What would your board do?

Did the interim President at Florida A&M have the authority to ask for the resignation of the senior leadership team? What would you consider if you were on this board?

Link: Florida A&M interim president gives shocking request following fraudulent $237 million 'donation' (clutchpoints.com)

One of the key success factors of an interim leader (e.g., President, CEO, Executive Director) is having clear expectations and authority agreed between the board and the individual. This example highlights why this matters.

·???????? Full authority means full authority – Ensure the board understands the risks and rewards of granting full authority to an interim leader. Limited authority may include the ability to hire or fire executives or significant financial decisions during the interim period.

·???????? Risk is still risk – What legal, reputation, and financial risk is elevated versus mitigated by this request of the interim President? How should the board have been involved in the decision making of this situation?

What would you do if you were on the board of this university now that this story has become public?