Twenty member presidents and their board chairs gathered in Washington, DC, for CIC’s first Convening of Pioneering Presidents and Board Chairs on August 1–3, 2024. The convening brought together a representative group of presidents who are the “first” in their roles, such as the first woman, the first person of color, the first lay leader of a Catholic institution, the first openly LGBTQ+ president, or some combination of these and other self-proclaimed identities. In some cases, the board chair was also the “first” in the role. During three days of confidential discussions and table exercises, participants shared their experiences, their insights, and their advice.
The event provided a welcoming space for trailblazing leaders and their board chairs to share personal experiences, both positive and negative. As one president noted, “As compelling as it is to be the first, it can also be incredibly lonely.” Participants heard from their peers and from expert presenters who offered unique insights into the career paths of pioneering leaders, beginning with the nuances of the hiring process. Among other topics, participants discussed the importance of preparing a campus, board, and community for the arrival of a pioneering president. They also highlighted the need to create a culture of inclusivity while avoiding a narrow “this is how it’s always been done” mentality.
Several sessions were devoted to practical strategies for supporting new and incoming presidents, such as navigating spousal/family considerations, developing thoughtful communication plans to introduce a new president to the community, and setting realistic goals and targets during the pioneer’s first year. Participants and presenters also addressed best practices for supporting pioneering presidents beyond their introduction to the campus, such as executive coaching, professional development, and visible, continuous support from the board chair and other community leaders. Both formal and informal conversations focused on the unique role of the board chair in supporting and championing a pioneer president.
The convening was part of a multi-year project funded by the Mellon Foundation to review and expand CIC’s academic leadership programs with a focus on inclusive excellence. One goal of the program for CIC is to foster a collaborative network of pioneers and allies who can help each other navigate their unique challenges and opportunities. In the next few months, CIC staff will develop a toolkit of resources, advice, and guided questions for current and prospective presidents, board members, search committees, and other stakeholders in the hiring and support of pioneer presidents and, indeed, all presidents.