For the most part, this guide will speak in terms of the hiring of the executive director, perhaps the most challenging of transitions for a program. As a result, its suggestions are directed to the program’s board of directors. The board of directors is actively involved in the hiring of a new executive director. In fact, the hiring of an executive director may be the single most important responsibility of the board given the huge impact this selection has on the program’s development and effectiveness. This function may be shared with others who have a stake in the outcome, for example, staff, clients, funders and community members, but the final decision is the board’s. The legal aid program’s board of directors must step up to its challenges in an executive director hiring. The board must realize the importance of its hiring decision and be sure it has the resources and the time to do it right.