Opportunity abounds when there is transition in the corner office at independent school. The chance to bid farewell to an outgoing head of school is an opportunity for engaging current and past VIPs, for a community to celebrate the accomplishments of an era, and - via fundraising - for the creation of a lasting legacy to someone who has carried the organization forward. Along a parallel track, the announcement and arrival of a new head is a chance to nurture key donor relationships, to piggyback special events and fundraising appeals on the excitement that corresponds with new leadership and, if needed, to reset the orientation between a head of school and its development program.Of course none of these opportunities happen without thorough planning and coordination between development leadership, the incoming and outgoing heads of school, the Board, and the administration.