When the Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) faced leadership transitions, financial challenges, and organizational uncertainty in 2024, the nonprofit turned to Next Stage for support. Through a strategic yearlong engagement, Next Stage CEO Josh Jacobson operated in an interim services capacity, leading CRC through an organizational transformation that included restructuring operations, implementing change management initiatives, and developing an innovative boundary-spanning development plan. These efforts have strategically positioned the nonprofit for its next chapter of growth under new permanent leadership.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
The Carolina Raptor Center, a nonprofit located in Huntersville, North Carolina, has a mission centered on raptor rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Since its founding in 1981, CRC has established itself as a leader in wildlife conservation, operating a world-class Raptor Hospital that has treated more than 26,000 birds of prey. The organization’s facilities also include a zoological Raptor Trail where visitors connect with bird species from around the globe, gaining a deep appreciation for the vital role raptors play in environmental ecosystems. CRC’s unique blend of innovation, research, and education creates communities where both raptors and people can thrive.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the devastating loss of longtime executive director Jim Warren in 2022, mounting financial pressures, and leadership turnover in 2024, CRC found itself at a critical juncture. The organization understood that these compounding challenges presented both risks and transformational opportunities.
CRC’s board recognized that navigating this complex transition required specialized expertise in organizational development, change management, and nonprofit restructuring, so in 2025, the nonprofit engaged Next Stage to help usher in a new era.
Building on a Foundation of Trust and Expertise
Next Stage’s relationship with CRC began in 2015 when the firm served as campaign counsel to support a collaboration with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation to develop a new nature center, Quest at Latta Nature Preserve. Through this multiyear engagement, Next Stage demonstrated its ability to design comprehensive strategic plans for facility expansion and operation, lead capital campaigns, and facilitate design sprints that generated innovative exhibit concepts.
This partnership provided the foundation of trust and organizational knowledge that made Next Stage the ideal choice for interim leadership during CRC’s time of transition.
Providing Interim Leadership and Organizational Strengthening Support
In January 2025, Next Stage CEO Josh Jacobson stepped into an Interim Services role, bringing his extensive nonprofit leadership experience to guide CRC through its transformation.
Strategic Financial Restructuring
CRC faced a misalignment between organizational resources and operational expenses that threatened long-term sustainability. Following a financial analysis, Josh implemented a strategic reorganization focused on maximizing mission impact. The approach involved right-sizing operations to match available resources while preserving core programs and creating sustainable budget models that support long-term organizational health. As a result, CRC achieved financial stability while maintaining its essential conservation and education programs, positioning the organization for sustainable growth under future leadership.
Organizational Restructuring and Leadership Development
As a result of the nonprofit’s comprehensive reorganization, Josh supported the formation of a new leadership team structure. This approach included promotion of high-performing internal staff and the development of a new department structure, including the creation of an external relations team to coordinate outreach and partnerships. Through this systematic approach, CRC emerged with a strong leadership team comprised largely of promoted internal talent, ensuring continuity of institutional knowledge and mission commitment. The leadership team also developed a comprehensive, diversified development plan that is already making a substantial positive change on CRC’s operations.
Technology Infrastructure and Systems Integration
To support effective management of constituent relationships, Josh supported the identification and implementation of the Veevart database system, a Salesforce-based application specifically designed for museums and cultural spaces. This technology transformation includes integrated data management processes, streamlined reporting capabilities, and enhanced constituent relationship management tools. As a result, CRC is building a modern technological infrastructure that supports both current operations and future growth initiatives.
Innovative Boundary Spanning Initiatives
Expanding CRC’s constituency base while deepening existing relationships required an innovative approach to community engagement. Josh worked alongside CRC’s team to develop and launch a new boundary-spanning initiative: Wingspan Wednesdays. The year-round program provides 2-hour visitation opportunities that combine education and relationship-building. Visitors receive lunch before participating in a guided trail walk and raptor hospital visit. The program launched on August 13, 2025, with sessions booked through November 2025, with guest lists that represent a diverse audience set of corporate businesses, prospective partners, elected officials, and community leaders.
Back-Office Optimization Through Strategic Partnerships
Josh also facilitated the onboarding of a shared services model to bring support for financial management, HR, and property management functions via Daniel Stowe Conservancy (previously Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden). The partnership right-sizes the executive director role to focus on mission-critical leadership responsibilities while creating cost efficiencies through shared resource utilization. As a result, CRC’s future executive director will be able to focus on strategic leadership, program development, and external relations rather than being overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities.
Securing New Executive Leadership
Following the successful organizational strengthening phase, in August 2025, CRC launched a search for a new permanent executive director. Next Stage’s deep organizational knowledge and active interim role made the firm the natural choice to lead this critical search process.
This search represents the culmination of the organizational strengthening work, ensuring that CRC’s next leader will inherit a stable, strategically positioned organization ready for its next chapter of growth and impact.
Defining a Model for Nonprofit Transformation
Next Stage’s work with CRC demonstrates the transformative power of comprehensive interim services combined with strategic organizational strengthening. Through expert restructuring, innovative change management, and creative boundary-spanning initiatives, Next Stage helped CRC navigate a critical transition while positioning the organization for sustainable success.
This integrated approach — combining interim leadership, organizational development, and executive search services — can help nonprofits emerge stronger and more capable following the departure of a chief administrator. For organizations facing similar challenges, CRC’s transformation provides a roadmap for turning challenges into opportunities through strategic partnership and expert guidance.
For more information about Next Stage’s organizational strengthening services and how we can help your organization reach its goals, contact us today.
