Succession planning supports long-term stability. This course introduces key components such as identifying essential positions, mapping risks, developing talent, and maintaining documentation. Participants explore how proactive planning reduces disruptions during transitions. It is a flexible framework organizations can tailor to their structure. By the end of this 3-hour session, participants will be able to:

• Define succession planning and explain its importance in promoting nonprofit sustainability and continuity of leadership, as outlined in the Standards for Excellence Code.
  

• Identify key leadership and critical staff positions that require succession plans, including executive and board leadership roles, and articulate the risks associated with failing to plan for transitions.

• Describe the components of a robust succession plan, including emergency succession, planned transition processes, and ongoing leadership development strategies.
  
  
• Analyze their organization’s current capacity and vulnerabilities related to leadership transitions, using a risk-based approach.
  
  
• Draft or revise succession planning policies or procedures that reflect best practices such as cross-training, documentation of key responsibilities, and board oversight.
  
  
• Explore real-world scenarios where proactive succession planning has minimized disruption and maintained public trust during leadership change.
  
  
• Assess how succession planning intersects with organizational values, equity, and strategic priorities, especially in promoting inclusive leadership development.
  
  
• Commit to next steps in strengthening or initiating succession planning efforts in their own organization using a flexible, scalable framework.
  

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: OKCNP - OKC, 701 N. Lindsay, OKC 73104 or Zoom (Please indicate this on the registration form when prompted)

Cost: Members: $90 Non-members: $180

Meet your Facilitator

Adam Luck, Professional Development Consultant

Adam Luck is a nonprofit leader with deep experience in both executive leadership and board governance. He previously served as the CEO of City Care, a nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City. In addition to his work in the nonprofit sector, Adam has recently advised mission-driven businesses and private sector partners on philanthropic strategy, social impact, and organizational development.

An Oklahoma native, Adam served five years in the U.S. Air Force as a Korean Cryptologic Linguist before earning a Bachelor of Science in Global Security
and Intelligence Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University.

Adam has been appointed to statewide leadership roles under two Oklahoma governors, serving on both the Oklahoma Board of Corrections and the
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, where he served as Chairman. He has also served on numerous local and national nonprofit boards, gaining experience in
nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and executive leadership transitions.

Adam and his wife Sarah live in Oklahoma City with their five children.