, align your team, and prepare your organization for what’s next. With over three decades of nonprofit leadership, I offer calm, experienced guidance through the most uncertain times.
What I Bring to the Table:
Immediate
Stability
Keep Your Nonprofit Running Smoothly
Transitions can feel uncertain, but I bring immediate clarity and presence. From day one, your staff, Board, and funders know someone capable is at the helm — ensuring leadership doesn’t pause when your mission can’t afford to.
Board
Support
I partner closely with the Board to manage the transition smoothly
I work in close partnership with your Board to reduce their burden, offer strategic counsel, and ensure that governance remains strong throughout the transition. Together, we make confident, timely decisions that serve your organization.
Strategic Foresight
I lay the groundwork for your next permanent leader
I don’t just maintain — I prepare. While stabilizing the present, I’m also identifying opportunities, strengthening systems, and setting the stage for your next Executive Director to succeed from day one.
Meet J.P.
Strategic. Grounded. Mission-Driven.
I’m not just a consultant—I’ve been where your nonprofit is.
From volunteering in Venezuelan prisons, the Amazon, and refugee camps to leading nonprofits through crisis and growth, and transformation, I've lived the full spectrum of mission-driven leadership.
With over 30 years of experience, a Harvard education, and a career spanning grassroots to global organizations, I bring both strategic acumen and deep, real-world understanding. I know what it takes to keep staff grounded, Boards aligned, and funders confident — especially when the path ahead is uncertain.
30+ years of experience guiding organizations through crisis, growth, and transformation.
Harvard-educated with local and global experience: UN, World Bank, PADF.
Expert in staff alignment, governance, and strategic planning.
Trusted Leadership in Times of Transition
Hear what Board Members, CEOs, and nonprofit staff say about working with me during pivotal moments.
JP forced us to think strategically in ways we never imagined.
When we started our nonprofit in the midst of the pandemic, we were focused on immediate needs. Working with JP changed that.
His Pyramid framework was eye-opening—it helped us plan for the future and make strategic decisions with confidence.
He asks the tough questions, the ones you’d rather avoid, but in a way that motivates action. As a founder, I struggled with building a Board, but JP’s advice gave me clarity and support. His guidance is practical, actionable, and invaluable—even for a young organization with limited resources.
—Maria Alejandra Marquez
CEO of INRAV
Thoughtful, astute, and deep knowledge of how nonprofits can and should work!
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Juan Pablo at Brain Injury Services (BIS). As Interim Executive Director it was part of his job to onboard me when I was hired to be the full-time CEO.
JP did an amazing job setting me up for success with the organization.
In addition to walking me through everything I would need to know, he shared his knowledge, expertise, and insight on Nonprofits. He is very thoughtful, astute, and has deep knowledge of how nonprofits can and should work. I highly recommend him either as an interim executive or full-time as he is exceptionally talented. JP is a gem!
—Donna Meltzer
CEO of Brain Injury Services
A rare leader who understands strategy and people.
Juan Pablo is a true strategic thinker in the Nonprofit space.
As Vice Chair of Brain Injury Services, I worked closely with Juan Pablo, as he took the reins of our organization as the interim ED at a critical juncture. His steadfast and insightful approach was instrumental in moving our organization in a positive direction. He approaches everything he does by taking a 360 degree view -looking at the problem from all sides. He leads with a person-centric approach, which I find rare these days.
I would highly recommend Juan Pablo for any non-profit looking for an ED/CEO who thinks strategically and leads with a deft and nuanced touch.
—Kevin Stenstrom
Board Vice-President of Brain Injury Services
A strategic thought partner that helped us move forward.
I had the honor of working under Juan Pablo’s leadership as he served as the Interim CEO at Voices. Juan Pablo not only held the organization together but also served as a strategic though partner and kept us moving forward.
He came in during a critical time of transition and helped Board and staff see the potential ahead and provided strategic guidance on steps that should be taken to move us towards growth.
The assessment tool he created identifies gaps and strengths within the company and provides feedback on how to address these and build on them. More organizations need to take advantage of this tool and his expertise.
Beyond his knowledge and experience, Juan Pablo provides a critical role of bringing people together around a single mission. This skill is critical in the consulting capacity and goes hand-in-hand with his genuine and inviting personality.
I can’t recommend Juan Pablo enough. Any organization that has the gift of working with and learning from him will be better for it.
—Megan Mbagwu
Director of Operations of Voices for Virginia's Children
As the Board Chair, his work ethic and strategic thinking were invaluable to me.
JP came in when the organization and staff was in flux and immediately applied his change management expertise and calm demeanor to ensure our operations continued, business as usual, while also getting to know staff, the Board, and stakeholders.
JP is an excellent communicator and asks for direct, in the moment feedback and shares his opinions in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Despite coming in without brain injury knowledge, JP hit the ground running to learn the unique needs of our clients and caregivers and advocated for them throughout his tenure.
He also was an incredible staff advocate, not afraid to share his thoughts on how best to engage and support staff through the uncertainty of a Chief Executive Officer search.
He also completed an objective, invaluable organizational analysis and presented it to the Board and highlighted areas of organization strength and areas for improvement as well as recommendations. He works with the best interest of those served in mind while also supporting staff and stakeholders. He is a professional executive leader with nonprofit subject matter expertise and will benefit any nonprofit organization looking for an executive leader!
—Erin Mattingly
Board President of Brain Injury Services
He will always give you maximum effort.
I enjoyed working with Juan Pablo as member of the Board of Directors of Blue Ridge CASA, plus Board President for two years. I was also part of the recruitment process having Juan Pablo become the CEO.
Juan Pablo is an excellent strategic manager. Has great insight with processes. Always wanting to exceed expectations, Juan Pablo realized his annual goals and expanded the agency beyond best case scenarios. Juan Pablo will always give you maximum effort, plus he will be sincere and honest in his reporting, both necessary for effective leadership.
—David Grimm
Board President of Blue Ridge CASA for Children
Need Calm, Capable Leadership - Now?
Let's talk about what your organization needs and how I can help you navigate this transition with confidence.
Let's TalkFrequently Asked Questions
What is an Interim Executive Director, and why would a nonprofit hire one?
How do you work with the Board during the interim period?
How fast can an Interim ED start working with us?
What happens after the Interim ED’s work is done?
If I’m unable to personally serve as your Interim Executive Director...
I can connect you with qualified leaders from my extensive network of experienced nonprofit professionals.
Curated Matches
I’ll help source and recommend candidates who align with your organization’s mission and needs.
Your organization will receive expert guidance and leadership, no matter the circumstances.
Let’s Lead Through This — Together.
Your organization doesn’t have to pause or struggle through a leadership gap. With the right interim leadership, this can be a season of focus, alignment, and progress.
Let’s have a brief conversation to explore how I can help.
Let's Talk
