"Hiring a new leader – especially an 'outsider' doesn’t have to be confusing or painful.
...In each chapter, Ms. Gilvar describes a single step in the executive-search process, beginning with the board’s role in leading the search and concluding with the new executive’s transition into the organization.    ...Three appendices include a set of checklists for the search and information on hiring an interim leader or a consultant."

From the review in the Chronicle of Philanthropy
See the full review on The Chronicle of Philanthropy website.

"Overall, Gilvar suggests nonprofits approach times of transition as a journey of self-discovery and opportunity, rather than as a daunting task. … This period is a chance to revisit and strengthen the organization … before heading out in search of the next leader."

From the review in CEO Update

"Offered as a guide to nonprofits, The Art of Hiring Leaders does just that in 174 pages packed with advice, check lists, and how-to’s that will be helpful to boards or search committees embarking on their first search, those who have done it before but were not satisfied, as well as those who can’t afford to hire a consultant. It also works for organizations of all sizes."

From the review in www.massnonprofit.org

A detailed review by Peter Lowy of The Art of Hiring Leaders may be found on the massnonprofit.org website.

"The chapters follow a logical progression; from a clarification of the Board’s role in the process to identifying strategies for a smooth transition period. Each chapter provides a purpose statement, introduction and concise summary. Sample timelines and schedules, charts and bullet points allow the reader to easily access information."

"The author’s inclusion of chapters on “How Leadership Needs Change” and “Attributes of Leadership” provide insightful information that search committees may not have considered integral to the search process. Overall, the content of the book reflects the author’s considerable experience and provides a nonprofit board with a comprehensive guide to an intentional and successful search for their organization’s executive director."

From the review in preparation for the next edition of the Nonprofit Good Practices Guide,
by The Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership

"Congratulations to Barbara Gilvar who has distilled from an entire career as a consultant to the most essential elements of a successful search. This is the one book boards need when commencing a search. It tells you how to identify what your organization really needs and how to find the person who can help get you there. One of the few ‘how to’ books that really contains essential advice."

Patricia Williams, Haddonfield, New Jersey (Board Chair)

"Reading the brief synopses at the beginning and end of each chapter, the boldface headings and subheadings and the excerpts in the margins allowed me to get a real feel for the search process in about 20 minutes. The terms are defined and it reads well. Somebody who knows how to do it broke down each thing and explained it. If I did not know anything about how to do a search, this book would give me a pretty good sense that there is a way to do this well and this lady is helping me learn it."

Dr Douglas Huff, Barnesville, Ohio (Search Committee Chair)

"At those times when boards and board chairs find themselves involved with processes (leadership selection) that are central to the future success of their organization, a comprehensive resource like The Art of Hiring Leaders is invaluable. Such moments are not everyday occurrences; we enhance our chances for success when we are able to gain the fullest understanding of the process and the issues surrounding it."

Douglas Winkworth, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (Board Chair)

"The book is impressive, and appears to be concise and straightforward in its approach. We in the grassroots nonprofit area have little time for an academic approach; we need application, not theory."

Cher Hersrud, Fargo, North Dakota (Director of The Resource Center)