Episcopal Community Services
How Slice Communications engineered a seamless leadership transition for a major nonprofit, protecting stakeholder confidence and driving fundraising success.
Challenge
A change at the top can create uncertainty for any organization, but for a deeply mission-focused nonprofit like ECS, the stakes were even higher. A beloved, longtime CEO was retiring, creating a critical need to manage the transition to a new leader with a new vision.
The core business challenge was to navigate this change without causing concern or attrition among key stakeholders—including staff, donors, and the community they serve. ECS needed to:
- Maintain Stakeholder Confidence: Reassure supporters that the organization’s mission and stability remained steadfast.
- Prevent Donor Churn: Mitigate the risk of losing financial support during a period of perceived uncertainty.
- Build Excitement for New Leadership: Successfully establish the voice and vision of the incoming CEO, Anne Rice-Burgess, to ensure a smooth and positive transition.
Solution
Leveraging a strong, multi-year partnership, Slice developed and executed a comprehensive, year-long transition communications strategy. The plan was designed to build trust and generate excitement by framing the change as an evolution, not a disruption.
- 1. Proactive, Transparent Rollout: The transition began a full year in advance with the retirement announcement. This long runway allowed for a carefully managed campaign that showcased the thoughtful process behind selecting a successor and honored the legacy of the outgoing CEO.
- 2. Establishing the New Leader’s Vision: We strategically introduced incoming CEO Anne Rice-Burgess’s voice across all platforms. Through dedicated blog posts, email communications, and social media content, we established her vision and personality, creating a sense of continuity and forward momentum.
- 3. Multi-Channel Content & PR: Slice managed all of ECS’s primary communication channels, ensuring a consistent and compelling narrative. This included social media management, monthly email newsletters, website content, and proactive media relations to amplify the story of “Celebrating Tradition & Transformation.”
- 4. Driving Event & Fundraising Success: The communications plan culminated in a gala, “Celebrating Tradition & Transformation.” Our campaigns were designed not only to promote the event but to use it as a platform for major gift fundraising.
Impact
The strategic communications plan successfully mitigated risks and delivered measurable results, ensuring ECS emerged from the transition stronger and more energized.
- Ensured 100% Operational Continuity: The proactive, transparent communication plan resulted in a seamless transition with no disruption to operations or stakeholder confidence.
- Drove Record-Breaking Fundraising Event Success: Our integrated email and social media campaigns led to the “Celebrating Tradition & Transformation” gala selling out almost immediately.
- Pivoted to Successful Major Gift Campaigns: After the event sold out, we strategically shifted focus, leveraging the momentum to launch successful end-of-year and Leap Day fundraising campaigns that directly supported major giving goals.
- Solidified Stakeholder & Community Trust: By managing the narrative effectively, we reinforced the stability and bright future of the organization, strengthening relationships with the Board of Directors, donors, and the community.
This case study shows that strategic communication is critical infrastructure for nonprofits, capable of navigating high-stakes transitions while simultaneously driving fundraising and growth.
