More than half of current college presidents plan to leave within five years, and governing boards are turning to board professionals (BPs) to manage those high-stakes presidential searches. AGB guidance and practitioners such as Heather Fehn at the College of New Jersey emphasize BPs’ roles in coordinating confidential communications, working with consultants, and setting succession planning timelines. Boards and search committees are delegating logistical control to BPs — from records management to vetting external advisors — to protect the integrity of searches and preserve institutional culture. The AGB playbook recommends early succession planning and strategic retreats to ensure candidates align with long-term institutional objectives. For trustee chairs and search committees, the practical implication is clear: invest in a seasoned board professional early to reduce transition risk and manage reputational exposure during what will be the largest wave of presidential turnover in a generation.