.png)
Guiding the transition to a new nonprofit Executive Director
Client
Camp Chippewa
Executive Director
Role
.jpg)
Ryan Hove
Executive Director
The Partnership
Camp Chippewa for Boys, a 100-year-old wilderness tripping camp in northern Minnesota, was entering its most significant leadership transition to date. For nearly a century, the camp had been led by members of the founding family. With the board now guiding the future, they turned to CampHire to help navigate this shift to hiring an external person as their next leader. We were brought in a full year before the hire to lead a thoughtful, values-driven succession plan that honored the past while preparing for the future.
The Search
We spent the first several months listening. We met with board members, staff, and alumni to understand the deep roots and emotional landscape of Camp Chippewa. The role required someone with the operational chops to run a complex wilderness program, advanced safety certifications, and the emotional intelligence to lead within a close-knit culture. Our sourcing strategy spanned national networks of wilderness nonprofits, YMCA camps, and outdoor education leaders.
The hiring process was anything but standard. We designed custom interview guides, built feedback structures to mitigate bias, and hosted regular coaching sessions with the board. Every step was intentional, ensuring fairness and transparency for both internal and external candidates.
The Hire
Ryan Hove emerged as the right leader. A seasoned Camp Director from North Carolina, Ryan brought deep experience managing overnight programs, wilderness safety credentials, and a nonprofit mindset. What made him stand out was his humility and respect for legacy. He joined for a summer as an understudy, learning from the outgoing directors before formally stepping into the Executive Director role. That intentional handoff built trust and set the tone for the next chapter.
“Partnering with CampHire was a terrific experience. They brought professionalism and objectivity to an emotional process. Their insight, structure, and network surfaced excellent candidates, and our new hire is already bringing energy and clarity to every corner of our community.”
Bo Norris
Board President, Camp Chippewa