The Search for the Next APCO Executive Director Is Underway

After Executive Director and CEO Derek Poarch announced in January his intention to end his career with APCO in August 2024, your Executive Committee immediately went to work searching for his successor. At the same meeting in which Mr. Poarch made his announcement, the Board of Directors selected one representative from each region to represent the membership in this effort. Those board members are serving along with the CAC Board representative, two senior staff members and four past presidents on the Executive Director Search Committee, in accordance with APCO Policy 8.4.

During a meeting facilitated by Dr. Stephen Edwards in early February, the Executive Committee worked to develop a vision for the future and began a position and organizational overview to help guide our search. We then identified and interviewed several executive staffing firms with experience placing leaders of senior positions in non-profit associations or public safety agencies. Staffing Advisors, a Washington D.C.-area executive search firm, was selected to assist with identifying candidates who have a unique skill set that can help take APCO into the future.

After several Zoom meetings to establish expectations and develop the search plan, we met with Staffing Advisors in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 21 to further develop and refine the position overview, which outlines the key focus areas and qualifications for the position. The job was officially posted on March 31, and resumes will be accepted through today, April 21.

I encourage you to direct any questions you might have to your Regional Representatives to the Board of Directors. However, please understand that this process is extremely sensitive. This is necessary to assure applicants who may need confidentiality in order to protect them in their current professional positions. Each member of the Search Committee has signed a non-disclosure agreement to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of this important process, which limits the nature and amount of information they can share.

Please be assured that we all recognize the consequential nature of this effort and are confident in the Search Committee’s ability to help identify the best candidate for this incredible opportunity. The entire Executive Committee along with the Search Committee is committed to finding the right individual with the right combination of talent, stamina and temperament to lead APCO with a wild enthusiasm for our mission and a passion for service to the public safety profession. I look forward to bringing you additional updates in the coming months.