To the Editor,
The arguments presented in Chitra Aiyar’s op-ed “Could Term Limits for Nonprofit Leaders Ease the Burnout Crisis?” (January 7) were deeply flawed. While I share her concern for executive directors’ well-being, her proposal is counterproductive.
First, term limits would create an ongoing shuffle of leadership, leading to instability and inefficiency in the sector. Nonprofits rely on the vision, institutional knowledge, and relationships cultivated by executive directors over time. A constant rotation of leaders would disrupt organizational continuity and impede progress on long-term initiatives. For example, ending a leader’s term during a critical campaign or crisis could jeopardize the organization’s mission exactly when it needs steady leadership.
Most responsible leaders try to depart during periods of organizational health and stability, planning carefully to ensure a smooth handoff to their successors. But term limits impose an arbitrary endpoint, disregarding the organization’s needs and the leader’s readiness to move on.
Second, this idea subtly reinforces ageism. While burnout is a legitimate issue, framing term limits as a solution implies that older or long-serving leaders are less effective. This undermines their experience and risks alienating talented executive directors with the drive and capacity to achieve meaningful results.
Third, the concept is patronizing. It assumes that executive directors lack the self-awareness to assess their capacity and the judgment to step aside when it’s time, painting nonprofit leaders as incapable of managing their own careers.
Fixing the burnout crisis requires solutions that truly help leaders thrive. Instead of term limits, the field should address the root causes of burnout by advocating for adequate compensation, equitable workloads, and strong support systems for nonprofit leaders. Encouraging executive directors to prioritize their own well-being and providing professional development resources will achieve far more than an artificial cap on tenure.
Amber Parker
President and CEO
IJAMS Nature Center
