CEO Succession Planning Team Process

Dr. Adam Tobias

Board of Trustees President

ecsboard@ecspgh.org

From the desk of Adam Tobias, ECS Board of Trustees President

Dear ECS Families and Staff,

Since Thursday’s announcement about Mr. McCann’s intention to retire at the conclusion of this school year, we have both been overwhelmed by your words of support, thoughtful messages, and great anticipation as we take this next step in ECS’s history. 

As I mentioned in Thursday’s communication, the search and transition process will require various voices and partners, and I look to you, our ECS community, with each of your unique backgrounds and perspectives to help guide the district. 

In addition to the co-chairs, Ms. Elliott and Ms. Sheaffer, the CEO Succession Planning Team will include a diverse group of ECS stakeholders, which may include but is not limited to:

  • An ECS Union Representative

  • A PCO/Parent representative 

  • An ECS Administrator and/or Non Union Staff Member

  • ECS’s Human Resources Director

  • An ECS Board of Trustees Representative 

The CEO Succession Planning Team will be responsible for working with a consulting firm that will launch a national CEO search, developing opportunities for community input, potentially through surveys and focus groups, and ensuring a smooth transition to the new CEO.  

Ms. Elliott and Ms. Sheaffer have met with leaders from the groups listed above to review the CEO Succession Planning Team's needs. To ascertain impartiality and to establish a strong group of qualified individuals to sit on this team, those leaders will select a representative on behalf of their group. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact the appropriate individual below by Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m., with a brief response to the following questions:

  • What expertise or experience can you bring to the CEO selection process that would benefit the organization?

  • How well do you work in a team, and can you effectively and empathetically collaborate with others to reach a collective decision on the CEO selection?

  • What is your understanding of the organization's mission, values, and goals, and how do you see the CEO's role in advancing these?

  • Are you aware of any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect your judgment in this process? 

  • Are you available to commit the necessary time and energy to actively participate in the CEO selection process, including reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and attending weekly meetings?

Contact

Finally, selecting a new CEO takes time, commitment, and dedication to the team with a deep understanding of ECS’s mission, vision, and guiding principles. If selected for the CEO Succession Planning Team, please keep in mind the following:

  • Appointment to the team is on a voluntary basis.

  • Individuals on the team cannot apply for the CEO position.

  • The team will meet once a week at a minimum, with a required, in-person retreat on November 2, 2023, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Required meetings will occur weekly on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.  

  • Additional tasks may be assigned and are expected to be completed outside of the meeting times. 

Selected individuals will receive notice of their appointment the week of Oct. 30, and I look forward to announcing the members of the team to the greater community in early November.  

Thank you for your words of encouragement and support throughout this process. Our work and collaboration together are more important than ever. 

ECS. We Grow Citizens. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Adam Tobias

ECS Board of Trustees

President

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